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Lot : 37
Founding of Agudas Yisrael / The Shechitah Decree / The Rabbanus of Jerusalem
Fascinating Historical Letter Handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, Vilna 1912
Founding of Agudas Yisrael / The Shechitah Decree / The Rabbanus of Jerusalem
Fascinating Historical Letter Handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, Vilna 1912
Historic letter in the handwriting of the gaon Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, addressing all the pressing public matters that stood at the forefront at that time: the founding of Agudas Yisrael, the government decree threatening shechitah, and the issue of the rabbanus of Jerusalem.
The letter reflects Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski’s stature as the “Rav of all the Bnei HaGolah, ” the patron and leader of the generation for some fifty years.
At the outset, Rabbi Chaim Ozer expresses his opposition to a merger of Agudas Yisrael with the Mizrachi movement, writing that “a merging with the Mizrochnikim is kilayim” (an ill-matched alliance).
He later proposes a date for the convening of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah (the Katowice conference).
Further on, he writes that he intends to travel to St. Petersburg in order to deal with the shechitah decree.
He also discusses the appointment of a Rav for the holy city of Jerusalem, a position that had remained vacant since the passing of Rabbi Shmuel Salant in 1909, an issue with which Rabbi Chaim Ozer was deeply involved. He writes that he plans to send the letter of rabbanus to the Rav of Shavel (Rabbi Meir Atlas, his father-in-law in a second marriage), and that he sees no particular reason why the appointment should not go through. Yet he adds the words of Chazal, “many obstacles may stand between here and Gichon” — and indeed, his concern proved justified, for in the end, the rabbanus did not materialize.
The letter was sent to the gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac HaLevy, author of Doros HaRishonim and one of the founders of Agudas Yisrael.
The closing lines of the letter offer a touching glimpse of Rabbi Chaim Ozer’s compassionate nature. Despite his many pressing responsibilities, he does not forget to ask if the cough afflicting Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac HaLevi’s son has subsided.
Vilna, Teves 1912. Official letterhead,
signed twice, in good condition.
signed twice, in good condition.
The letter was published in Iggros Rabbi Chaim Ozer, vol. I, letter 166.
__________________________
Transcription of the Letter:
B”H, Sunday 27 Teves 5672 (1912), Vilna
To my esteemed friend, Harav Hagaon Y. A. HaLevi,
I hope this finds you well.
I duly received your two letters from 22 and 24 Teves, and today I also received a lengthy letter from Frankfurt.
Joining forces with Mizrachi would be “kilayim” (a prohibited combination). If the respected activists, Mr. Manischewitz and Mr. Horowitz, remain firm in their position, nothing will come of it, since the rabbanim and the strictly observant will not participate in anything that could be seen as an endorsement of Mizrachi. Naturally, when they come to see me, I will tell them exactly how I feel about the matter. The course I consider most desirable would be for them to join forces with the Vereinigung (Association).
You ask my opinion as to when the meeting of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah should be held. I believe the middle of Iyar would be an appropriate time. Rosh Chodesh Adar would leave too little time for preparations, particularly as the invitations have not yet been sent out. Moreover, as matters now stand, it appears that I and several other rabbanim will have to travel to St. Petersburg regarding the question of shechitah.
If the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah meets in the middle of Iyar, there will still be ample time to schedule the Congress for Elul. In my opinion, there is no reason for such urgency. The provisional committee consists of capable men, and we can rely on them to continue their work in the meantime.
It would certainly be worthwhile for you to attend the meeting. Perhaps they will succeed in reaching an understanding with the Rav, which would certainly be a welcome outcome.
Regarding the rabbinic position in the Holy City, I received on Friday the ksav rabbanus for the Rav of Shavel, together with a letter addressed to him. I sent the letter to him by express mail, and I intend to send the ksav rabbanus with a special messenger. I believe that once he gives his definite consent, he will not change his mind. Still, as Chazal teach us, many obstacles can arise before a matter is finally brought to completion.
I hope to travel to St. Petersburg in about two weeks. The only thing that may prevent me is that my health has been somewhat weak these past few days, but with Hashem’s help, all will be well.
Your devoted friend, who holds you in the highest esteem and respect,
Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky
