(Spiritual leader of Vilna, 1863-1940). Autograph Letter Signed, in Hebrew on letterhead, written to the Chofetz Chaim (although unnamed).

GRODZENSKI, CHAIM OZER.

14th Kislev

Vilna

1921

Concerning the Chofetz Chaim’s intention to withdraw from public affairs and emigrate to Eretz Israel.

Formerly in the collection of the late Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Landman of Strelisk, Bnei Braq.

The leadership of Israel Meir (HaKohen) Kagan (1838-1933), known popularly as the Chofetz Chaim, was of enormous influence throughout Lithuanian Jewry and beyond. He was known to have sought to retire from European communal affairs in order to settle in Eretz Israel and in this important letter, his close colleague, the preeminent leader of Vilna, R. Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, urges him to stay with his flock in Europe. “I am startled your honor writes that due to troubles [in Orthodox Jewish life] you are deliberating about settling down in a cherished spot in order to learn in peace. It is incumbent upon you to stand in the breach. My friend, according to my own weakened condition, after working more than forty years and following all the associated hardships that have befallen me due to our many sins – along with the grief and distress from so many problems which cannot be measured…I am sure that it too would be best for my health to rest in a quiet spot in the Holy Land. But I must not even think of this. We must strengthen ourselves and the weak one must say I am strong. We must work and God will bless [our efforts]. I anticipate we will eradicate those who devise evil plans wishing to destroy the Torah from within or from without.” AN HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT LETTER BETWEEN TWO ICONIC LUMINARIES CONCERNING A JEWISH LEADER’S ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY TO GUIDE THE JEWS OF HIS GENERATION.