Comments in the hand of Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, the Chazon Ish, on the “Seder Hafrashat Terumot U’Maasrot al pi Piski HaChazon Ish” (Order for separating termuot and maasrot according to the halachic decisions of the Chazon Ish.) Printed proofs with many supplements, erasures and revisions in the hand of the Chazon Ish. [1940].
Specifications: [3] leaves – proofs. 23×19 cm.
Unique features: These leaves bear dozens of erasures, revisions, changes and supplements, including lengthy sentences, many words added in parentheses, and sentences marked with an asterisk in the margins. All these corrections were written in the hand of the Chazon Ish, who was very punctilious in halacha for the community. The printed work included these revisions, corrections and supplements. Interestingly, the original printed title uses the honorific “HaGaon HaChassid HaAmiti” in its reference to the Chazon Ish. Here, on the proofs, the Chazon Ish put parentheses around the honorifics, indicating that they should not be printed. The first edition that was printed didn’t include these honorifics, instead, it just states, “according to the halachic decisions of the author of the Chazon Ish shlit”a.”
Background: The Chazon Ish helped reinvigorate observance of the Land-of-Israel-dependent-mitzvahs, particularly among the new yishuv. He was heavily involved in deciding the relevant application of these mitzvahs, since many of the prominent rabbis who recently settled in the Land of Israel were not experts in this area. His format for separating terumot and ma’asrot [tithes] is very well known, including the text recited during the act of separation. His text became the fundamental version and was printed in many editions at the end of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and many prayer books. This version is used in practical halachah to this day. These are proofs of the leaves printed at the end of a booklet of Hilchot Kilaim V’Arla that was arranged by the Agudah Youth Kibbutz in Kfar Saba. The Chazon Ish was heavily involved in deciding applicable halachic question for the Orthodox kibbutzim in Kfar Saba and Chafetz Chaim. There is a note at the beginning of the booklet that its content was reviewed by the Chazon Ish and his suggested changes and supplements were incorporated before the book was printed. Prior to the “Seder Hafrashat Terumot U’Maasrot” there is a note that the text was organized by [Rabbi Kalman Kahana] who arranged the booklet, and corrected by the Chazon Ish shlit”a.
Condition: Fine. The leaves were professionally restored, primarily in the blank margins. Light blemishes to a number of solitary words.