Unknown Letter of Guidance from the Maharam Schick to His Son-in-Law Rabbi Yaakov Prager
Never Before Published!
Khust, 1875
Letter of halachic ruling and ‘Advice of an Elder’ – one who has acquired wisdom – from the Maharam Schick to his son-in-law Rabbi Yaakov Prager and his daughter Breindel.
To the best of Zaidy’s knowledge, this letter has never been published!
At the beginning of the letter, the Maharam Schick rules on a matter of writing a get (divorce document), and afterwards advises about a questionable business deal, expressing his opinion that it is not worthwhile or appropriate, and that the expected money will come from elsewhere.
He blesses: "May Hashem be with you and grant you all good things and physical health, peace and tranquility and complete healing, blessings and success, and may you see Hashem’s merciful ways… the words of one who signs with a threefold blessing", and added his signature in his own holy handwriting: "The Katan Moshe Schick of Brezova"
After his signature he added another 11 lines in his very rare holy handwriting, apparently regarding the aforementioned business deal, recommending trying to work towards canceling the matter, and "if it doesn’t help – it won’t hurt". He then doubles the blessing:
"May Hashem be with you."
Letters from Maharam Schick are very rare, and certainly letters with additional handwritten text.
Khust, 1875.
Maharam Schick’s handwritten signature with an additional 11 lines in his handwriting.
Condition: Tears in margins and slight ink burns.
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The Gaon Maharam Schick (1807-1879) was the prime disciple of the Chasam Sofer.
He succeeded his Rebbe in leading Hungarian Jewry and continued his derech halimud.
He taught many students who became world-renowned scholars and Hungarian rabbis who followed his rulings and responsa.
In 1838 he began serving as rabbi of Yargen, and when the Chasam Sofer came there on vacation, he would come in to hear his student’s lectures (‘Zichron LeMoshe’ p. 90). The Chasam Sofer extolled his greatness and declared: "I cannot make any chiddush that is against him for he knows everything, and in his humility he is truly like Rabbi Akiva Eiger." (From his student Rabbi Zalman Spitzer, son-in-law of the Chasam Sofer, in his eulogy for him, ‘Tikkun Shlomo’ pp. 104-106).
"May Hashem gladden us and bless us and raise your horn and the honor of your Torah, and may your teachings spread outward." (The Chasam Sofer in his letter to Maharam Schick, Orach Chaim chapter 17).
His son-in-law Rabbi Yaakov Prager, Av Bais Din of Ada (1843-1918), was an illustrious student of Maharam Schick, and in 1867 married his daughter. He was supported at his father-in-law’s table for six years. The Maharam Schick would sometimes consult with him about halachic questions that were sent to him and even instructed him to write several responses to questioners. (Letters of Maharam Schick, Vol. 1, p. 52). He authored ‘She’eilas Yaakov’, two volumes.
