Auction 98 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Books Printed in Jerusalem, Letters and Manuscripts, Jewish Ceremonial Art
A long letter handwritten and signed by the Brisker Rav, R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik. Jerusalem, Tevet 1947.
Sent to London, to his friend R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head of the London Beit Din, in response to Rabbi Abramsky's letter discussing Torah novellae on Talmudic topics:
"Many blessings to my dear friend... R. Yechezkel Abramsky, rabbi in London... Your letter reached me with the Torah novellae. To tell the truth, I don't know what Your Honor was uncertain about. I greatly enjoyed all the ideas, both new and familiar to me, and it seems to me that the matters are clear and lucid, and I see no room for doubt or hesitation, according to my poor understanding and limited knowledge of these matters..."
The Brisker Rav further writes about his great acquiescence to the teachings he heard from his father, R. Chaim, the Grach: "It often happens to me as well that I now have doubts about matters that I once considered absolutely clear, and to tell the truth, in such cases I always prefer my judgment from when I was close to the source of life and warmed myself by the light of my father, the pious Gaon of blessed memory, when all the reasoning was refined and purified and not affected by rust from a world full of ignoramuses who cast doubt on fundamental concepts on which everything depends…".
He concludes the letter with a blessing: "And blessings of all good to Your Honor. Your friend who esteems and honors you, who seeks your welfare always, with all his heart and soul, Yitzchak Ze'ev son of my father and teacher the pious Gaon… Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik of blessed memory".
R. Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik – the Brisker Rav (1887-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already in his father's lifetime, at a young age, he was considered one of the prominent leaders of the generation. In 1919 (at the age of 32), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority he directed all Jewish matters in Brisk and the surroundings.
He survived the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem. His tremendous authority was recognized throughout the Torah world, whether in Eretz Israel or abroad. He authored Chiddushei Maran Riz HaLevi on the Rambam and the Torah. His orally transmitted novellae were published in the Chiddushei HaGriz series. Until this day, his teachings serve as the basis of profound Torah study in yeshivot, and his views direct the Torah outlook and leadership of large parts of Orthodox Jewry. He was famous for posterity for his outstanding fear of G-d and for his zealousness for the absolute truth.
The recipient of the letter, R. Yechezkel Abramsky (1886-1976), was a close disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk and a close friend of his son R. Yitzchak Ze'ev. Shortly after his marriage, he traveled to Brisk to study Torah from R. Chaim ca. 1910 (upon the advice of his father-in-law R. Israel Yehonatan Yerushalimsky, who was a disciple of R. Chaim from the Volozhin period) and stayed in his presence for about four months, from then on cleaving to his teachings and ways for the rest of his life.
During his tenure as rabbi of Smilovich, he would travel for extended periods to his teacher R. Chaim who was then staying in Minsk, and merited to clarify various topics with him. R. Yechezkel would often say about his teacher R. Chaim's approach to study: "R. Chaim immediately approached the heart of the topic". R. Chaim greatly valued the wisdom and understanding of his disciple, and once wrote to him in a letter: "We are friends who love each other" (Melech BeYofyo, p. 95).
During those times, R. Abramsky formed a deep friendship with his teacher's son R. Yitzchak Ze'ev (R. Velvel), maintaining close ties and extensive correspondence with him for some fifty years. Chiddushei Maran R.Y.Z. HaLevi contains excerpts of their Torah discussions and correspondence (some of which mention R. Abramsky by name). During their time in Jerusalem (after R. Abramsky immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1951), they would often meet to study Torah together and discuss communal matters.
[1] leaf. Official stationery. Approx. 22.5 cm. Very good condition. Folding marks.
This letter was reprinted in the book Melech BeYofyo, Jerusalem, 2004, p. 94; and in the books Igrot Maran Riz Halevi, Jerusalem 2008, letter 123, and "Yalkut Michtavim from Maran HaGryz of Brisk", Jerusalem, 2010, letter 20.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Long letter (2 pages), handwritten, signed and stamped by R. Zelig Reuven Bengis, Head of the Eda HaCharedit. Jerusalem, Tamuz 1952.
Letter sent to the historical convention of Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, regarding the law of women's induction into the IDF and regarding the law of an obligatory school curriculum.
R. Bengis writes that due to his weak state of health, he cannot participate in the important convention of rabbis, however, he supports the convention and joins the opposition to the decrees of religious persecution by the Israeli government, who scheme to destroy charedi Judaism in Israel, by the law of inducting women into the IDF and the law of uniform education, aiming to affect the independence of the charedi education system and the holy yeshivas.
R. Bengis writes that women's induction into the army is severely prohibited and should be avoided even at the price of martyrdom.
He further writes about the government's laws limiting the collection of donations for yeshivas and affecting their independence and about reinforcing adherence to Shabbat observance, and regarding the attempts of the Israeli government to enforce uniform education for all Jewish children, which will destroy the Torah study of Jewish children.
[1] leaf. Official stationery. 28 cm. Written on both sides. Good condition. Stains and traces of dampstains. Creases and folding marks.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Autograph Letter, Signed by Rabbi Isser Zalman Melzer, dean of the "Etz Chaim" Yeshivah. Jerusalem, 1937.
Sent to R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head of the London Beit Din. A letter of recommendation for his student traveling to London, Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Levin (son of the "Jerusalem Tzaddik" Rabbi Aryeh Levin, and son-in-law of Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Levin of England): "My beloved and cherished student, the eminent Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Levin, is traveling to your camp. He has been a tremendous prodigy since his youth, and was my student in our yeshiva. Later, his soul yearned to exile himself to a place of Torah, and he traveled to Poland on my advice to his relative, the great Gaon and Tzaddik, Baruch Dov Leibowitz, who took special care of him at my request and studied with him privately for two years. Thank God, he succeeded wonderfully, and his excellent book 'Cheil HaMikdash' testifies to his great powers of depth and reasoning..."
At the bottom of the letter, Rabbi Isser Zalman adds a few lines, further praising Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Levin and his righteous father R. Aryeh Levin: "I would like to add that since he returned from his teacher, R. Baruch Dov Leibowitz, he has not left my side, and all the novellae he published were discussed with me… I am confident you will fulfill my request."
R. Isser Zalman Melzer (1870-1954), author of "Even Ha'Ezel". One of the greatest Gaonim of Lithuania and Jerusalem. Student of the Netziv and Rabbi Chaim of Brisk at the Volozhin Yeshiva. Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva of Slutsk. Immigrated to Jerusalem in 1924 and was appointed Rosh Mesivta at the "Etz Chaim" Yeshiva. One of the leaders of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. Father-in-law of R. Aharon Kotler, Rosh Yeshiva of Kletzk and Lakewood (who headed the "Independent Education" system).
The subject of the letter, rabbi Chaim Yaakov Levin (1911-1997), rabbi in the USA and Israel. Rabbi of Seattle, Jersey City and Pardes Chana. An extraordinary and humble genius who concealed his ways despite being one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. From his childhood, he stood out for his sharpness and superior talents, with quick perception and an exceptional memory, and was the "delight" of Jerusalem's great rabbis. He studied at the "Etz Chaim" Yeshiva in Jerusalem and was considered the best of the yeshiva's students. In 1931, he traveled abroad to study at the Kaminetz Yeshiva under R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz (who had been the teacher and rabbi of his father, R. Aryeh Levin, during his studies at the Hlusk Yeshiva). At the Kaminetz Yeshiva, he studied for more than two years, where he was especially cherished by the Rosh Yeshiva, who would study with him for many hours in chavruta and prepare the daily lesson with him. During that time, R. Chaim Yaakov would send letters to his father with notes from the lessons he heard from his teacher R. Baruch Ber, especially novellae he heard "from the words of our teacher, the preeminent Torah scholar R. Chaim Soloveitchik of blessed memory". During his studies at the yeshiva in Kaminetz, he began writing his first book "Cheil HaMikdash" on matters of Kodashim, mentioned inpresent letter. When Rabbi Chaim Yaakov returned to Israel, his teacher Rabbi Isser Zalman wrote a letter to his friend Rabbi Baruch Ber expressing his amazement at his progress "during the years under his wing". Among other things, R. Isser Zalman wrote to Rabbi Baruch Ber: "...he became your distinguished student and received the straight and deep way of learning. What can I say to my friend, I express my deep gratitude for his education and influence on him, as I found much more in him than I expected. He has completely changed, as before his excellence was only in speed, straightness and memory, but with Your Honor he received much of the way of depth, and I saw in his notebook novellae on Kodashim with great depth, and when I spoke with him I saw that he is full of Your Honor's foundations..." (Yeshurun, vol. 30, p. 478).
After his marriage to Rebbetzin Shulamit, daughter of R. Yehuda Leib HaLevi Levin of the rabbis of London, he settled in Jerusalem and gave lectures at the "Etz Chaim" Yeshiva from 1935 to 1937. In 1937 he traveled to London and after a period immigrated to the USA, where he served as a rabbi and taught Torah in Seattle and Jersey City. When his uncle, R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, passed away, he was offered the position of R. of Jerusalem, but he humbly declined.
Only in 1970 did he return to Israel and was appointed Rabbi of Pardes Chana. See his detailed biography in the memorial section dedicated to him, printed in "Yeshurun" (vol. 30, Jerusalem, 2014, "Vayechi Yaakov" section, pp. 191-536).
[1] leaf. Official stationery. Approx. 28 cm. Good-fair condition. Creases and tears at margins, affecting text.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
![Letter handwritten and signed by the "Tzaddik of Jerusalem" R. Aryeh Levin. Jerusalem, 10th Nisan [1950].
The let](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale98/226.jpg "Letter of Rabbi Aryeh Levin – Blessings for Pesach – Jerusalem, 1950")
Letter handwritten and signed by the "Tzaddik of Jerusalem" R. Aryeh Levin. Jerusalem, 10th Nisan [1950].
The letter is in neat square handwriting, with the signature in cursive script. Addressed to R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head of the London Beit Din, with warm blessings for Pesach (in R. Aryeh's rich and poetic style).
The "Tzaddik of Jerusalem" R. Aryeh Levin (1885-1969), excelled in Torah and in charitable deeds. He served as the spiritual director and supervisor of the Etz Chaim Torah school. An alumnus of Lithuanian yeshivot Hlusk, Slutsk, Volozhin and the Torat Chaim yeshiva in Jerusalem, he was a cherished disciple of the leading Torah scholars of the generation: R. Refael Shapiro of Volozhin, R. Chaim Berlin, R. Shlomo Elyashiv the Leshem, R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz, R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, his brother-in-law R. Tzvi Pesach Frank and R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik of Brisk. He immigrated to Jerusalem in his youth and married the granddaughter of the head of the Jerusalem Beit Din, R. Chaim Yaakov Shapira. He was renowned for his dedication to acts of benevolence. He was a beloved friend to one and all, wholeheartedly sharing the difficulties and joys of his brethren.
[1] leaf. 23 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and creases.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Yehoshua Zimbalist of Grodno, rabbi and rosh yeshiva in Minsk. Below, an additional letter handwritten and signed by his son, R. Shlomo Zimbalist, one of the heads of the "Tiferet Tzvi" Yeshiva. Jerusalem, Elul 1947.
Sent to London, addressed to the bachur R. Menachem Ezra Abramsky, youngest son of R. Yechezkel Abramsky, rabbi in Slutsk and head of the Beit Din of London. R. Yehoshua had been in contact with the Abramsky family since his time in Soviet Russia, when he headed the underground yeshiva in the "Sho'avei Mayim" Beit Midrash in Minsk. R. Abramsky's older sons were sent from Slutsk to Minsk to study in this yeshiva, and R. Abramsky himself would occasionally come to give lectures in the underground yeshivas in Minsk, headed by R. Yehoshua.
R. Zimbalist opens and closes his letter with the blessing "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year". In the body of the letter, he requests financial assistance "for the honor of Torah", to benefit refugee rabbis from Minsk and the surrounding area who have settled in Jerusalem. R. Yehoshua adds that writing is difficult for him, so his son R. Shlomo will complete his words.
This letter was written in great weakness, about a month before R. Yehoshua's passing during the Ten Days of Repentance of 1947.
After his signature appears a letter from his son, R. Shlomo Zimbalist, completing his father's request.
He describes his elderly father's poor health condition, and that despite doctors forbidding him from engaging in public affairs, he cannot refrain from worrying about it.
R. Yehoshua Zimbalist, known as "R. Yehoshua'le Horodner" (1864-Tishrei 1947), dayan and rosh yeshiva in Minsk. Born near Grodno, after his marriage he moved to Minsk, where he became known for his greatness in all matters of Torah, and served as a posek and dayan. Over the years, he was appointed rosh yeshiva of the "Sho'avei Mayim" Beit Midrash in the city. He served in this role for some twenty years, mostly during the period of Soviet persecution in Russia. After the Bolsheviks entered Minsk in 1920, they issued an order to close the yeshivas, imposing prison sentences and exile to Siberia on yeshiva lecturers. R. Yehoshua convened an assembly of the city's rabbis, where it was decided to continue teaching Torah publicly with self-sacrifice in the underground yeshiva, which was split into several batei midrash in Minsk, where he taught Torah together with his colleagues: R. Yisrael Yehoshua Leibowitz, R. Shalom Horowitz, R. Aryeh Dardik, and R. Shlomo Goborin.
R. Yehoshua then raised many students who cherished and appreciated him all their lives, recalling with admiration his great dedication to his students and his sincere love for their welfare. After government persecution intensified, R. Yehoshua was forced to flee Minsk, and in 1933 he merited to immigrate to Eretz Israel and settle in Jerusalem.
Despite his great weakness in his old age, he worked tirelessly to help refugee rabbis from Russia. After the organization "Union of Refugee Rabbis from Russia" was established at his initiative, he was appointed as the organization's "Honorary President". In 1949, a collection was printed in his memory: "Rabbi Yehoshua of Grodno – Moreh Tzedek and Rosh Metivta in Minsk-Russia", and in 2002 it was reprinted by his descendants in a new edition, with additions.
[1] leaf. Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and creases.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further
information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Lengthy letter handwritten and signed by R. "Elazar Man Shach". Jerusalem, Elul 1949.
Addressed to R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head of the Beit Din of London, thanking him for three books of Chazon Yechezkel, with Shanah Tovah blessings.
On the reverse side R. Shach adds 21 additional lines with notes on Chazon Yechezkel on Tractates Rosh Hashanah and Yoma. We could not determine whether the contents of this letter have been published.
R. Elazar Menachem Man Shach (1898-2001), author of Avi HaEzri and prominent yeshiva dean in the previous generation, was born in Lithuania and studied in his youth in the Ponovezh, Slabodka and Slutsk yeshivas. He served as dean of the Kletsk yeshiva in Poland, and of the Karlin yeshiva in Luninyets. During the Holocaust, he immigrated to Eretz Israel where he was appointed dean of the Kletsk yeshiva in Rechovot. He later served as the dean of the Ponevezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. A member and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, he led Torah Jewry in Israel and worldwide for decades.
Double leaf. [2] written pages. 20 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Letter signed by R. Eliezer Yehudah Finkel, dean of the Mir yeshiva. Jerusalem: Elul 1949.
Typewritten, with R. Finkel's signature. Shanah Tovah blessing addressed to R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head of the Beit Din of London. The letter concludes with additional blessings and a signature.
R. Eliezer Yehuda Finkel (1879-1965), the son of the Alter of Slabodka, and son-in-law of R. Eliyahu Baruch Kamai, Rabbi of Mir and dean of the Mir yeshiva. He served as dean of the yeshiva in Mir. When the yeshiva fled to Vilna during the Holocaust, R. Eliezer Yehuda travelled to Eretz Israel in 1941, in attempt to bring the yeshiva over. His attempts failed, but the students managed to escape and flee to Shanghai, in the Far East. In 1943, he established the Mir yeshiva in Jerusalem, which stands in its full glory to this day and is one of the largest yeshivot in the world.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
The present letter was printed with a facsimile in Melech BeYofyo, p. 499.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Lengthy letter (3 pages), handwritten, stamped and signed by R. Avraham Chaim Naeh. Jerusalem, 16th Tevet (December 29) 1947.
Sent to R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head of the Beit Din of London, author of Chazon Yechezkel, regarding the sale of R. Naeh's books in England.
R. Avraham Chaim Naeh describes the difficult situation in Eretz Israel during the 1947-1948 war, forcing him to look for opportunities to sell the book abroad. R. Naeh goes on to describe the harsh conditions in Jerusalem, including bombs and shooting in the outskirts of Jerusalem at the moment of writing. He also mentions "my friend R. Sh. Y. Zevin, editor of the Talmudic Encyclopedia" as an associate of R. Abramsky.
At the end of the letter, after the signature, R. Naeh adds a Torah idea, challenging a statement of R. Akiva Eiger in the laws of Shabbat.
R. Avraham Chaim Naeh (1890-1954), a leading Chassidic rabbi, a director of the Kollel Chabad in Eretz Israel and rabbi of the Bucharan neighborhood in Jerusalem. A member of the Edah HaCharedit administration and a founder of Agudat Yisrael in Eretz Israel. He is best known for his calculations of halachic measurements.
Double leaf, 3 written pages. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains, wear and folding marks.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Long letter (4 pages) of Torah discourse, handwritten and signed by R. Shlomo Yosef Zevin. Novozybkov, "Bein Kesse Le'asor" [Tishrei] 1934.
Sent to his great friend, R. Yechezkel Abramsky, former rabbi in Slutsk, during his early years in London.
Long pilpul in Torah matters. R. Zevin responds to a section of the Tosefta commentary that R. Abramsky sent to him.
The renowned Gaon, R. Shlomo Yosef Zevin (Kislev 1887-1978), a Chabad Chassid and one of the greatest rabbis in Russia and Eretz Israel. His father, R. Aharon Mordechai, was Av Beit Din of Kazimirów. R. Zevin was ordained by the Rogatchover Gaon, Av Beit Din of Dvinsk, and by Rebbe Shmariyahu Noach Schneersohn, Av Beit Din of Babruysk (grandson of the "Tzemach Tzedek"), who was his primary teacher in Chassidic teachings.
After his father's passing on 20 Sivan 1903, when he was only seventeen years old, he succeeded him as rabbi. He later served as rabbi of Klimov, Meglin, and Novozybkov, and was one of the editors of the rabbinic anthology "Yagdil Torah" printed in Slutsk, together with R. Abramsky who served as rabbi of Slutsk during that period, under Soviet rule.
Later in 1934, R. Zevin immigrated to Eretz Israel and served as rabbi of the Chabad community in Tel Aviv. In 1937, he moved to Jerusalem and headed the "Union of Rabbis, Refugees from Russia and Other Countries". Throughout his life, he was engaged in editing books and Torah journals. In Eretz Israel, he was the initiator and editor of the "Talmudic Encyclopedia" and "Otzar HaPoskim". His opinion on halachic matters was considered as that of one of the greatest rabbis, and he later served as a member of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Among his books: "Ishim VeShitot", "HaMoadim BaHalachah", "LeOr HaHalachah", "LaTorah VeLaMoadim", "Sofrim VeSefarim", "Sippurei Chassidim", and more.
Double leaf (4 written pages). Approx. 16 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and minor wear.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Long autograph letter signed by R. Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg (author of "Seridei Esh"). Montreux (Switzerland), 1951.
The letter is addressed to his friend, R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head of the Beit Din of London and prominent leader of Orthodox Jewry and the European rabbinate at that time.
R. Weinberg writes about his disappointment from his trip to France to establish a central Beit Din, detailing the events: "Three years ago, some friends suggested establishing a Beit Din in Paris with me at its head, along with leading the rabbinical seminary there. Initially, I declined, doubting the success of this new institution and reluctant to take on such responsibility while my health was unstable. Now the idea has been revived..."
R. Weinberg describes the initiative's failure due to changes in Paris's general community leadership and the appointment of assimilated leaders to the French Consistoire. He writes, "I stipulated that I would head the Beit Din and have the final say in selecting new members, but the assimilated leaders disagreed, so I rejected the offer." He addresses claims that he declined the important offer due to issues of honor: "In truth, it wasn't about honor, but about influence and responsibility, which I couldn't accept without the aforementioned condition."
R. Weinberg insightfully explains the state of Judaism and the rabbinate in France, noting less influence from Conservative and Liberal movements compared to England and other countries.
The letter concludes by asking R. Abramsky: "When does the rabbi plan to make Aliyah to Israel? I very much wish to meet with the rabbi and consult on various matters...".
R. Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg (1884-1966), renowned Torah scholar and posek, among the greatest disciples of the "Alter of Slabodka". Served as rabbi in Pilviškės (Lithuania) at a young age. After the passing of his friend R. Avraham Eliyahu Kaplan, he was appointed head of the Rabbinical Seminary in Berlin. During the Holocaust, he was deported to Poland, spent time in the Warsaw Ghetto where he served as president of the Rabbinical Association. Sent to a labor camp, he survived the Holocaust. After the war, he settled in Montreux, Switzerland, where he headed the yeshiva until his passing. His works include: Responsa "Seridei Esh", "Chiddushei Ba'al Seridei Esh", "Lifrakim" and more.
[1] leaf. Approx. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Folding marks. Minor tears at margins and fold lines.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
![Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Feinstein. [New York], Nisan 1947.
Sent to his friend R. Yechezkel Abramsky, &quo](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale98/233.jpg "Letter of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein to Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky – On Publi")
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Feinstein. [New York], Nisan 1947.
Sent to his friend R. Yechezkel Abramsky, "chief rabbi of the Beit Din of Slutsk and now head of the rabbis of London". R. Moshe writes to him on the publication of his Dibrot Moshe on Tractate Bava Kama, and asks him to study it and send him his comments and opinions on the book: "And remembering our great friendship while yet in Russia, I hope that you will receive it happily and appreciate it, and I would be very happy if you would read it and write me your opinion about it…".
R. Moshe Feinstein concludes with blessings for Pesach for him, his family and the Jewish people, signing, "Your friend who loves you with heart and soul, Moshe Feinstein". On the margins of the letter he writes that the book had been sent the previous week by normal post and the letter by airmail.
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost halachic authority in the United States. A leader of Orthodox Jewry, he served as president of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. He was the dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe – Talmudic novellae, and Darash Moshe – novellae on the Torah.
R. Moshe Feinstein had served as Rabbi of Lyuban, Belarus in 1921-1936 under the Bolsheviks, and apparently it was during this period that he met R. Abramsky (1886-1976), who served as Rabbi of Slutsk from 1923-1930 until his arrest and exile to Siberia.
[1] leaf. Official stationery. 27.5 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Feinstein. New York, Erev Sukkot, Tishrei 1962.
Response to the inquiry of a young American rabbi whether he should acquire proficiency in secular studies and the English language in order to influence others and bring them closer to G-d. R. Moshe answers that he cannot respond in writing and asks him to discuss all the factors with him in person.
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost halachic authority in the United States. A leader of Orthodox Jewry, he served as president of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. He was the dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe – Talmudic novellae, and Darash Moshe – novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf. Official stationery. 28 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains with fading of ink, affecting text. Folding marks.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.