This is the second of two books written by Rabbi Cymerman and published in London. I have previously written about the first book, published in 1944, also called Imrei Yaakov, with Rabbi Cymerman’s commentary on the Torah.
Rabbi Jacob Henoch Cymerman was a Ger Chosid – a Chassidic Follower of the Rabbis of Ger. He was born in Serock, near Warsaw in 1883 or 1887 (sources vary), the son of Rabbi Yitzchok Mayer Cymerman. He moved to Danzig, and then to London in 1929, where he died on 17th September 1965.
He was initially the Rabbi of the Jewish Centre Synagogue in Whitechapel, which was the only Agudah synagogue in the East End of London. During the war he became Rabbi of the Philpot Street Sephardish Synagogue (not to be confused with the Philpot Street Great Synagogue). He established a Beis Yaakov school for girls, and a hostel, called Merkaz HaTorah for young refugees from Vienna. In 1939 he was Chairman of the East London Committee for Refugee Students.
He was Honorary Secretary and then Chairman of the Federation of Synagogues Rabbinical Council (Vaad Harabbanim). Harry Rabinowicz describes him as gentle and courteous in his manner and dignified in his bearing; large-hearted, affectionate and devoted.
This book was printed by Hachinuch (L. Honig and sons). At the end is an interesting list of donors who financed the printing.
Jewish Miscellanies 