SOLOVEITCHIK, CHAIM.

16 Elul

(Brisk)

1915

(“R. Chaim Brisker,” 1853-1918). Autograph Letter Signed, in Hebrew, on his letterhead. Written to Rabbi Yehudah Leib Zirelson (1859-1941) Chief Rabbi of Kishinev and Bessarabia. A lengthy New Year greetings and letter of recommendation requesting that Rabbi Zirelson help the bearer of this letter.

The predominant talmudist of his day, R. Chaim was a paragon of charity and communal activity, especially known for his disposition to help needy scholars. The letter commences with a New Year’s greeting that Rabbi Zirelson should be written and signed for “Chaim Tovim Ve’aruchim Besifran shel Tzadikim” This is followed by unusual (for R. Chaim) honorific titles for Rabbi Zirelson: “Ma’alath Kevod Yedidi Harav HaGaon HaMefursam Sinai Ve’oker Harim.” He requests that Rabbi Zirelson assist “the bearer of this letter, the God-fearing scholar S.Z. Zuckerman, who is most worthy of your close friendship as “Yikratho Harbei Meod” (he is very dear and honorable). Rabbi Yehudah Leib Zirelson, a leading member of Agudath Israel, was one of the most prominent Rabbis at the turn of the century, until his death. He was very active in organizing aid for Jewish refugees affected by the dislocations as a result of World War I. His publications included the responsa collection Gevul Yehudah (1906 and 1912), and the responsa and sermon collections Hegyon Lev, Ma‘arechei Lev and Lev Yehudah. This letter clearly displays the exceptionally high opinion and great esteem that R. Chaim of Brisk held for both Rabbi Zirelson and Rabbi Zuckerman.