Einstein, Albert | A signed, autograph letter seeking to secure employment for his son-in-law

Einstein, Albert

Autograph letter signed ("A. Einstein") to Lehmann. New York: 15 September, 1939

Autograph letter (265 x 183 mm) on 1 leaf, written in German on recto, executed in blue ink and signed ("A. Einstein") at foot, on Dr. Gustav Bucky's letterhead, dated "15. IX. 39."; 2 old horizontal folds, 1 old diagonal fold and stray spots at upper left corner, some light creasing at margins. [With]: A later postcard (152 x 107 mm) with photographic portrait of Einstein on recto. 

A striking letter from Einstein to Irving Lehman, following the German invasion of Poland

Seeking to help his son-in-law, the literary scholar Rudolf Kayser, Einstein here writes to Irving Lehman, asking whether their might be a position in the Y.M.H.A. for him. Einstein writes, "His gift for teaching is doubtless equal to his love for the profession of teaching. It would please me very much if he could find employment with this fine Jewish organization in some fashion—somewhere in the country." The sentiment of the letter is undoubtedly inflected by the escalating conflict of World War II—Germany had invaded Poland only fourteen days prior, and in response Britain, France, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada declared war. Einstein's concern for his family, the Jewish people, and the world at large, permeate the letter, which reads in full:

"Dear Judge Lehmann:

I have advised my friend, Dr. Kayser, who was married to my wife's deceased daughter, to speak with you. He has given evening courses at Hunter College, with quite good success. But this affair falls short of real needs and has no future. The question is, whether an efficacious possibility would exist with the Y.M.H.A. He is chiefly a specialist in the history of international literature, philosophy, and religious history. his gift for teaching is doubtless equal to his love for the profession of teaching. It would please me very much if he could find employment with this fine Jewish organization in some fashion—somewhere in the country.

The times are truly tumultuous—everything goes its own way without pity. In the hope that you both are well and in good spirit, I am, with heartfelt greetings

Yours

A. Einstein"