Bidspirit auction | Letter Signed by Rabbi Chaim

Letter Signed by Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk in Support of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld’s Yeshiva in Jerusalem! Brisk, 1911 * Autographed letter by Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik of Brisk, one of the foremost Torah giants of recent generations. The letter was sent to to Rabbi Shabsi Wallach, Av Beis Din of Rozinay, “renowned for his Torah and fear of Heaven, ” requesting that he assist to the fullest extent possible the emissary of Yeshivas Ohr Chadash of Jerusalem who had arrived in his town. At the conclusion of the letter, Rabbi Chaim blesses: “And in the merit of supporting Torah scholars, which brings life and happiness to all who uphold it – may His Honor be blessed with long days and years, in abundant good and blessing.” He then signed in his own holy handwriting: “‘Words of Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik.” Near the signature appears his personal stamp: “Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik, Brisk DeLita.” Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik (1853-1918), son of the Beis HaLevi, was one of the greatest Torah luminaries and spiritual leaders of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His profound method of thinking and learning left an indelible mark on the yeshivah world and countless learners follow his path until this very day. Reb Chaim devoted himself wholeheartedly and with tremendous self-sacrifice to the strengthening of Torah institutions in Jerusalem, to the point that his home in Brisk became a central address for receiving donations from around the world on behalf of the yeshivos of Eretz Yisrael. Concerning Yeshivas Ohr Chadash, he wrote in another letter: “It is a great and lofty institution of great Torah scholars, crowned with all the qualities through which, as Chazal taught, Torah is acquired” (Writings of the Alter of Kelm, vol. II, p. 844). Yeshivas Ohr Chadash was founded in Jerusalem by the Alter of Kelm in the spirit of the Mussar movement of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, and at that time was headed by Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld. Among its students was Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank, who would later serve as Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. The recipient of the letter, Rabbi Shabsi Wallach (c. 1851–1930), was renowned from his youth as an exceptional ilui (prodigy). After his marriage, he settled in Rozinay. When the city’s Rav, Rabbi Mordechai Gimpel Yaffe, emigrated to Eretz Yisrael in 1889, the townspeople compelled Rabbi Shabsi to assume the rabbinate, a position he held until his passing. His primary disciple was Rabbi Moshe Landinski, Rosh Yeshiva of Radin. Brisk, 1911. Writing of a scribe with the signature of Rabbi Chaim of Brisk. Size: 12.7 × 22.8 cm. Condition: Good; minor tears at the margins, fold marks.