Bidspirit auction | Historical Document Regarding the Entry

Historical Document Regarding the Entry Visa to Israel for Maran Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian - “Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian, known as R’ Eli Kelimer.” Pair of historical letters regarding the visa arrangements for one of the great Mussar leaders of the previous generation, the righteous Gaon Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian, author of Lev Eliyahu, prior to his immigration to the Holy Land. Tel Aviv, Av 1950 [5710]. 1. Letter from Rabbi A. A. Tzfatman, Rosh Yeshiva of Be’er HaTalmud, to Rabbi Betzalel Cohen: “Rabbi R’ Eli Lopian… wishes to come to Eretz Yisrael and has already prepared a ticket for the 23rd of this month; he entered the consulate to obtain an entry visa, but they will not issue it until there is a guarantee that he will not become a public or governmental burden.” This was no longer under the British Mandate but under the newly established State of Israel, whose declared purpose was to serve as a home for every Jew—yet, as this document shows, obstacles were placed before the immigration of an elderly Jew who happened to be the greatest Mussar leader of his time, until proof was provided that he would not become a burden on society. 2. The second letter, Rabbi B. Cohen’s prompt reply to Rabbi Tzfatman: “I arranged that Minister Shapira telegraphed today to London to immediately grant a visa for Rabbi R’ Eliyahu Lopian.” A few days later, the righteous Gaon Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian ascended to the Land of Israel [he did not become a burden on society], lived there for twenty years, served in prominent Torah positions, and was regarded as the leading Mussar authority of the generation. [2] paper leaves, various sizes. Condition: Good. Filing holes. Right margin of the typed letter slightly trimmed. Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian (1876–1970) – the elder of the Mashgichim and one of the great Mussar leaders of the last generations. He was famed for a personal “revelation of Elijah.” A disciple of the Kelm and Lomza yeshivot, he followed the Kelm path throughout his life. He immigrated to Eretz Yisrael in 1950, served as Mashgiach in the Kamenitz Yeshiva, gave lectures at Heichal HaTalmud Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, and later became the spiritual leader of Yeshivat Kfar Chassidim until his passing. His teachings were compiled in the multi-volume Lev Eliyahu, edited by his disciple, the Jerusalem Maggid, Rabbi Shalom Schwadron.