Approbation Rather than Hashgacha – #244
Date and Place: 11 Kislev 5670 (1909), Yafo
Recipient: Mr. Lupo, the head administrator of Mikveh Yisrael (one of the first agricultural settlements, located on the outskirts of present-day Holon).
Body: I received your very respected letter, and I am responding with my thanks to your honor, for completing the steps needed to take off tithes [from the produce] as the Torah requires.
Regarding the kashrut accreditation for the wine, I ask your forgiveness that I cannot write a certificate, which I can do only when something is done under my supervision. Last year, I only attested to the signatures of the rabbis who give the certification. I will not hold this back now, as well. However, how can I give my certificate of kashrut, which indicates my specific knowledge in the matter? The following is always the practice. The rabbi who actually supervises the product gives his certificate, and those who need to affirm matters externally assert to the veracity of his signature.
I hope that, in the future as well, you will not cease to fulfill your religious obligations regarding the fruit of Mikveh Yisrael and all its produce. I await your respected response.
