Atikim number 9 - A Judaica Auction for All

Lot 104:

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A letter from Rabbi Chaim Rakatzhan (a rabbi...

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A letter from Rabbi Chaim Rakatzhan (a rabbi who presumably lived in one of the cities near Prague and corresponded with the "Noda B’Yehuda" and other great leaders of his time) to "the distinguished and esteemed genius, expert in all matters, Rabbi Leib Pischles of Prague" (most likely referring to the well-known Rabbi Leib Pischles of Prague). In the letter, Rabbi Chaim inquires about the scholarly progress of his son, who is studying under Rabbi Leib. He asks whether his son is indeed dedicating himself to Torah study as reported, expressing concern for his son’s well-being: "Please inform me if it is indeed as you have said, for I am not concerned about his material needs, but rather about whether he will be able to continue his studies, G-d forbid."


Rabbi Chaim further requests that Rabbi Leib assist him in arranging to eat the Shabbat meals at an appropriate household, as he is currently facing financial difficulties.

At the end of the letter, Rabbi Chaim raises a question regarding the laws of S’tam (scribal law), specifically about the forms of the letters in a Torah scroll. He states that according to the teachings of his revered rabbis, the letters require correction, but many are challenging his view, asserting that no such correction is necessary. He asks Rabbi Leib to provide guidance on this issue and help clarify the halacha, as it would greatly alleviate his concerns.

1 written page, with some words on the side of the page slightly cut off, stains present, overall good condition.

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