Original Proclamation of Keren HaShemittah, Signed by Rabbinic Leaders

Original Proclamation of Keren HaShemittah, Signed by Rabbinic Leaders

Original historic poster by Keren HaShemittah that activists brought to the homes of rabbinic leaders and asked them to sign. From the eve of the Shemittah year, 1972/3. The signed proclamation was published in street ads and in period newspapers.

The rabbis who signed on this proclamation include: Rabbi Moshe Chevroni, Rabbi Elkanah Weissenstern, Rabbi Shlomo Schreiber, Rabbi Mansour Ben-Shimon, Rabbi Nissim David Ezran, Rabbi Nissim Entebbe, Chacham Salman Chugi Avudi, Rabbi Yisrael Ya'akov Weissfish and three other hard-to-decipher signatures.

Keren HaShemittah was established by rabbinic leaders of the generation to support Jewish farmers who chose to fulfill the commandment of Shemittah, in which agricultural activity during the Shemittah year is prohibited in the Land of Israel, without relying on Heter Mechirah - a controversial halachic dispensation that allows the continuation of agricultural activity during the Shemittah year as well. Towards the upcoming Shemittah year 1972/3, Keren HaShemittah published a proclamation to collect funds for the 19 Poalei Agudat Yisrael settlements. Before us, as stated, is the original document from before its publication.

[1] leaf paper, approximately 21x33 cm. Typewritten text with the rabbis' signature in blue pen.

Very fine condition: Fold marks.