Bidspirit auction | Letter from Rabbi Chaim HaLevi

Letter from Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik of Brisk Regarding the Lomza Yeshiva – 1908 * A letter bearing the handwritten signature of Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik of Brisk, calling for support of the illustrious Lomza Yeshiva and its Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer Shulevitz, a disciple of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. The letter opens with stirring words on the vital role of yeshivos as the foundation upon which the continued existence of the Jewish people and its Torah rests — words that remain relevant in every generation, and particularly in our own: “It is well known that diligent Torah study and the support of yeshivos are what have sustained us throughout the generations, producing great Torah scholars and pillars of halachic authority who illuminate the Jewish people with the light of mitzvos and Torah. It is this that has ensured that Torah would never be forgotten from Klal Yisrael… Now, when devotion to Torah study is weakening, how much greater is our obligation to increase the number of yeshivos that spread Torah wisdom — for they alone are the hope of our surviving remnant, and from them Torah shall go forth to Klal Yisrael.” Rabbi Chaim then praises the eminent Rabbi Eliezer Shulevitz and the Lomza Yeshiva, describing it as containing “a large gathering of outstanding young men who study with extraordinary diligence — exceptionally worthy students endowed with the ability and potential to bring great benefit to Klal Yisrael… It is a place for the advancement of Torah and the development of Gedolei Torah.” At the conclusion of the letter, Rabbi Chaim blesses those who support the yeshiva: “In this merit, may they be blessed with life, happiness, prosperity, and honor, and may all their wishes be fulfilled, as it is written: 'Blessed is he who upholds…'” He concludes in his own handwriting: “Signed, Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik.” To the best of Zaidy’s research, the present letter has never been published . It does not appear in Chiddushei HaGraCh HaShalem – Letters and Correspondence (2004). Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik (1853–1918) was one of the greatest Torah scholars and spiritual leaders of recent generations. His distinct method of thinking and learning left an enduring mark on methods of study throughout the yeshiva world, and countless learners follow his path. He was described as: “The master of Torah, a true and pious gaon, teacher of all Yisrael, who charted a course through the sea of the Talmud and paved a new path toward true knowledge and understanding of Torah. He established legions of students, by the hundreds and thousands.” The Lomza Yeshiva ranked as one of the most important yeshivos in Lithuania and Poland and was home to hundreds of students. It was founded by Rabbi Eliezer Shulevitz, one of the leading disciples of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. Many of its students went on to become outstanding Gedolei Torah, as attested to by the Gedolei Hador, including the Chofetz Chaim and Rabbi Chaim of Brisk. Admission was granted only to students who presented a letter of recommendation from the rav of their hometown. For younger students who were not yet ready to enter the yeshiva gedolah, nearly ten yeshiva ketanos were established throughout the Lomza region. Rabbi Chaim of Brisk was an enthusiastic supporter of the Lomza Yeshiva. It is known that he wrote another, shorter letter in support of the yeshiva approximately a decade before the present letter; see Ohr Eliezer, Vol. I, at the beginning of the sefer. Rabbi Chaim of Brisk probably knew Rabbi Eliezer Shulevitz — who was approximately six years his senior — from the period during which they studied at the Volozhin Yeshiva. Rabbi Chaim was the son of the Beis HaLevi, one of the heads of the Volozhin Yeshiva. Brisk, 1908 . The year originally appears to have been written as 1905 and subsequently corrected by hand to 1908. Size: 17.5 × 24.5 cm. Condition: Good. Minor tears along the margins. Stains. Mounted on an old notebook leaf. Accompanying the letter is a printed receipt issued by the Lomza Yeshiva and sent to a benefactor, completed by hand and signed by one of the yeshiva’s administrators with the words: “On behalf of Eliezer Shulevitz” — indicating that he signed in the name of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer Shulevitz. A rare surviving relic of the famed yeshiva. At the foot of the receipt is a line printed in a foreign language recording the approval of the censor, Odessa, 1906.