Lengthy and important letter [approximately 18 lines], entirely handwritten and signed by Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, to the rosh yeshivah of Etz Chaim in Jerusalem, the gaon Rabbi Yechiel Michel Tukachinsky and the gaon Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Zeleznik, with respect to the appointment of the ‘Darchei David’ to the administration of the institutions.
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, known as the sage of the Jews [חכימא דיהודאי], is interested in appointing the gaon Rabbi Mordechai David Levine (1879-1967), author of Darkei David, to administer the institutions, and in his wisdom, he does not give the rashei yeshivah of Etz Chaim any way of avoiding fulfilling his request. He emphasizes to them how important this appointment is to the institution itself, and how appropriate the ‘Darkei David’ is for this appointment, “This elevated position befits him.” He also hints at hidden reasons: “And beyond what is written here are reasons you will understand on your own.” He leaves no room for refusal: “I await your positive response today.” Rabbi Yosef Chaim concludes his letter with an interesting signature: “Signed together with … Saba Kaddisha, the great gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Yerucham Diskin shlit”a, the small one, Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld .
[1] leaf paper, approximately 15×22 cm. Ink on official stationery. Entirely in his hand, with his signature.
Fine condition. Fold marks. Aging stains. Two tiny tears in the margins without damage to text.