Manuscript (4 pages), sermon and letter handwritten by the Ridvaz – R. Yaakov David (Wilovsky), Rabbi of Slutsk. [Slutsk, ca. 1890s].

Sermon on the haftarah of Nitzavim ("Sos Asis"). At the end of the sermon is a letter to his son-in-law R. Yisrael Yehonatan Yerushalimsky [who was appointed Rabbi of Orlya at the time], signing "your father Ridvaz".

The Ridvaz – R. Yaakov David Wilovsky (1845-1913), was a prominent Torah scholar renowned since his youth as a leading Torah scholar in his generation. He served as rabbi in several locations, including Slutsk, Chicago and Safed. He authored many books, yet his magnum opus remains his comprehensive commentary on the Talmud Yerushalmi, included in most editions of the Yerushalmi.

The recipient of the letter, R. Yisrael Yehonatan Yerushalimsky, Rabbi of Orlya and Ihumen (Chervyen; 1860-1917), son of R. Yaakov Moshe Direktor, Rabbi of Mush (Novaya Mysh), and son-in-law of the Ridvaz, Rabbi of Slutsk. He was regarded as exceptionally great by his teacher R. Chaim Soloveitchik, Rabbi of Brisk. He was the father-in-law of R. Yechezkel Abramsky, author of Chazon Yechezkel on the Tosefta.

Double leaf, 4 pages. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks and minor tears.

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