Bidspirit auction | R. Yitzchak Elchonon's Heartfelt Appeal

R. Yitzchak Elchonon's Heartfelt Appeal to Denmark, Kovno 1878 - Letter from R. Yitzchak Elchonon Spektor, Kovno 1878. Written to Rabbi Dr. Abraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Denmark, in an effort to raise funds on behalf of the Jewish community of Vilkomir. A few months earlier they had experienced a massive fire, which caused unimaginable and irreparable damage. As a result, 6000 Jews were misplaced and were left destitute, and so R. Yitzchak Elchonon appeals to the somewhat wealthier Jewish community of Denmark to ask for their assistance in raising the much needed funds.  Interestingly, R. Yitzchok Elchonon signs with his full name - including his last name ”Spektor”, which we normally don't see in his letters. Presumably, the reason for this is because he was writing to Denmark - where last names were already in widespread use during the 19th century. In Russia however, this was not yet common.  Written on the letterhead of the “Temporary Committee for Those Disturbed by The Fire in Vilkomir” (as indicated in Russian).  Written in scribal handwriting, signed by R. Yitzchak Elchonon. At the bottom is his address, in Latin characters: “Isak Elchonon Spektor Kowno”.  Dated: Sunday of Parshas Kedoshim 5638 (1878) in Kovno.