Lengthy and interesting letter about selecting a rabbi, and the traits required for a rabbi, by Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev Soloveitchik of Brisk. Brisk, 1933.
The letter is addressed to the Brussels community in Belgium, about Rabbi Yitzchak Turetz, son-in-law of Rabbi Baruch Levovitz, author of Birkat Shmuel . The Brisker Rav writes: “Word is that your city is considering appointing Rabbi Yitzchak Turetz as rabbi of your community, a son-in-law of the tzaddik, wonder of the generation in his Torah and with his righteousness, Rabbi Baruch DovBer Levovitz, shlit”a, lecturer at the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshivah in Kaminetz …” His signature is at the end of the lengthy letter: “Yitzchak Ze’ev son of the pious gaon Rabbi Chaim HaLevi ztzukllh”h Soloveitchik, ” with his official stamp.
People often struggle with the question of who is suited to serve in the rabbinate, and what the necessary talents are for this role. In this important letter before us, Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev lays out his clear instructions – as with everything he did – in a detailed manner, as to what the necessary traits are for someone who wants to serve in the rabbinate, or, in his golden literary tongue: “All the virtues the rabbinate requires: sharpness and expertise; a good grasp of mundane matters; a sermonizer; possessed of a wise heart; mixes among the people; brings peace between man and his brother; with the ability to manage the city’s issues.” It is interesting to see that in Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev’s opinion, Torah knowledge constitutes only one of seven virtues required for a rabbi!
Rabbi Yitzchak Turetz succeeded in fulfilling his hope and ascended to the Land of Israel. He served as rabbi of Bat Galim in Haifa where he revived religion in the city. He lived in Bnei Brak in his final years, and passed away there in 1967.
[1] leaf official stationery, 27×21 cm. Entirely in his hand, with his signature and stamp.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks. Tiny tears in the folds, professionally restored.