Physical Description:

First or only edition?, octavo, [8]pp plus wrappers, 137:98 mm., light age staining, nice margins. A good copy bound in the original wrappers.

Detailed Description:   

An appeal for funds by the African Central Committee division of the Central Committee Knesseth-Israel in Hebrew, Yiddish and English. The group was founded to combine a number of competing charities thus reducing overhead expenses, competition, and orderly distributions. These include the  Rabbbi Meyer Baal Haness charity fund, Ez Hayyim schools, and the Bikkur Holim Hospitals. The English section describes the origin and purpose of the organization, that is. “to a very ancient custom which exists among Jews throughout the world to maintain charitable and benevolent Institutions in the Holy Land.”

Rabbbi Meyer Baal Haness charity fund. 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 competitive Kollels.

Hebrew Description:   

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