Bidspirit auction | The Original Letter of Rabbi

The Original Letter of Rabbi Chaim Ozer of Vilna Quoted in Vayoel Moshe as a Source for Halachah Exceptional letter from the gaon and posek hador Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzensky ZTz”L of Vilna, expressing his strong opposition to the proposal to establish a worldwide association of rabbonim. Contents of the Letter: In Sivan 1936, several rabbonim in Eretz Yisroel proposed the formation of an international rabbinic organization and wrote to Rabbi Chaim Ozer seeking both his endorsement and his participation among its founders and leaders. Presented here is the original response sent by Rabbi Chaim Ozer to the rabbonim in Eretz Yisroel on the 25th of Tammuz, 1936. In it, he emphatically declines their proposal and writes: ”I cannot agree to this, and not only do I not agree, but I oppose it.” He proceeds to explain several reasons for his firm opposition. His principal concern, as he writes, was based on experience: ”From what I have witnessed in our country, all activities of rabbinic organizations are carried out by secretaries and officials, without taking into consideration the heads of the council. Many times they even act contrary to their wishes and influence, doing only what they themselves desire.” Rabbi Chaim Ozer concludes with the sharp warning: ”In my opinion, this is a dangerous step and a grave danger.” Significance of the Letter This remarkable letter possesses special significance in two respects. First, Rabbi Chaim Ozer later sent a copy of the letter to his close colleague, Maran the Chazon Ish ZTz”L. From that copy, the text was first published in Yalkut Igros HaGracha appended to volume II of Kovetz Igros Chazon Ish (simanim 2–3). Of even greater significance, the present letter was later cited in full by Maran Rabbeinu Hakadosh of Satmar ZYA”A in his monumental Vayoel Moshe (Maamar Shalosh Shevuos, siman 143), where the Rebbe relied upon the clear words of Rabbi Chaim Ozer as support for his discussion regarding the nature and leadership of Agudas Yisroel.