A letter from Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir Yeshiva, to Rabbi Simcha Elberg, chairman of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis in the United States.
Specifications: [1] air letter. 28×18 cm.
Unique Features: Signed autograph. Dated the eve of Succot 1962. His signature appears three times in the letter.
Background: Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz [1902-1978]. Grandson of the Alter of Novardok and son-in-law of Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel. Known in his youth as the ‘Genius from Stutchin’. Served as Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir Yeshiva for many years and as a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah of Agudath Israel. He was known for his tremendous righteousness, in addition to being a great scholar. With the outbreak of the Second World War, the Mir Yeshiva was exiled to Shanghai, Japan for five and half years. Despite the yeshiva’s impossible financial condition, Rabbi Chaim took responsibility for the financial situation of all of the yeshivot exiled to the city, including the Lubavitch, Kletsk and Kaminetz yeshivot. One of the most prominent Rabbis, known especially for his incredible diligence and his outstanding lectures. Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach eulogized him: “Since Rabbi Chaim died there is no more diligence in the world”.
Condition: Very fine, folding marks, a tiny tear on the fold.