The Health Condition of the Holy Maharid of Belz in His Last Year – Two Letters from the Rebbe Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Tschakava – Cleveland & Philadelphia
Letter from the Rebbe Rabbi Chaim Halberstam – Cleveland, Erev Shabbos Vayeira 5686 (1925)
A letter from the Rebbe Rabbi Chaim Halberstam, son of Rabbi Yitzchak Yeshaya of Tschakava, written in Cleveland, USA, on Erev Shabbos Parshas Vayeira 5686.
The letter is addressed to his friend "Tzvi Elimelech, " and he expresses sharp disappointment that he had not responded to his previous letter. He writes that his heart is troubled due to the "unfavorable news about my holy uncle, the Rebbe Shlit"a" (from the second letter, it is clear that he refers to the holy Rabbi Yissachar Dov of Belz ZY"A, who was not in good health in the year before his passing). He further laments, "especially as I am now among people who are strangers to Belz and do not even know my distress."
Later in the letter, he discusses his uncertainties about traveling to New York and whether such a journey could be beneficial for his revered uncle. He wishes to know if there are individuals involved in supporting the cause and sending financial aid. He also expresses his strong desire to return, despite his precarious financial situation: "I desire to return, although I have nothing left with which to do so… Consult with Anash, and if they determine that it is appropriate for me to come, I will not consider anything else—I surrender myself completely, and as it is stated… (alluding to the continuation of the verse in Megillas Esther: ‘and if I perish, I perish’).”
The latter part of the letter deals with financial matters. Despite stating that "he is unable to focus his mind on personal concerns, " he nevertheless asks the recipient to speak with Rabbi Yitzchak Dweierman regarding a loan on his behalf, among other related matters.
He concludes the letter expressing his longing for Divine mercy and hoping to hear good news regarding his uncle, the holy Rebbe Shlit"a.
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Second Letter from the Rebbe Rabbi Chaim of Tschakava –
Philadelphia, 15 Iyar, Parshas Emor 5686 (1926)
Addressed to "the distinguished scholar and chassid, R’ Tzvi Elimelech, " and to Rabbi Yitzchak Dweierman, in Philadelphia, 5686.
In this letter, Rabbi Chaim refers to a question that was asked of him, stating that he can only answer in person. He also mentions "good news" regarding his holy uncle, the Maharid of Belz, expressing hope and prayer that Hashem will have mercy upon all of Klal Yisrael and send "a complete recovery to my holy uncle, the Rebbe Shlit"a."
The latter part of the letter is directed to Rabbi Yitzchak Dweierman (to whose address the letter was sent), requesting that he urgently arrange a loan of 200, to be deposited in his bank account. He explains that in the coming week, several checks will be drawn from his account, and if there are no funds, "it will cause me great distress and suffering."
From the wording, it appears that this letter is a follow-up to his previous correspondence.
The Rebbe Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Tschakava (1882–1956)
Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Tschakava was the son of the holy Rabbi Yitzchak Yeshaya of Tschakava, a son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. His mother, Rebbetzin Freida, was the daughter of the holy Rabbi Yechiel Heschel of Krilowitz, who was the son-in-law of the holy Maharid of Belz.
He was raised in the home of his grandfather, the holy Rebbe of Belz, and even studied chavrusa with his cousin, the holy Mahar"a of Belz. When he reached marriageable age, the Maharid of Belz arranged for him to marry the granddaughter of Rabbi Menashe Merilos, Av Beis Din of Ropshitz and Dovatzk (who was also a son-in-law of Rabbi Yechiel Heschel of Krilowitz).
In 1924, he traveled to America and established his Beis Medrash on the East Side of New York. He was renowned as an exceptional talmid chacham and a well-known baal tzedakah, with his home open to all those in need. After the war, he played a significant role in assisting refugees, offering shelter and support to those who had survived.
The Gedolei Yisrael held him in high esteem, not only due to his personal greatness but also because he was the only surviving grandson of the holy Divrei Chaim of Sanz following the destruction of European Jewry.
