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.