‘Ksav Rabbanus’ Appointing Rabbi Meir Shraga Shapira, Son-in-law of Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz, as Rabbi of Zaslow; 1824
Ksav rabbanus (Letter of rabbinical appointment) regarding the appointment of Rabbi Meir Shraga Shapira as Rabbi of Zaslow, one of the oldest and most prominent communities in Volhynia.
The ksav rabbanus was written up on the fourth of Teves, 1824 and is signed by all the important rabbis and dignitaries of Zaslow, along with signatures from other residents of the city.
The first half of the page includes the text regarding Rabbi Meir Shraga’s appointment. This is followed by some 100 signatures , written in two crowded columns on both sides of the page.
Background: Rabbi Meir Shraga was the son of Rabbi Yaakov Shapira who served as Rabbi of Neshchiz. For centuries the rabbinical position in Neshchiz was reserved for the Shapira family. As such, following his father’s passing Rabbi Meir Shraga was the obvious successor. However, Rabbi Meir Shraga chose to pass over the reins of leadership to his father-in-law, Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz, and instead accepted a position as Rabbi of Zaslow.
It was in this capacity as Rabbi of Neshchiz that Rabbi Mordechai’s name spread and became renowned as "Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz.
1 leaf | 35 x 25 cm | Good condition | Cased in leather binding
