A letter from the Gaon Rabbi Yaakov Shalom Klein ztz”l of Halmin
Dated Erev Shabbos Kodesh Noach, 5693, addressed "to my beloved talmid, the distinguished and complete Torah scholar, R’ Hirsch Pinchas HaKohen Ashkovitz, sheyichyeh, the shadar of our exalted yeshiva." Concerning the collection of funds for his yeshiva in Halmin.
Among his words, he writes: "Baruch Hashem, the benches have increased, and in these difficult times, when the baalei batim have completely lost their assets, everyone is turning for help and everyone is in need of financial support. Where will I find the means to sustain the tremendous expenses? Therefore, I implore you to put great effort into your holy mission, so that through you, we receive a proper and generous contribution for our yeshiva."
The exalted yeshiva of Halmin was among the most distinguished yeshivos in Romania. It began with approximately fifteen talmidim and eventually grew into a large yeshiva with hundreds of outstanding bochurim, who flocked to it from all the surrounding areas.
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The Gaon and Tzaddik, R’ Yaakov Shalom Klein ztz”l Hy”d (c. 5631–5704), was among the great rabbanim of Transylvania, a grandson of the Gaon and Tzaddik R’ Shmelka of Selish, and a son-in-law of R’ Moshe Tzvi Fuchs, Av Beis Din of Grosswardein. In 5663, he was appointed dayan in Grosswardein, where he maintained a small yeshiva and served as the rav of Chevrah Machzikei HaDas. In 5688, he assumed his father’s position as rav of Halmin, where he was marbitz Torah to hundreds of outstanding talmidim.
The illustrious chossid and distinguished Torah scholar, R’ Tzvi Pinchas HaKohen Ashkovitz z”l of Halmin, was among the gedolei chassidei Satmar in Yerushalayim and a trusted confidant of the holy Rebbe of Satmar, zy”a.
