Frierdiker Rebbe’s Tribute Letter on R’ Meir Shapiro Discovered

A new letter from the Frierdiker Rebbe offering condolences to the students of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin following the passing of their beloved founder and rosh yeshivah, Harav Meir Shapiro, has been uncovered in an archival newspaper.

The letter was discovered by Rabbi Shmuel Super in Dos Yidishe Togblat, a frum daily newspaper printed in Poland before the outbreak of World War II. It was released in connection with the 94th yahrtzeit of Harav Meir Shapiro on 7 Cheshvan.

Harav Meir Shapiro (5647–5694; 1887–1933), known as the Lubliner Rav, was a leading gaon in the generation before the war. He founded Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, which opened in 5690 (1930), and introduced the Daf Yomi program at the 5683 (1923) Knessiah Gedolah.

Reb Meir maintained a close relationship with the Frierdiker Rebbe, exchanging letters and working together to establish the yeshivah. The Frierdiker Rebbe helped raise substantial funds for the institution and visited the yeshivah, where Reb Meir warmly honored him.

He was also present at the Rebbe’s wedding with the Rebbetzin and spoke with the Rebbe in learning, leaving a deep impression on him.

Reb Meir Shapiro passed away suddenly at the age of 46 after contracting typhus.

“The grief throughout the entire Jewish world over the sudden passing of the Lubliner Rav was immense,” Dos Yidishe Togblat wrote. The yeshivah received many heartfelt letters of condolence, but “it is impossible to record all the letters and telegrams … We will therefore mention only the most important ones.”

The first letter quoted in the article was that of the Frierdiker Rebbe, sent to the students of the yeshivah. The newspaper quotes only a portion of the letter, while the remainder has yet to be located.

“The Lubavitcher Rebbe, who had recently been living in Warsaw, sent a letter containing words of encouragement for the students of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin,” the newspaper wrote.

The portion quoted reads:

“You must follow the path laid out by the gaon and chossid, Rabbeinu Meir, who, through his self-sacrifice for Torah and those who study it, earned an eternal place in the crown of Torah and the crown of a good name.”