The Famous Letter by R. Chaim Volozhiner, Handwritten by His Disciple R. Zundel of Salant, Circa 1850

The Famous Letter by R. Chaim Volozhiner, Handwritten by His Disciple R. Zundel of Salant, Circa 1850

The famous letter written by R. Chaim of Volozhin to his grandson, in the handwriting of his foremost disciple, R. Yosef Zundel of Salant. In this letter, R. Chaim guides his grandson in the correct ways of Limud Hatorah, which is regularly learned in the Yeshiva world till this very day. 

R. Zundel’s transcript is the only-known source of this letter. As such, this manuscript is of utmost importance, since it is the only surviving copy of R. Chaim’s letter, written by none other than R. Zundel of Salant, who is often referred to as the father of the Mussar movement. It first appeared in print in the biography about R. Zundel of Salant (Jerusalem 1927). 

This manuscript also includes additional material on other topics, all handwritten by R. Zundel himself, as follows: 

• Tefillah arranged according to Pesukim, as mentioned in Sefer HaYashar by Rabbeinu Tam. 

• Pesukei Bitachon – verses compiled from Tehilim, to be said as a Segulah in times of need. This Segulah is recorded in many early sources, and the Maharal of Prague would instruct to recite these verses as a Segulah. 

• The abovementioned letter from R. Chaim of Volozhin to his grandson.

• A compilation of laws of Dikduk.

R. Yosef Zundel of Salant (1786-1866), a foremost disciple of R. Chaim of Volozhin and a leading personality of Torah and Mussar. After the death of R. Chaim Volozhin in 1821, R. Zundel would make trips to Poznan, to study under R. Akiva Eiger. In the late 1830s, he emigrated with his family to Jerusalem, where he was known for his erudite scholarship and piety. Soon after his arrival, he was joined by his son-in-law R. Shmuel of Salant, who served as Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem for nearly 70 years. Amongst his disciples is the famed R. Yisroel Slanter, founder of the Mussar movement. 

Altogether four leaves (8 handwritten sides). 16cm. Bound in a magnificent leather binding with gilt decoration.