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R. Baruch Meir Klein (1873?-1931) of Rebbe Meir Ba'al ha-Nes, Kollel Shomrei ha-Homot complains bitterly about the deceit it suspects in a competing Kollel. The circular asks all Jews who contribute to the well being of several thousand Jerusalem children, to come forth and protest at the upcoming meeting of the Kollel. R. Klein, an erudite European-trained talmudic scholar, was rabbi in Manitoba, Canada before assuming the Kollel position in New York. He wrote several scholarly works which were printed in Europe.
Beginning with the 18th century a Rebbe Meir Ba'al ha-Nes box was found in almost every Jewish home, and housewives dropped small change into it just before kindling the Sabbath lights. Due to the miraculous deeds connected with the tomb of Rebbe Meir, it was customary to contribute money, candles, or oil for lighting as a specific protection against all kinds of ailments and dangers; it was also done in the hope of finding something lost, of having children, or of driving away evil thoughts. It is clear, however, that the box also symbolized the longing for Erez Israel where the money was distributed through several competative Kollels.
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