KAGAN, ISRAEL MEIR OF RADIN.

R. Israel Meir Kagan (1838-1933) was universally acclaimed as the preeminent Halachic decisor and “tzaddik” of the generation. He is referred today as the “Chafetz Chaim" after the title of his guide to the laws pertaining to “lashon ha-ra” or malicious gossip. His reputation as Halachist par-excellence rests on his work “Mishnah Berurah,” a running comentary to Shulchan Aruch, Section Orach Chaim. The recipient of this letter, Rabbi Yehuda Leib Chasman (1867-1936), was appointed Mashgiach of the Telz Yeshiva and later, in 1908, with the approval of the Chafetz Chaim, established his own Yeshiva in Stutzin. In 1926, he emigrated to Eretz Israel, serving as Mashgiach of the Yeshiva in Hebron. This cryptic letter clearly concerns a controversial matter. The Chafetz Chaim states, “I am still of the opinion that nothing can be done without a meeting. Simply issuing an announcement will not help in this matter...Much thought must be given as to whom to invite to the meeting, especially in a place were there are two Rabbis. You should consult with R. Chaim Ozer. My name should not be mentioned in the invitation to the Rabbis or as guarantor of any expenses. However you may say that any announcment has been printed with my approval. May God lead us to the true path...”