SOLOVEITCHIK, CHAIM.
(“R. Chaim Brisker, ” 1853-1918). Autograph Letter Signed and stamped, written in Hebrew ...

SOLOVEITCHIK, CHAIM.
(“R. Chaim Brisker, ” 1853-1918). Autograph Letter Signed and stamped, written in Hebrew to Baron Horace (Naftali Herz) Günzburg (1833-1909).


In this letter R. Chaim Soloveitchik sets out his reasons for lack of support of the Agudath Israel, then, only an idea in formation. He explains that a proposal for a school system was opposed by the Gedolim of the previous generation, for although such plans initially appear sound, they soon lead to the degradation of religion. As an example he notes the case of the Rabbinical Seminary (of Vilna).
Two pages. 4to.
(Brisk): circa 1909


A Most historic letter. R. Chaim Soloveitchik was the son of the Beis Halevi, R. Yoseph Dov Soloveitchik, the most popular maggid shiur in the Volozhin Yeshiva from 1880 until its closure in 1892. He was the innovator of the popular contemporary method of Talmud study in Lithuanian-oriented yeshivos: “The Brisker derech of lomdus.” He was the rabbi of Brisk (Brest-Litovsk), a position held by his father and son after him. As one of the most significant rabbinic leaders of Europe it would have been natural for him to have been in communication concerning vital developments relating to broader communal affairs. - In this case, corresponding with the politically well-connected Russian philanthropist, Baron Günzburg, who was particularly influential in the Czar’s government and by way of his stature, sought to improve the financial and social conditions of his Jewish brethren.