Bidspirit auction | A polemical letter of significant

A polemical letter of significant content, by Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik of Boston - ”Not to be drawn after extremists whose world consists only of four cubits of fear and hatred” A fascinating political polemical letter by the Gaon Rabbi Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, head of Yeshiva University in the United States, addressed to Mr. Aryeh Gelman, president of the World Mizrachi Movement. [Nissan 5724 / March 1964]. Attached is a telegram from Mr. Aryeh Gelman to Rabbi Soloveitchik. The letter deals with the recurring disputes concerning religion and state that arose between the leaders of the young State of Israel and Orthodox circles in Israel and abroad. In this letter, Rabbi Soloveitchik lays out his national ideology: on one hand, outlining the ways to struggle against the ”breachers of the covenant, ” and on the other, warning not to go too far in extremism. Although Rabbi Soloveitchik departed from the zealous path of his ancestors and aligned with the Mizrachi movement, the letter is still filled with fiery Brisk-style expressions, such as: ”We will compel everyone to regret this act”; ”Woe for the shame, woe for the disgrace”; and ”The disgrace of the Zionist Organization will be revealed publicly.” Yet, despite his sharp criticisms of the state’s leadership, Rabbi Soloveitchik refrains from joining the extremists, clarifying explicitly: ”On the other hand, we must remain vigilant not to be drawn after extremists whose world consists only of four cubits of fear and hatred.” He underscores the impossible dilemma of the Mizrachi approach, which attempts to hold the rope from both ends: ”My role now is like breaking the barrel while preserving its wine”! [1] Air letter, 30 cm. Entirely handwritten and signed by Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik. Very good condition. Some marks from the envelope being removed. Attached: Original telegram from the president of the Mizrachi movement. Rabbi Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik [known as: “The GRYD”, among other titles; 1903–1993], son of Rabbi Moshe Soloveitchik and grandson of Rabbi Chaim of Brisk. Named after his great-grandfather, the author of ”Beit HaLevi”. Served in rabbinical positions in several important communities in the U.S. and was head of Yeshiva University. He became the undisputed leader of Modern Orthodoxy, and thousands attended his lectures and were influenced by him. His annual lecture on the yahrzeit of his father lasted 4–5 consecutive hours. In 1932, he immigrated to the U.S. and was soon appointed rabbi of the Orthodox community in Boston, a role he retained even after becoming Rosh Yeshiva at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. In 1939, he established a yeshiva in Boston named ”Heichal Rabbeinu Chaim HaLevi” after his grandfather, which in 1940 merged into RIETS. In 1935, he visited Israel, met with Rabbi Kook, and gave a shiur at Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav, attended by Volozhin veterans and even students from Hebron Yeshiva. Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria described the class: ”The memory of Volozhin stood before us in all its splendor and majesty… With expansiveness and confidence, he launched into his questions on the Gemara, on the Rambam… Indeed, 'Beit HaLevi' did not disappoint.” In 1960, he declined a nomination for Chief Rabbi of Israel.