BLOCH, RABBI ELIYAHU MEIR / KATZ, RABBI CHAIM MORDECHAI / TELZ / HOLOCAUST

Autograph letter, dated 1940, by R. Eliyahu Meir Bloch, with additional signature of R. Chaim Mordechai Katz. Written in the midst of the Holocaust to Rabbi Dr. Leo Jung. ™ These two great rabbis, who were later to rebuild the famous Telzer Yeshiva on American soil, fortuitously escaped the Holocaust by travelling to the U.S.A. on a last-ditch fundraising effort to save the sinking Telzer Yeshiva. Their trip took them through Yokohoma, Japan where they were the beneficiaries of the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Mund. The Munds were leaders of the local Jewish community and did much to help the refugees who found themselves in Japan. Mrs. Johanna Mund had authored a book and required assistance towards its publication. R. Bloch and R. Katz felt obliged to write a letter to Rabbi Dr. Jung recommending the book and extolling the integrity of its author, as well as praising her activities on behalf of the refugees. Written on the letterhead of the Centre Hotel in Yokohama. Of particular interest, the letter is dated Chol Hamoed Sukkos and there is much Halachic discussion detailing what one may write then. Excellent condition. 14 by 22.5 cm.