Rabbi Herzog served as Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel from 1936, and, after the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, he became its first chief rabbi until his death in 1959.
A piece of Jewish and Israeli history is now up for sale: the iconic top hat worn by Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac HaLevi Herzog, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of the State of Israel.
The hat is being auctioned by Winner’s Auction House in Jerusalem, with bidding set to begin at $800 on Sunday, Ynet reports.
Crafted by the prestigious London firm Scott & Co, the hat is more than just a fashion item. The company, renowned for crafting hats for the British royal family and notable figures such as Winston Churchill, produced this high-quality felt hat, which remains remarkably well preserved.
According to the auction house, “The hat has retained its original shape to this day.” It features a black fabric band with a bow and a silk interior bearing the company’s imprint.
Rabbi Herzog served as Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel from 1936 and, after the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, became its first Chief Rabbi until his death in 1959.
He had previously held the position of Chief Rabbi of Ireland and received rabbinic ordination in 1908 from leading rabbinic authorities of the time.
Taking up his post during turbulent times, Rabbi Herzog became a moral voice during World War II, calling on international leaders to save European Jews. He appealed directly to Pope Pius XII and other world leaders and later fought passionately to recover Jewish children hidden in Christian institutions during the Holocaust.
His confrontation with the Vatican over these children remains a pivotal moment in modern Jewish history.
This top hat presents collectors with a rare opportunity to own an artifact associated with one of Israel’s most influential spiritual leaders.
Image - UWI/Winners auction website