Discovery! The "Machine Matzah Controversy" – A Letter from the Rebbe, the "Frankfurter" of Stolin – Blessings for Refuah and Nachas!
A handwritten letter from the Gaon Hakedosh Rabbi Yisroel Perlow of Stolin, the ‘Frankfurter’, addressed to his chossid, Reb Asher of Kobrin. In the letter, the Rebbe expresses gratitude for receiving funds and showers him with blessings:
"That he should be saved with a refuah sheleimah, and merit to be filled with nachas from his offspring, that they should follow the path of righteousness, and success in all his endeavors for good…"
At the bottom of the letter, the Rebbe briefly refers to a halachic query regarding machine-made matzos, writing:
"I have received your letter regarding the question of the machine for preparing matzos… I was instructed by my master and Rebbe, Shlit”a, to inform you that he does not know what to respond to this matter; therefore, as you see fit, so shall you do, and Hashem should grant success for the good…"
It appears that the Rebbe deliberately refrained from taking a stance on this issue, which had stirred fierce debate among the Gedolei Hador of the previous generation—the Sho’el U’Meishiv, the Divrei Chaim, the Chiddushei HaRim of Ger, the Gaon Rav Shlomo Kluger, and others.
Thus, this letter represents a critical discovery regarding the minhagim of Karlin and their practical application today!
