Before us is a rare and important lengthy halachic ruling [over 100 words] that deals with the attitude of the gaon Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael Kanievsky – the “Steipler” – to religious Zionism. The ruling is entirely in the Steipler’s hand and with his signature. The halachic ruling was written on the letter bearing the question, such that all the particulars of the question can be seen.
The ruling was given as a response to Rabbi Avraham Kavelkin’s question as to whether to recommend to a prominent Torah scholar, one of the rabbinic leaders of Jerusalem, who is suffering greatly, for the position of rosh yeshivah (the yeshivah’s name is mentioned in this letter, but out of respect, we won’t mention it), or, should he not do this, and possibly also dissuade this Torah scholar from his intention. Due to the urgency of the matter, Rabbi Kavelkin requests that the Steipler respond to him in writing via the messenger bearing this letter.
From the Steipler’s response, we can see his (negative) opinion of said yeshivah. The Steipler preliminarily states: “These matters cannot be rendered for halachic ruling” – and for this he relies on the Brisker Rav who answered a similar question as follows: “I cannot intervene in matters of your livelihood.” The Steipler then hammers in his shocking decision: the standing of this yeshivah will be strengthened by said Torah scholar serving as its rosh yeshivah, and its prestige will increase, so this Torah scholar may not serve as rosh yeshivah there! And if the other candidates are like him, and there is no preference for him over them, there is room to be lenient.”
[1] leaf paper, 20×21 cm. Rabbi Kavelkin’s question is in the center of the leaf, and the Steipler’s response surrounds it – [106] words in his hand and with his signature.
Very fine condition. Fold marks, tiny tears in the folds and in the margins without damage to text.