A letter with the stamp and handwritten signatures of the brothers: Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski and his brother Rabbi Zvi Hirsch, dated 5th Adar [February 2] 1937.
Specifications: [1] official (squared) paper leaf of the Ramailis yeshiva in Vilna. 27×21 cm.
Content: The handwritten letter is addressed to Rabbi Zvi Hirsch HaCohen, Rabbi of Montreal and Chief Rabbi of Canada, and discusses support for the yeshiva. It is signed by Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Grodzinski, the yeshiva’s director. At the end of the letter is confirmation of the request and blessings with the handwritten signature of Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski.
Unique Features: The letter is from 1937, when antisemitism in Europe escalated prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. The director of the yeshiva writes, “Due to the crisis and the antisemitic movement in our country, almost all income has ceased”.
Background: Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940), one of the leaders of the Lithuanian Torah world, Rabbi of Vilna (despite not serving as its official Rabbi, as no official Rabbi was appointed to Vilna after the Vilna Gaon’s death, out of respect for him). President of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah and author of the book of responsa Shu”t Achiezer. Considered the leader of Lithuanian Orthodox Jewry at a time when great Rabbis such as the Chafetz Chaim and Rabbi Chaim of Brisk were alive. The Chafetz Chaim referred to him as “the president of the Jewish people”.
Condition: Very fine. Folding marks.