A Heartfelt Letter from the Satmar Rebbetzin A”h on the Health of Her Husband, the Rebbe Rav Yoel of Satmar Zy”a – Written in the Early Post-War Years
A deeply emotional two-page letter, entirely handwritten by the esteemed Rebbetzin Alte Feige Teitelbaum A”h, the tzadekes renowned for her chessed and maasim tovim, wife of the Satmar Rebbe Zt”l. The letter appears to have been written in the early years following the war, likely in Switzerland in late summer 5705 (1945) or in Eretz Yisroel in late summer 5706 (1946).
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Details of the Letter:
The letter was written to a prominent Rebbetzin, a distinguished Rebbishe einikel.
At the beginning, the Rebbetzin apologizes for the delayed response, explaining that her husband, the Rebbe, is not well, and she is also feeling weak:
"I did not delay writing out of indifference, but unfortunately, I have very little patience.
My husband, the Rebbe Shlit”a, is not feeling well, and I also feel weak, along with other challenges…"
She then expresses heartfelt thanks and warm brachos for a beautiful tablecloth gift she received, marveling at the effort and dedication that went into preparing it:
"Now, my dear and precious one, I want to sincerely thank you for the tablecloth… How much work the Rebbetzin invested in making it… It is very precious to me… I thank you so much, and b’ezras Hashem, I would love to send a nice gift in return for the children."
The Rebbetzin continues inquiring about their wellbeing and expresses excitement over their young daughter, noting that she is already looking like a grown girl and that it may soon be time to start considering shidduchim for her.
Later in the letter,
she mentions that the Rebbe is preparing for a trip (though the exact destination is unclear—whether from Switzerland to Eretz Yisroel or from Eretz Yisroel to America) and describes the difficulties involved:
"Here, they are saying we will be traveling, b’ezras Hashem, on the 12th. But we have no idea how to manage, especially since my husband, the Rebbe Shlit”a, is not feeling well."
The letter concludes with warm brachos and words of gratitude:
"I close my letter with heartfelt regards and thanks for the beautiful gift, which is so meaningful to me. From me, your well-wisher, Alte Feige Teitelbaum."
