"Fulfilling the Promise of the Saba Kadisha of Ruzhin" – A Letter of Request from the "Alter Rebbe" of Sadigura on Upholding His Father and Brother’s Holy Command!
A holy letter from the Rebbe Reb Avrohom Yaakov Friedman of Sadigura, known as the "Alter Rebbe, " addressed to his chassidim (the trustees of Kollel Volhyn) in Eretz Yisroel—Yerushalayim, Tzfas, and Teveria.
In this letter, written at the beginning of his Nesius in 1852, he rules on fulfilling the directive of his father, the Saba Kadisha of Ruzhin, and his heilige brother, Rav Sholom Yosef, regarding a fixed stipend from the "Maos Eretz HaKodesh" regularly sent from the Rebbe’s court to support the poor of Eretz Yisroel. Specifically, he addresses the support allocated to the chossid Rav Eliezer Moshe Margolies of Teveria.
The Rebbe carefully reviews the commitment made by his father, which had been reaffirmed by his older brother, who had passed away that same year. He writes: "…the document in his [Rav Margolies’] possession, bearing the signature of my brother, the heilige Rav R’ Sholom Yosef ztz"l, which confirms that he is to receive this stipend each and every year… to fulfill the holy will of my revered father, the Saba Kadisha." Due to the difficult financial situation of the poor in Eretz Yisroel, the Rebbe slightly reduces the amount but ultimately rules on the exact sum that Rav Margolies will receive.
The Rebbe concludes with a heartfelt bracha for those who heed his words: "…I urge my beloved brethren to strengthen themselves with generosity in fulfilling the will and directive of my holy father, ztz"l,
whose righteousness endures forever, so that his merit should bring upon you bracha, life, and peace…"
This important letter is referenced in Igros HaKadosh Mi’Ruzhin U’Banav (Vol. 2, Letter 55).
The heilige tzaddik, "Malka D’Malchusa D’Ruzhin, " Rebbe Avrohom Yaakov Friedman, the "Alter Rebbe" of Sadigura (1820–1883), was one of the great tzaddikim of his time—a gaon and a kadosh, a miracle worker, and the spiritual successor of his father, the Saba Kadisha of Ruzhin. He married the daughter of the Beis Aharon of Karlin. He led tens of thousands of chassidim, and multitudes sought his counsel, brachos, and yeshuos. A master of tikkun neshamos and deeply versed in the hidden aspects of Torah, his heart was always turned toward the poor of Eretz Yisroel, and he was deeply devoted to their support. Due to an informer’s slander, he was imprisoned by the czar’s forces for two years. Though the Ruzhiner dynasty was known for its malchus, he personally lived with tremendous self-sacrifice, enduring great suffering and fasting frequently, refraining from any unnecessary pleasure.
