Letter handwritten and signed by R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski. Vilna, eve of Sukkot, Tishrei 1930.
Addressed to the heads of the Helsingfors community (Helsinki, capital of Finland), regarding the appointment of a rabbi for their city. R. Chaim Ozer writes that he heard that the post of rabbi is vacant in their city, and asks them to inform him what the situation is "and what their requirements are for the spiritual director of their city… to direct them along the correct path and regarding proper actions, to lead their community with wisdom and understanding, in peace and equity". R. Chaim Ozer concludes his letter with blessings: "And may G-d spread over them and the entire Jewish people, a canopy of peace… One who revers and respects them, Chaim Ozer Grodzenski".
R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940) was a foremost rabbi of his generation and leader of the entire European Jewry. He was the son of R. David Shlomo Grodzinski Rabbi of Iwye. He was renowned from his childhood for his exceptional brilliance. He entered the Volozhin yeshiva at the young age of 11, and became a disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk. At the age of 24, he was appointed rabbi and posek of Vilna, in place of his father-in-law R. Eliyahu Eliezer Grodnansky posek in Vilna, son-in-law of R. Yisrael Salanter. He assumed the yoke of public leadership from a young age, and his opinion was conclusive on all public issues which arose in the Diaspora for close to fifty years. He was involved in communal matters locally and in other countries, and this letter discloses that even the heads of the Finland community were awaiting his utterance to appoint a rabbi for their community.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 26.5 cm. Approx. 7 autograph lines and signature. Good-fair condition. Wear and folding marks.