A Foundational Letter of Guidance for a Yeshiva Student, Handwritten by the Rebbe of Toldot Aharon, Shlit"a

A Foundational Letter of Guidance for a Yeshiva Student, Handwritten by the Rebbe of Toldot Aharon, Shlit"a

An important and foundational letter offering guidance on the paths of spiritual growth and personal development for a yeshiva student, written entirely in the holy handwriting and signed by the Rebbe of Toldot Aharon, Rabbi David Kahan, Shlit"a.

In over [250] words, the Rebbe articulates his clear perspective on the dos and don'ts of a yeshiva student’s spiritual ascent. The letter details in great depth what leads to growth in spiritual understanding and what, Heaven forbid, can hinder it.

At the beginning of the letter, the Rebbe offers a blessing, promising that any student who follows this path will find that "his foundations are firmly planted and his steps will not falter, for he will merit ascending from strength to strength."

The Rebbe strongly critiques overly ambitious spiritual aspirations "through the imagination that one’s mind will attain greater inspiration and elevation of the soul, or by overturning the natural order of day and night, as was common among the Hasidim of Poland."

Such a path, the Rebbe explains, is suited only for tzaddikim (the righteous) and not for the average person, as it "is like walking a fine line on the edge of a blade amidst turbulent seas, which risks, Heaven forbid, leading to a severe collapse."

[1] Large sheet, 21 x 28 cm. Entirely written and signed by the Rebbe.

Very good condition. Time stains, filing holes, and creases.

The holy Rebbe Rabbi David Kahan, Shlit"a [b. 9 Tevet 5707 (1947), may he be blessed with a long and good life], Rebbe of Toldot Aharon. Named after his grandfather Rabbi Aharon David Kahan and Rabbi David of Dinov, one of his ancestors. His name was given at the direction of his grandfather, the holy Rabbi Aharon Rata.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married Rebbetzin Hinda, the daughter of Rabbi Naftali Zvi Labin of Zhidachov-Williamsburg.

After the passing of his father, he was chosen by the Hasidim to succeed him as the Rebbe of Toldot Aharon.

The Rebbe is distinguished by his care for the broader Jewish community, extending assistance to those outside his court and beyond his ideological circle, both financially and morally. He leads the charitable organization "Shaarei Rachamim" for widows and orphans, supporting them both publicly and privately through initiatives such as Purim gift baskets, matzah for Pesach, and other acts of kindness.

The Rebbe has composed around seventy melodies, including well-known tunes for “Tzama Nafshi, ” "Ve’emunah Kol Zot, " "Rachem Bechasdecha, " and a "Niggun D’veikut" (melody of devotion).