Collection of rare documents in the holy handwriting of Maran Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky; [10] signatures!

Collection of rare documents in the holy handwriting of Maran Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky; [10] signatures!
“Ilan Ilan, with what shall I bless you? Your fruits are sweet, your shade is pleasant, and a spring flows beneath you. May it be His will that all the saplings planted from you shall be like you.”

A rare collection of three important documents, all in the holy handwriting and bearing the signature (ten times!) of the Gadol HaDor, Maran Sar HaTorah, the Gaon Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky. [Bnei Brak], 15th of Shevat, 5726–5735 [1966–1975].

In addition to his unparalleled diligence in Torah study—such that he was considered the very “pillar of Torah” in his generation—Maran Rabbi Chaim also upheld the “pillar of kindness” and personally managed a gemach (interest-free loan fund), whose assets amounted to 4,000 lira—a significant sum in those days.

How did Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, known for his extreme modesty and poverty, come to have such a sum for the purpose of lending? These sacred documents reveal that the money was entrusted to him as a deposit from the estate of R. Y. Halperin, z”l (the Halperin Gemach), which he managed personally.

In his famously scrupulous approach to financial matters, Rabbi Chaim would annually renew the loan agreement in writing with the Halperin Gemach, formally extending the repayment term so that he could continue lending the money to those in need. The documents before us contain his handwritten endorsements and signatures over a ten-year span, from 5726 to 5735.

As is well known, the handwritten writings and signatures of great tzaddikim—across all sectors and traditions—are considered powerful segulot (charms) for protection and success. Here we have three sublime documents with which the Gadol HaDor fulfilled the mitzvah of tzedakah, bearing ten sacred signatures written over ten full years, specifically on Tu BiShvat—the New Year for Trees, a time known to be auspicious for “lasting seed and good fruit.”

[3] Notes, various sizes. All [approx. 120 words] in the holy handwriting and signature of Maran Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky.

Overall condition: Very good to excellent.