Letter by Rabbi Eliyahu of Kretinga – 1858

Letter by Rabbi Eliyahu of Kretinga – 1858
Handwritten and signed letter by righteous genius Rabbi Eliyahu Levinson of Kretinga. Windau (Ventspils; Courland, Latvia), 1858.
The letter pertains to funds of Eretz Israel and various matters, sent to his “dear and beloved” friend the genius Rabbi Shmuel Salant.
The righteous genius Rabbi Eliyahu (Elinka) of Kretinga (1822-1888), in his youth studied in the city of Salant and was disciple of Rabbi Yosef Zundel of Salant; at the same time he became a close associate, disciple and friend of two friends who were learning partners in the city of Salant whose names later became famous for generations: Rabbi Yisrael of Salant and Rabbi Shmuel Salant. Throughout his lifetime he was a disciple and close associate of Rabbi Yisrael, as well as his right hand in public activity and among the great supporters and leaders of the Mussar movement which was founded by Rabbi Yisrael of Salant. Although he was one of the most famous Torah giants of his generation, he did not consent to accept a rabbinical position and instead dealt in commerce and banking [he managed bank commerce in Windau and Libau in Latvia, and in Kretinga; city of his main residence, in the Zamut region of Northern Lithuania]. Rabbi Elinke was one of the great leaders of the Jewish congregation in Russia, and had substantial influence in high-ranking government offices. Served as manager and trustee of a fundraising organization for Eretz Israel.
27 cm. Approx. 18 handwritten lines. Thin bluish stationery paper. Good condition, stains and folding marks.