Collection ID: 13913093 MS#1973
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Agudat Israel and Agudath Israel of America
Abstract:
This collection consists of autograph signed letters, typed signed letters, postcards, telegrams, printed material, programs, newspaper clippings, and written public announcements pertaining to the Agudath Israel movement in America, Eretz Israel/Palestine, and Lithuania. Most materials are dated during the 1940s (wake of WWII). Most letters are addressed to Rabbi Aaron Ben Zion Shurin. The materials are mainly in Hebrew and English with some in Yiddish. Most materials concern the role of Orthodox Jewry in the wake of the Holocaust.
Extent:
0.25 Linear Feet and 100 items (1 box)
Language:
English , Yiddish , Hebrew .
Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Agudath Israel Records; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection consists of autograph signed letters, typed signed letters, postcards, telegrams, printed material, programs, newspaper clippings, and written public announcements pertaining to the Agudath Israel movement in America, Eretz Israel/Palestine, and Lithuania. Most materials are dated during the 1940s (wake of WWII). Most letters are addressed to Rabbi Aaron Ben Zion Shurin. The materials are mainly in Hebrew and English with some in Yiddish. They are signed by Jacob Rosenheim, R. Moshe Blau, R. Yitzchak Meir Lewin, R. Eliezer Silver, R. Joel Fink, Michael Tress, Y. Devorkes, R. Binyamin Zev Hendeles, R. Morris Sherer, R. Moshe Belvi, Herman Moskowitz, Michael Tress, R. Morris Sherer, Chaim Sholomon, T. Merlin, Yehudah Leib Zaltzar, R. Binyamin Gildabrand, R. S. Eichenstein, R. Yitzchak Levin, R. Yechiel Albonim, Lillian Snow, R. Herbert Goldstein, and others. Most materials concern the role of Orthodox Jewry in the wake of the Holocaust. Many letters include requests for articles and speeches from R. Shurin for Agudist publications and conventions. The collection includes correspondence between R. Menachem Porush and his father Moshe Porush, Deputy Mayor of Jersualem, with Rabbi Shurin relating to political issues, the publication of Agudist newspapers Kol Israel and Hamevaser, newly organized divisions within Ne'emanei Agudath Israel, and personal matters. The second folder in the collection includes printed materials and programs concerning various conferences and conventions including the National Convention held August 22-26, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio; the National Convention held August 21-25, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland; the National Convention of Tzeirei Agudath Israel of America held June 24-27, 1943 in Ferndale New York; the Sixth National Convention held September 12-15 in Belmar, New Jersey; the National Conference of Agudath Israel held March 18-19, 1947 in New York City; and the National Convention of Agudath Israel in Eretz Israel held in Petah Tikva. The second folder in the collection also includes a confidential memo pertaining to internal relations with Poalei Agudath Israel in 1947 by Isaac Meier Levin, H.A. Goodman, and Jacob Rosenheim along with a letter from R. Jacob Rosenheim and R. Eliezer Silver dated from March 1943 urging all members of Poale Agudath Israel to raise funds for Jewish refugees from the War. Lastly, the second folder includes newspaper clippings from the Jewish Journal and Kol Israel along with a poster from Agudath Israel in Eretz Israel National Convention held in Petah Tikva.

Biographical / Historical:

World Agudath Israel was established in the early twentieth century as the political arm of Ashkenazi Torah Judaism. Agudath Israel of America is an Orthodox organization in the United States loosely affiliated with the international World Agudath Israel. It is an umbrella organization that aims to serve the Orthodox community throughout North America.

Acquisition information:
The Rare Book and Manuscript Library acquired the collection through an anonymous donation in December 2017.
Processing information:

This collection was processed by Yoav Varadi (School of General Studies 2020).

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection is located on-site.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Identification of specific item; Agudath Israel Records; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th St.
New York, NY 10027, United States
Link to repository site
CONTACT:
(212) 854-5590
rbml@library.columbia.edu