Letter about the book Besamim Rosh – fundamentals of faith and emunat chachamim . Handwritten and signed by the gaon Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael Kanievsky.
The letter deals with the book Besamim Rosh which was printed by Rabbi Shaul Levin in 1793. According to Rabbi Shaul Levin, the book is a work by Rabbeinu the Ro”sh, and he added comments entitled ‘Kiseh D’Harsenah.’ There were those who objected to the book, beginning from right after it was printed. There were those who attributed it to Rabbi Shaul Berlin, who wanted to rely on something bigger, and there are those who wrote that most of the book is by the Ro”sh, but there are later additions. On one hand, the Chatam Sofer called it Kizvei HaRo”sh , and there is even someone who wrote that the book should be burned on Yom Kippur that falls out on Shabbat. On the other hand, there are those who completely accepted the book. This dispute has not been entirely settled to this day. Even among those who opposed the book, there are some that cite it and discuss its words.
The Steipler was asked about whether “our opinion” should be voiced about the author, and he wrote four reasons not to publicize it, while covering all aspects of the topic and with the careful balance of da’at Torah . His words clearly indicate that he opposes verifying the book and its author.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael Kanievsky .
This letter was printed in Kreina D’Iggerta (Bnei Brak, 2011), Part III, letter 853.
[1] leaf paper. 20×16 cm. Fine condition. Minimal creases.