Important and Interesting Letter by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski

Important and Interesting Letter by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski

Important and interesting letter from Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski sent to Vaad HaPoal of Poalei Agudat Israel in the Holy Land. Vilna, 1938.

Specifications: [1] leaf, official paper. 22x28 cm. Written by a scribe, with an additional word and signature in Rabbi Grodzinski's handwriting.

Letter in which more is concealed than known. Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski writes that he received the telegram, and immediately sent letters to the American Rabbinical Assembly and Cincinnati's rabbi (apparently Rabbi Eliezer Silver), and mentions the delegation headed by Rabbi Meir Karelitz. He also writes about the proclamation to be published, and proposes asking the rabbis of the Land of Israel, especially Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky. He concludes: "But I do not know the present relationship between Agudat Israel and Poalei Agudat Israel." 

It appears that the letter deals with assisting those who observe shemmitah in the new settlements in the Land of Israel connected to Poalei Agudat Israel. Rabbi Meir Karelitz, the Chazon Ish's brother, upon immigration to the Land of Israel, became rabbi of the PAI party. It is also known that when Rabbi Chaim Ozer was asked halakhic questions from the Land of Israel, he referred the questioners to the Chazon Ish.

Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940), was among the Torah leaders of Lithuania. He was Vilna's rabbi (although his service was unofficial, since subsequent to the Vilna Gaon's passing Vilna ceased to appoint an official rabbi, in honor of the GR"A). He was president of the Council of Torah Sages, author of Shu"t Achiezer, and was considered leader of the Lithuanian Ultra-Orthodox community during the period in which the world's greatest lived, such as the Chafetz Chaim and Rabbi Chaim of Brisk. The Chafetz Chaim even called him "Nasi Klal Yisrael."

Condition: Moderate-fine. Minor tears at edges without damage to text. Stains.