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Judaica and Hasidic Books and Manuscripts

Lot 65:

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Historic 1928 Autograph Letter – Rabbi Avraham Zalman Davidson, Moreh Tzedek of Hoboken, NJ to Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld in Jerusalem

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Start price: £60

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Description

An extraordinary primary document representing the halachic and communal connection between the immigrant rabbinate in the United States and the supreme rabbinic leadership of Jerusalem during the interwar period.

  • Author: The eminent scholar and halachic authority, Rabbi Avraham Zalman Davidson (הגאון רבי אברהם זלמן דאווידזאן זצ"ל). Trained in the elite Torah academies of Eastern Europe, he immigrated to the United States and served with distinction as the official Moreh Tzedek (Halachic Decisor) of the Orthodox Jewish community in Hoboken, New Jersey (האבאקען). He signs his name at the conclusion with his full rabbinic lineage: "Avraham Zalman ben R’ Yehuda Leib Davidson."
  • Recipient: The letter is addressed directly to one of the most illustrious and revered Torah leaders of the early 20th century, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (מרן הגאון רבי יוסף חיים זוננפלד זצ"ל; 1848–1932), the legendary Chief Rabbi and founder of the Edah HaChareidit in Jerusalem.
  • Content & Date: Dated in the Hebrew year תרפ"ח (1928). The extensive text is handwritten in a classic, fluid European-American rabbinic cursive script. Per professional cataloging standards, the text is offered untranscribed and unstudied, presenting an exceptional window of historical, halachic, and genealogical discovery regarding transatlantic rabbinic networks in the late 1920s.
  • Notable Connection: During the interwar period, American community rabbis frequently corresponded with Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld seeking his supreme guidance on complex global halachic issues, charity distribution (Pushka and Kollel networks), and immigration matters. Authentic surviving correspondence addressed directly to Rabbi Sonnenfeld carries an immense historical premium for collectors of rare rabbinica and global Jewish manuscripts.

Condition report:

Status: Very Good Archival Condition.


Details: The single ledger sheet is structurally complete, clean, and solid, displaying its original horizontal mailing folds. The paper has acquired a light, natural uniform age-toning typical of 1920s American stationery. The extensive handwritten ink text block and the detailed rabbinic signature remain entirely bold, dark, and perfectly legible throughout.