Rare and lengthy letter bearing very important contents, entirely [42 lines] handwritten and signed by the gaon Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth, one of the leading poskim in Europe. Sent to Moharatz”a HaLevi Ish Horowitz. Antwerp, 1964. Letters from the gaon Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth usually bear his signature only, but this rare letter is exceptional, as it is written entirely in his hand.
Over the generations, Jews have always consulted a rabbi or an Admo”r when confronted with an important decision that is difficult to determine – even for non-halachic matters, as if asking for direction from Above. The rabbi would render his decision and the petitioner would act accordingly. There have been those who have mocked this ancient custom, by asking “How will this save us? Does he experience prophecy by which he can decide one way or the other? ”
This important and exceptional letter demonstrates the responsibility and weightiness with which the gaon Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth approaches an inquiry, how he ponders and deliberates what is best for the petitioner, materially and spiritually – and not just for him, but with consideration for his descendants! And not just for the questioner’s own family, but what the influence of the decision will be on the community the questioner serves at present, and what the influence might be on communities he will serve in the future. The gaon Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth deliberates this question even more than the one who asked it! Rabbi Kreiswirth is not satisfied until he plans to himself establish, at his own expense, Torah and chessed institutions for the petitioner in his new community! Indeed, here is a concrete example of a response by a rabbi – not prophetic – possibly even well beyond prophecy!
Background: The addressee, Rabbi Horowitz, consults with Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth with the question whether he should leave Miami Beach, where he is serving as rabbi, and take the rabbinic position in Long Beach. Rabbi Kreiswirth answers him in his letter with a detailed response in which he advises him to move. This letter here was written just a few days later, and it is marvelous in its simplicity-greatness. Rabbi Chaim writes to him that a short time after sending his first letter, he had some doubts as to whether he “advised him improperly, perhaps it was a mistake, maybe it is better for you and your family to stay … These thoughts caused me to rethink the issue, and I seriously reconsidered it. I feel a great responsibility advising regarding such a weighty matter, and I fear misadvising …” After such an important introduction, it would appear that R’ Chaim is retracting his original counsel. Not at all! “Yet after all this, I stand firm with my decision that you should leave Miami…”
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth .
[1] leaf paper, Official stationery. 18×27 cm.
Very fine condition. Fold mark. Small ink stain.