Fascinating letter, the exact context not clear, in it as it seems the Gaon Rabbi Avraham Mordechei Hershberg, then the student of Yeshivat Chachmai Lublin, appealed to his close friend the famous Gaon Rabbi Moshe Soloveitzik – to help him to escape from the Yeshiva in Lublin since the dangerous situation of that time. Perhaps the letter was written during the time of the Holocaust in the days that many students of Yeshivot remained in Vilna, among them students from the Yeshivat Chachmai Lublin.
[1] official page. Rehabilitaed and restored. Cut in many places. Missing. Part of the signature is cut. Fair condition.
HaGaon Rabbi Moshe Soloveitzik [1915-1995] from the great scholars of Europe. Rosh Yeshiva in Switzerland, establishing thousands of students and from the great Jewish leaders there. Son of Rabbi Yisrael Gershon son of the Gaon of the generation Rabbi Chaim of Brisk and great grandson of the ‘Chidushei Hari"m’ of Gur. Was a close friend and partner in learning and in leadership of the Gaon Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Steinman. Together they escaped from Brisk before the War and experienced many hardships until they arrived to Switzerland. His wisdom and keenness left a reputation and from all over the world they flocked to him to solve questions and problems of the challenges of that time. He was recognized as a high spiritual authority in Switzerland, he returned many to the Jewish religion.
HaGaon Rabbi Avraham Mordechai ben HaGaon Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Herschberg [!] zt"l, was born to his mother after his fathers passing and was called by his fathers name. He was a nephew of the Gaon Rabbi Shmuel Leib Zak ab"d of Biala, from the great Torah Scholars of Poland. During his youth he was considered as one of the selected disciples of the ‘Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin’ becoming a student of the Giant Gaon Rabbi Meir Shapiro and Giant Gaon of Koziegłowy the ‘Eretz Tzvi’. When the Holocaust erupted he fled from Europe, was liberated and arrived to the United States.
At first he set up ‘Yeshivat Chachmai Lublin’ in Detroit together with his friend the Gaon Rabbi Moshe Rottenberg, When he was suggested to serve as Rav in the Chicago community he agreed to accept, provided only to set up a Yeshiva in that place, where he can continue to give lessons. He was unable to disconnect from his Yeshiva and the Yeshiva atmosphere. It looked completely unrealistic.
Meanwhile HaRav Sheinberg arrived to the courthouse of the Rebbi Riyatz the previous Admo"r of Lubavitz, and he told him about his concerns. The Rabbi thought a minute and ruled: "Set up the Yeshiva in Chicago". Indeed the Rabbi sent ten students of the Yeshivat Chaba"d in New York to Chicago and the Yeshiva opened. Rabbi Herschberg became the Rav of the Community and also gave over many lessons in the new Yeshiva.
After the passing of the Rebbe Riyatz, he continued his connection with his son-in-law the later Rebbi of Lubavitz. He attended many Hisvaadut and various Chaba"d gatherings, with is recommendation, Rav Herschberg was accepted as Chief Rabbi of Mexico.
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