(The Rogatchover Gaon. Author of Tzafnath Pa’aneach, 1858-1936). Autograph Letter Signed in Hebrew, written to R. David Potash of Tel Aviv.

The Rogatchover was perhaps the greatest Talmudic geniuses of the 20th century with a remarkable ability for penetrating analytic conceptualizations. In what could have been a simple thank-you note, is instead packed with concepts relating to Sukoth: Citing a Yerushalmi and Torath Kohanim, noting that only in the Beth Hamikdash does one fulfill the commandment of “Usmachtem.” He further discusses the importance of shaking the Lulav which has the potential of removing heretical thoughts, along with an explanation for Simchath Beith Hasho’evah. The Rogatchover concludes by stating he hopes to emigrate from Dvinsk.