By the Grace of G-d 10th of Nissan, 5721 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Prof. David Baumgardt (5650–5723) was a professor and lecturer in the history of philosophy at the University of Berlin until 1935, when he was forced to leave Germany with the rise of the Nazi regime. In his later years, he devoted himself to writing several works on mysticism. It is worth noting that the Rebbe studied at the University of Berlin studied at the University of Berlin during the period in which Baumgardt taught there.

1) Prof. Baumgardt subsequently replied (draft found in Baumgardt’s archives):

 Your Greeting and Blessing of the 10th of Nissan reached me only the day before yesterday on the 22nd of Nissan פסח של אחרון שבת ערב.

I am deeply touched by your kindness and profoundly grateful for your prayerful wishes. My dear friend Dr. Nissan Mindel, your secretary, knows how much I am in need of them.

Further, let me thank you especially for your most welcome references to the ספר המאמרים by your saintly father-in-law ז"ל And to the various other sources in which the subject of סנדלפון is touched upon.

My predecessors at the once glorious University of berlin, the philosophers Moses Lazarus (1824-1903) and Hajim Steinthal (1823-1899) have discussed many Jewish problems of past and present in their letters hitherto unpublished and now edited by me with a detailed introduction. סנדלפון appears in one of those documents in a discussion between Lazarus and the well-known Christian philosopher F.W.J. Schelling (1775-1854). I am very happy to refer in this volume of letters soon to appear in London, Jerusalem and New York (Leo Baeck Institute) to the especially valuable references with which you provide me an addition to those accessible to me and Dr. Mindel.

The Rebbe’s reply is dated 2 Iyar, 5721.

Source: Photocopy of Original.

Published: Rebbe Responsa exclusive.

Credit: David Baumgardt papers, Leo Baeck Institute.

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