Bidspirit auction | “Please Do Not Reveal My

“Please Do Not Reveal My Name” — The Copy Presented to the Steipler and Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, Accompanied by an Autograph Letter from the Author | First Edition - “Please Do Not Reveal My Name” — The Copy Presented to the Steipler and Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, Accompanied by an Autograph Letter from the Author | First Edition Arba Kitot from Shaarei Teshuvah, with the commentary Zeh HaSha’ar, by Rabbi Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber. Bnei Brak, 5718 [1958]. First edition. An exceptionally important association copy, accompanied by an autograph letter signed by the author, Rabbi Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber, addressed to Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, the Steipler, and to his son Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky. In the letter, Rabbi Zilber presents two copies of the work—one for the Steipler and one for Rabbi Chaim—and makes an extraordinary request: that his identity as the author remain undisclosed. Zeh HaSha’ar is among the most significant commentaries written on Shaarei Teshuvah of Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona. Despite the work’s great success and the numerous editions through which it subsequently appeared, the author deliberately concealed his identity for many years, and the book was published anonymously. Only after his passing did his family reveal his authorship in later editions. The present item thus provides a rare and moving glimpse into the period when this secret was still carefully guarded. In his accompanying letter, Rabbi Zilber describes his intention to publish the work anonymously and explicitly requests that his identity not be disclosed. Characteristically humble, he further notes that he would gladly receive any comments, criticisms, or corrections regarding his work. The significance of this item is heightened by the fact that, shortly thereafter, the Steipler wrote his famous and enthusiastic approbation to the book. In that remarkable endorsement, he states that the author had no need whatsoever for his approbation and even expresses discomfort with the very notion of granting a formal recommendation to a Torah scholar of such stature. Nevertheless, at the author's request and for the benefit of the book’s dissemination, he testifies that the author had already earned a “crown of good name” and was among the foremost Torah scholars and God-fearing leaders of his generation. The front endpaper bears the ownership inscription: “MiSifrei Chaim Kanievsky” “From the library of Chaim Kanievsky” providing direct evidence that this copy formed part of the personal library of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who received it directly from the author. Rabbi Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber (1916–2008) was one of the outstanding halachic authorities and educators of the last generation. A product of the Novardok yeshivah network and a close disciple of the Chazon Ish, who affectionately referred to him as “Rabbi Binyamin HaTzaddik, ” he became one of the leading halachic voices of the Torah world. He authored dozens of influential works, including the celebrated responsa series Az Nedberu, as well as Mekor Halachah, Brit Olam, Mekor Baruch, and many other works in halachah, ethics, and agricultural laws. In his later years he served as a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudath Israel. A unique and highly significant item bringing together three of the most influential Torah figures of the twentieth century—Rabbi Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber, the Steipler, and Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky—while shedding light on the little-known early history of one of the most important mussar works published in the modern era. Condition Good.