Bidspirit auction | Gaon Yisroel Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon

Gaon Yisroel Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon of Kovno to Baron Ginzburg - Kovno, 1884 A remarkable and lengthy letter, filled with expressions of gratitude and warm brochos, written by Gaon Yisroel Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon Spektor, Av Beis Din of Kovno, to Baron Naftali Hertz Ginzburg. Kovno, 1884. A Close Relationship Between Baron Ginzburg and Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon A deep bond existed between Baron Naftali Ginzburg - one of the wealthiest Jews in Russia and a tireless advocate on behalf of Russian Jewry- and Gaon Yisroel Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon. Together, they were extensively involved in efforts to counter the anti-Jewish decrees of the Russian authorities. The following excerpt from one of Baron Ginzburg's responses to Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon reflects the admiration and affection he held for him: ”To the great Rav, the true gaon, whose mind belongs to Torah and whose heart belongs to his people, Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon, may his light shine forth... Words that come from the heart enter the heart, and how much more so when they emerge from a pure heart such as yours, beloved and cherished by all your brethren...” (Zichron Yaakov, vol. III, p. 187). From the Contents of the Letter: ”Thursday, the 23rd of Adar, 1884, Kovno. To my esteemed friend, beloved of Hashem and beloved of Beis Yisroel... the great nobleman among the Jews, the pride of our people, its crown and glory, who pursues tzedakah and chessed all his days, the honorable Baron Naftali Hertz Ginzburg shlita. May Hashem command His blessing upon him forever...” ”I feel it my duty to express my heartfelt gratitude to Your Excellency, though I know well your noble spirit and that such recognition is not what you seek, for your constant desire is only to bind up the brokenhearted. Nevertheless, I cannot restrain myself from informing Your Honor how much good you have done by urging Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Rabinowitz to come here, for he has truly infused new life into the charitable efforts discussed by the distinguished men who gathered for this purpose...” ”May Hashem bring his endeavors to a good conclusion, as wished by his sincere friend, who prays for his success and for many pleasant years, Yitzchok Elchonon Spektor, here in the holy community of Kovno.” Along the margins of the letter appear additional extraordinary brochos addressed to Reb Dovid Baron Ginzburg, the eldest son of Reb Naftali, likewise in the ksav yad kodsho of the gaon. An unusually long and exceptional letter, entirely in the ksav yad kodsho of Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon, bearing his signature twice. Rarely has such a beautiful and impressive letter come to light.