Bidspirit auction | Extraordinary! Long Letter by the

Extraordinary! Long Letter by the Aderet Displaying Humility and Resolve Ponovezh, 1890 * Handwritten and autographed lengthy four-page letter by the renowned Gaon Rabbi Eliyahu David Rabinowitz-Teomim, one of the leading Rabbanim of Lithuania and Av Beis Din of Jerusalem in his final years, alongside Rabbi Shmuel Salant. Sent to the famed gaon, Rabbi Yosef Zecharya Stern of Shavel, author of Zecher Yehosef, one of the most prominent Rabbanim of his generation. Background to the letter: The wife of the Zecher Yehosef became involved in a Din Torah with an individual who was a fierce opponent of her husband. As Rabbi Stern could obviously not rule on a matter in which he was personally involved, he turned to the Aderet to issue a ruling on his behalf. The Aderet, who was twelve years younger than Rabbi Stern, initially attempted to excuse himself from issuing a ruling, stating his policy not to involve himself in disputes outside his city. However, Rabbi Stern persisted until he agreed. In the present letter, the Aderet informs Rabbi Stern that he has finally agreed to take on the case and issue a ruling. He strongly emphasizes that from the moment he accepted the responsibility, he is absolutely obligated to treat both parties with total impartiality, with “not a trace of leaning to either side in any matter whatsoever, ” and explains: “So that people should not say that Rabbanim flatter one another.” Immediately after expressing these unequivocal principles to Rabbi Stern, the Aderet humbly requests that he not be referred to with honorific titles! ”I just recalled what I have so often forgotten to remind Your Honor, that he should not shower me with titles. I would very much prefer he write nothing more than ‘the Rav, etc.’ – for I know myself and my place, and I am unworthy of the customary titles, and from the depths of my heart I am repulsed by them!” This is a remarkable letter that strikingly conveys the personality of the Aderet: On the one hand – in all that pertains to upholding halachah, he is firm and decisive, living by the principle, “Do not be afraid of any man.” On the other hand – when it comes to himself, he is soft and self-effacing, and his soul recoils from honor! The Aderet concludes the letter: ”And here I am, yearning in affection for him, cherishing his lofty stature and Torah, awaiting his joy and success… Eliyahu David Rabinowitz-Teomim of Ponovezh.” Ponovezh, 1890. Four pages in the handwriting and signature of the Aderet. Size: 13.2 x 21.2 cm. Condition: Fair–good. Tears and wear. Rabbi Eliyahu David Rabinowitz-Teomim (1843–1905), also known by his acronym ”Aderet”, was a brilliant Torah prodigy, whose scholarly output flowed continuously from his youth until his final days. At just 29, he was appointed Rav of Ponovezh, a position he held until 1893, after which he moved to Mir. In 1901, he accepted the prestigious role of Rav in Jerusalem, alongside the venerable Rabbi Shmuel Salant, who was 27 years his senior! He passed away in 1905, just four years after settling in Eretz Yisrael. Since his passing, an ever-growing number of chiddushim from his vast Torah legacy continue to be published. Rabbi Yosef Zecharya Stern (1831-1904), Av Beis Din of Shavel, was one of the premier Torah geniuses of the previous generation. His proficiency in all realms of Torah was astounding, and he was described as possessing an unparalleled genius mind. In 1860, before reaching the age of thirty, he published his famous sefer Zecher Yehosef which received the approbation of Rabbi Yaakov Gezundheit, author of Tiferes Yaakov, who wrote: “I stood trembling and astounded by his sharpness and fluency in Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi with all the early and latter Poskim, responsa, and commentaries…” In 1861, he was appointed as Rav of Shavel, where he remained for 43 years until his passing.