Bidspirit auction | “This has always been my

“This has always been my way — to love the truth… even when it is simple and not sharp”: A beautiful letter in the handwriting of the Maharshag – Szemihaly, 1907 * A lengthy 3-page letter of Torah chiddushim in the holy handwriting of the gaon Rabbi Shimon Greenfeld, known as the Maharshag, written at the beginning of his rabbinic tenure in Szemihaly. It was penned on stationery belonging to his father, the gaon Rabbi Yehuda Greenfeld, Av Beis Din of Szemihaly, during the year of mourning for him. The letter contains chiddushim in the laws of borrower and lender, addressing practical ramifications regarding whether a lien (shiabuda) is of Biblical origin, as well as the issue of stipulating interest after the loan. Regarding this, he writes candidly: “I am somewhat personally involved in this matter and not objective, for this reasoning has already been written by me… in chiddushim I composed… as far back as 1892 — and my good fortune is that your honor has arrived at the same conclusion in this matter.” At the conclusion of the letter, the Maharshag writes remarkable words that reveal his path in halachic ruling: “Until now, I have taken delight  in engaging with your honor in words of Torah… Yet it is preferable, in my view, to analyze matters that lead to practical halacha,  to the truth of the Torah —  for this has always been my way: to love the truth,  even when it is simple and not sharp,  for the truth is beloved above all!” Rabbi Shimon Greenfeld, the Maharshag (1861-1930) , was Av Beis Din of Szentmihály and author of the 3-volume Shu”t Maharshag, which includes hundreds of his famous teshuvos. A leading Hungarian Rav, he studied in the yeshivah of Maharam Schick and in his youth traveled to study under Rav Chaim of Sanz, where he was among the select few who fully understood his complex shiurim (see haskamah of the son of the Arugas HaBosem to Shu”t Maharshag). The Yitav Lev also extolled his greatness. He succeeded his father as Rav of Szentmihály, and he maintained a Yeshivah Gedolah there. At the end of the letter, the Maharshag refers to the teshuvos of his illustrious father that had been sent to the recipient and preserved in his possession, writing: “Perhaps the Almighty will grant me the merit to publish them, to bring pleasure to the soul of my revered father, the righteous gaon, of blessed memory.” Szemihaly, 1907 . Folded leaf, three written pages. Size : 14×23 cm. Condition : Good. Printed in Shu”t Maharshag, Vol. III, siman 111. ------------------ At the beginning of the letter, the Maharshag offers exceptional praise of the recipient, writing: “Would that a mother give birth to one like you!” “Your words found great favor in my eyes, for they are spoken with intelligence and understanding, and are rooted in deep, careful analysis — not in the manner of certain scholars who construct elaborate arguments that lack a real foundation. Rather, the path of your honor is a proper and correct one.”