Interesting Letter by the Gaon Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh

Interesting Letter by the Gaon Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh

Letter by Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Rabinowitz of Ponevezh - Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh, to Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Bloch, rabbi of Plungė. 1899.

Specifications: [1] leaf, written on both sides. 21X13 cm. Entirely in his handwriting and with his signature.

Content: In the letter, Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh writes his dear friend Rabbi Chaim Yitzhak Bloch of his intention to convene a meeting of regional rabbis regarding several repairs. And thus they should do in other districts, "and perhaps we will succeed with G-d's help to accomplish a deed for elevating Judaism." Rabbi Itzele adds that he hastened to inform him, because perhaps he will have the opportunity to raise interest. The pages' reverse side contains part of a halakhic response regarding a mikvah, sent by Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh to Rabbi Bloch.

Background: Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Rabinowitz, known as Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh, was born in Lithuania in 1854. He studied with Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, the "Beit HaLevi," and was a learning partner with his son, Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik. He was the rosh yeshiva of Knesset Yisrael in Slobodka, but left after a disagreement regarding the study of mussar. In 1895, he was appointed rabbi of Ponevezh, where he taught a seminar of learned young men. During the First World War, he left the city, and when he returned to Ponevezh a typhus epidemic broke out. He dedicated himself to helping the ill, caught the disease, and passed away on the 20th of Adar, 1919. 

Condition: Moderate. Tears without lack, and stains.