Holy socks: late rabbi’s socks sell for $18,000 on eBay

Consider investing in the sock market.

Two pairs of meter-long white socks worn by a revered leader of the Hasidic Jewish community generated a haul of nearly $18,000 on eBay this week.

After an opening price of just 99 cents, socks worn by the late Chief Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, founder of the Satmar sect, sold for an impressive $11,600 on Sunday, after 88 bids.

Those incredible feet were followed by a second auction of another pair of Teitelbaum’s socks, which sold Tuesday for $6,200 with 43 bids.

“A pair of long white socks worn by Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar,” the listing said. “Approx. 95cm. Good condition. Stains.”

Teitelbaum died in 1979 and his stockings were given to his assistant, Rabbi Mendel Greenberg, who subsequently gave them to Rabbi Leib Friedman of Lakewood, New Jersey, according to the listing.

Teitelbaum founded the Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism. eBay

A letter signed by Friedman confirmed the authenticity of the garments.

“There are a lot of people buying things because. . . an item that a rabbi wore has something sacred about it,” said David Knobloch, who runs Rarity Auction House in Spring Valley, New York, and was in charge of the recent sales.

Many members of the Hasidic community splurge on prayer books and clothing previously used by rabbinical leaders, which they might wear on important holidays or when attending weddings.

White stockings that belonged to Rabbi Joel TeitelbaumA pair of Teitelbaum socks fetched an impressive $11,600 after 88 bids. Courtesy of David Knobloch

“They won’t wear it on a normal Monday…they’ll wear it for special occasions,” said Israel Clapman, 37, a Brooklyn-based Judaica collector.

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“In the Hasidic community, they don’t buy Ferraris or Bentleys, so unusual Judaica is their way of showing off, of spending money.”

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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