BERLIN, NAFTALI TZVI YEHUDA (NETZIV) OF VOLOZIN

Volozin

19th Century

Autograph Letter, Signed in Hebrew to R. Elijah Teomim of Manchester thanking him for his generous support of the Yeshiva of Volozin. Among the titles bestowed upon the addressee is the unusual phrase "the sharp, erudite scholar who captures souls with his wisdom…"

The Netziv was the Rosh Yeshiva of Volozin, the foremost Talmudic Academy in Nineteenth Century Russia. An interesting letter which shows the sterling character and radiant personality of the Netziv. The Netziv thanks R. Teomim for his help in buttressing "the stronghold of the Torah" and praises him as "the last remaining vestige of his nation to grasp this mitzvah (supporting Torah) with strength." With humility, he states that he has followed R. Teomim's advice to send a group of letters of encouragement even though he is not sure if he has "hit the target." He thanks him for paving the way with full force and blesses him that; "God should strengthen his pure heart and remove all pain and sorrow. He should merit to derive pleasure from Godliness in this world and shine with a sevenfold brightness in the world to come"