Letter handwritten, stamped and signed by the Steipler – R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, dean of the Beit-Yosef Novardok yeshiva in Bnei Brak, addressed to R. Yisrael Taussig – rabbi of Mattersdorf (Mattersburg), author of Beit Yisrael. Bnei Brak, Shevat 1940.
The Steipler writes to R. Yisrael Taussig regarding his son, Yechezkel Taussig, a student in his yeshiva, extolling his virtues in effusive terms: "I would like to attest and apprise regarding his son, who is prominent in Torah and fear of G-d, a diligent and profound student, with exemplary qualities and character traits… R. Yechezkel. I certify that he is outstanding in his studies, and we are very satisfied with him, may the likes of him abound in the Jewish people".
The Steipler continues to relate in distress of an embarrassing prank perpetrated on the son of R. Taussig by several foolish and reckless youths, who publicized a defamatory flyer against him, bearing the yeshiva stamp, while in reality having no connection to the yeshiva whatsoever: "And behold, three foolish and reckless boys, who are not connected to the yeshiva in any way, circulated a fraudulent flyer against him, bearing the yeshiva stamp, which they obtained from an irresponsible person… and all with the intent of causing anguish to his illustrious son… and in order to appease him and his son, I am writing these lines, to inform him not to pay any attention to this at all, and his son's presence is vital to the yeshiva, since he is the driving force behind the intensive, in-depth learning… I hereby sign with a pained heart over the insult to the Torah and those who learn it, Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, dean and director of this yeshiva".
R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (1899-1985), an extraordinary Torah leader of the past generation. He was known as the Steipler, an appellation derived from his hometown Hornostaipil, Ukraine. A foremost student of the Novardok yeshivot in Ukraine and Poland, he was reputed as one of the most diligent and scholarly students in the yeshiva world. Following his marriage to the sister of the Chazon Ish, he was appointed dean of the Novardok yeshiva in Pinsk, and in 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel to serve as dean of the Beit-Yosef Novardok yeshiva in Bnei Brak. For many years, he lived in Bnei Brak in the same house as his brother-in-law, the Chazon Ish. After the yeshiva shut down, he resumed his studies in Kollel Chazon Ish and in his home, and authored the Kehillot Yaakov series on most Talmudic topics and tractates. He was known as a wonder-worker who benefitted from Divine Inspiration, and many sought his blessings and counsel.
Recipient of the letter: R. Yisrael Taussig (1889-Tishrei 1967), known in Jerusalem as "the rabbi from Mattersdorf". A Hungarian rabbi, he served as dayan and posek in Mattersdorf. Following his immigration to Eretz Israel, he settled in Batei Ungarin where he served as rabbi of the neighborhood. His teachings and essays were published in the Beit Yisrael series.
R. Yechezkel Taussig (1917-1972), whose virtues the Steipler extols in this letter, was the author of Tiferet Yechezkel. He devoted his life to Torah study in holiness and purity, and edified many prominent and G-d fearing disciples. He was the son-in-law of R. Shmuel Tefillinski author of Kuntres HaTzavaa. He studied in Hungarian yeshivot, and following his immigration to Eretz Israel together with his parents, in the Beit-Yosef Novardok yeshiva in Bnei Brak. He later attended the Shevet Sofer – Pressburg yeshiva, which was established by the rabbi of Pressburg, who immigrated to Jerusalem in 1940.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 29.5 cm. Approx. 20 autograph lines. Good condition. Creases and folding marks. Glue remnants on verso (the letter was apparently previously mounted in an album or frame).