Letter by R. Reuven Grozovsky, head of the Kamenets Yeshiva. Raseiniai (Lithuania), 18th of Iyar [May, 1940].
Official (rare) stationery of the yeshiva while located in the city of Raseiniai, with a photo of the yeshiva head, R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz [who died in the winter of 1940 in Lithuanian exile]. Most of the letter is typewritten, with four handwritten lines added by R. Reuven. In the long interesting letter, R. Reuven relates the state of the yeshiva in its exile to Vilna in independent Lithuania, and from there to Raseiniai. "…The yeshiva continues its past glory, same as in Kamenets… and its spirits have not fallen, even a bit… The yeshiva students study in depth and with comprehension following the path laid by my illustrious teacher and father-in-law, R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz. We continue his tradition to penetrate the words of the Rishonim and Achronim and to comprehend their meanings…". Further in the letter, R. Reuven tells of the dire material circumstances of the yeshiva: "Terrified, we abruptly fled Kamenets and did not have time to take even our most basic possessions… Besides, we do not have the means necessary for maintaining the yeshiva. How great is the mitzvah of assisting these heroes in these trying times… saving these dear souls who are completely devoted to Torah study and have surpassed all limits in their dedication to Torah study".
At the end of the letter, R. Reuven added in his handwriting and with his signature: "You should know that our escape was accompanied by great miracles and our survival here during these turbulent world-shaking events is also miraculous, with the valiant spirit of these Torah students… Reuven Grozovsky, Head of the Knesset Beit Yitzchak Yeshiva of Kamenets, now in Raseiniai".
Rabbi Reuven Grozovsky (1886-1958), son of Rabbi Shimshon Grozovsky Rabbi in Minsk and illustrious son-in-law of Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz, head of the Kamenets Yeshiva. In his youth he was a foremost disciple of the Saba of Slabodka and later developed into an outstanding Torah scholar, prominent leader of Lithuanian and US yeshivas. Assistant to his eminent father-in-law in managing the Kamenets Yeshiva. During the Holocaust, he escaped to the US, headed the Beit Midrash Elyon of the Torah VeDa'at Yeshiva and was one of the heads of Mo'etzet Gedolei HaTorah in the US. Known for his articles which trenchantly oppose Nationalism and Zionism, later printed in the book Ba'ayot HaZman. His profound discourses were printed in the four parts of Chiddushei Rabbi Reuven and in other books featuring his Torah teachings.
Official stationery, approximately 29 cm. Good condition. Wear damages to upper margin and file holes.