Iyar 28, 5703June 2, 1943
Mr. Arthur Rabinowitz1
15 Drumond St.
Dorchester, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rabinowitz:
My father-in-law, the Lubavitcher Rabbi שליט"א has informed me regarding your readiness to assist in the printing of the [חנוך לנער] (will and testament) of his father אדמו"ר מהורש"ב נ"ע for the memory of your great father, the late Rabbi David Rabinowitz.2
In the name of KEHOT, the society founded by the Lubavitcher Rabbi [שליט"א] for the purpose of publishing those books and writings which help further the cause of Torah and Judaism I wish to express my sincere thanks for your willingness to cooperate in this great project. Words cannot express the great 3נח"ר to the soul of the departed, whose children take part in such an important cause.
I would appreciate it if you could forward me a small biographical sketch of your late father including such facts as when he was born, when he received Smicha (ordination), when he came to America, how long he was with his last congregation, etc.4
Thanking you in advance for every kindness and courtesy extended and awaiting your early reply, I remain
With greetings of L'Alter Litshuvoh L'Alter Ligeuloh
Rabbi Mendel Schneerson
Notes and sources
The above letter is sourced from a secretarial carbon copy bearing additions and archival markings in the Rebbe’s handwriting. The letter was written on the stationery of Kehot.
1) Mr. Asher (Arthur) Rabinowitz (1899—1979) was a lawyer involved in rescuing the Rebbe Rayatz and the Rebbe from Nazi-occupied Europe.
2) Rabbi David Meir (circa 5623 - 5703) was a Rav in Boston from 5656 until his passing and a prominent board member of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in America. He corresponded frequently with the Rebbe Rayatz and many letters to him are printed in Igros Kodesh.
See Igros Kodesh, vol. 1, letter 62 (pp. 104-105), dated 9 Adar II, 5703, where the Rebbe requests his family members to sponsor the publication of the Tanya in his memory (the Rebbe also instructed Rabbi Y.L. Hurvitt, an acquaintance of the Rabinowitz’s, to help in this matter (ibid., vol. 21, p. 33)).
3) Nachas Ruach = spiritual pleasure.
4) Mr. Rabinowitz fulfilled his promise and sponsored the publication of Chanoch Lena’ar which was published soon after. A brief biography was indeed published at the end of the pamphlet and was later reproduced in Toldos Chabad B’Artzos Habris, p. 7.
Source: Secretarial Carbon Copy
Published: Rebbe Responsa Exclusive