Bidspirit auction | Letter of Congratulations from the

Letter of Congratulations from the Netziv of Volozhin to Rabbi Naftali Adler of London upon His Appointment as Chief Rabbi of Great Britain – 1891 * A beautiful handwritten and autographed letter by Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin, to Rabbi Naftali Tzvi (Hermann) HaKohen Adler of London. The letter conveys the Netziv's heartfelt blessings on Rabbi Adler's appointment as Chief Rabbi of Great Britain and Av Beis Din of London, succeeding his father, Rabbi Nathan (Marcus) HaKohen Adler, author of Netinah LaGer, who had passed away in January 1890. The Netziv's remarkable letter of blessing is filled with warmth and admiration. He writes: “May Hashem lovingly shine His countenance upon the distinguished Kohen who blesses His people with love — our master, Rabbi Naftali Tzvi HaKohen, known as Hermann Adler, shlita. Hashem has bestowed upon you great honor, elevating you to the illustrious position of Chief Rabbi of the Jewish communities throughout the British Kingdom. I was delighted to learn that Your Eminence has been appointed to this office, meriting to succeed your saintly and righteous father. May your influence extend both near and far. From your lofty position, may your humility only deepen, inspiring you to look after your dispersed brethren and to find ways to bring comfort and assistance to those in need. May the merit of the many, and of the faithful people of Yisrael, rest upon Your Eminence, the leader of our nation. May Yehudah and Yisrael be redeemed in your days and in ours, and may you merit to witness the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash and serve Hashem there once again.” He concludes with the heartfelt words: “With admiration and blessings, Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin.” The office of Chief Rabbi of Great Britain served as the official leadership of Jewish communities throughout the British Empire and was one of the most prestigious rabbinic positions in the Jewish world, enjoying broad public recognition and official government standing. Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin (1816–1893), known as the Netziv, was Av Beis Din and Rosh Yeshiva of the famed Volozhin Yeshiva, and author of Ha'emek Davar, Ha'emek She'eilah, and Meishiv Davar. He was a leading Torah giant in his generation, and headed the Volozhin Yeshiva, known as the “mother of all yeshivos, ” for approximately fifty years, educating thousands of students. His many works became sifrei yesod. Rabbi Naftali HaKohen Adler (1839–1911) , a native of Germany, moved to London in 1845 when his father, Rabbi Nathan HaKohen Adler, was appointed Av Beis Din of London. An outstanding Torah scholar and intellectual, he also studied under Rabbi Shlomo Yehudah Rapoport of Prague. Throughout his father's tenure, he stood by his side and assisted in the leadership of the community, and upon his father's passing, was appointed as his successor, becoming the official Jewish representative of the British Empire — a position of considerable influence. The letter is written on an official letterhead, which is rare . It seems it was in use from around 1890. The Volozhin Yeshiva was closed in 1892, and the Netziv passed away the following year. Volozhin, 1891. The entire letter is in the handwriting and with the signature of the Netziv. Size: 13 × 20.8 cm. Condition: Good. Small hole at the top of the leaf (not affecting the text). A few stains.