Letter from the Holy Rebbe Rabbi Yisrael of Husiatyn, Just Days After Escaping to Eretz Yisrael!
Jerusalem, 1937
An important letter in the holy handwriting and signature of the elder of the Ruzhin Rebbes, the holy Rebbe Rabbi Yisrael of Husiatyn, to his daughter Rebbetzin Chava (Chavani).
The Rebbe wrote this letter shortly after fleeing Europe, and just days after meriting to reach Eretz Yisrael!
As is known, the Rebbe sensed with his holy spirit that Jews had no place on the burning soil of Europe, and called upon all his chassidim to flee from there as quickly as possible, even stating: "Whoever has sense in his head, should flee now, even in house slippers!"
The letter is dated "5th of Beshalach" which is 9th of Shevat 1937 (in Iyar 1937 his daughter, the addressee, passed away). The Rebbe arrived in Eretz Yisrael on Erev Rosh Chodesh Shevat of that year.
In the letter the Rebbe describes his situation and his improving health in the pure air of Eretz Yisrael, writing: "I inform you that we are healthy B"H, may Hashem continue to help forever and ever." He then inquires about her welfare and that of her husband, his son-in-law Rebbe Menachem Nachum of Husiatyn.
The Rebbe concludes the letter with the blessing "Be healthy, from me your father who wishes you all good, Yisrael."
The elder of the Ruzhin Rebbes, the holy Rebbe Rabbi Yisrael of Husiatyn (1858-1949) was a wondrous and miraculous man. The only grandson of the holy Rebbe of Ruzhin who made aliyah to Eretz Yisrael, it was said that with him one could tangibly see Ruach Hakodesh, as was with the Rebbes of the previous generation.
From 1894 he was Rebbe in Husiatyn in place of his father Rabbi Mordechai Feivish son of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. During World War I he fled to Vienna, and from there made aliyah in 1937 to Eretz Yisrael and was considered the elder of the Rebbes.
Jerusalem [5 Shevat 1937]. Official letterhead. Size: Approx. 22 x 22 cm.
Condition: Good; fold marks and creases. Transcription and Hebrew translation attached.
At the bottom of the letter are four additional lines in the handwriting of his daughter Rebbetzin Chaya Sarah, wife of Rebbe Yaakov Friedman of Husiatyn (son of the Rebbe Rabbi Yitzchak of Bohush).
