Bidspirit auction | Shmitah in Our Times Letter

Shmitah in Our Times Letter of Chiddushim by the Netziv Volozhin, 1876 * A lengthy letter of chiddushim — 3 large pages in the handwriting of Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda, Av Beis Din and Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin, addressed to his friend “Rechima D’Nafshi” [beloved of my soul], Rabbi Shmuel Salant. Rabbi Shmuel Salant sought to prove that shmitah in our times is of Rabbinic status, deducing this from the fact that the mitzvah of challah in our times is likewise of Rabbinic status. As a result, a lively, deep, and intricate halachic exchange developed between them, with each bringing proofs for one side or the other, in the manner of Torah discourse. In order to emphasize that he did not seek to engage in contentious debate but was debating solely for the truth of Torah, the Netziv concludes his letter with the following lines (that rhyme in the original Hebrew): “Hashem will establish us upon the foundation of truth  And that is the ultimate purpose and the stamp  It blocks off all contentiousness  And grants a good and eternal reward.” The Gaon of Yerushalayim — Rabbi Shmuel Salant—  and the Gaon of Volozhin — the Netziv— were nearly the same age (Rabbi Shmuel was older than the Netziv by one year). They became acquainted during the period Rabbi Shmuel studied in Volozhin, and after Rabbi Shmuel immigrated to Jerusalem, they maintained their friendship through an ongoing correspondence. Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin (1816-1893) , known as the Netziv, was Av Beis Din and Rosh Yeshivah of Volozhin and author of Ha’Emek Davar, Ha’Emek Sheilah and Meishiv Davar. A key leader in disseminating Torah knowledge, he led the Volozhin yeshiva—known as the ”mother of yeshivos”—for fifty years, mentoring thousands of students throughout his career. As one of the foremost figures of his time, his numerous writings have become Sifrei Yesod. Volozhin, 3 Elul 1876 [23 August 1876]. 3 full pages, 85 wide lines, on a leaf measuring 21×26 cm. Holes, mostly tiny, professionally restored. This letter, along with additional letters on this subject, was printed in Shu”t Meishiv Davar Vol. V (Yerushalayim 1993) Siman 85, and in Toras Rabbeinu Shmuel Salant (Yerushalayim 1998) Vol. II, Siman 58.