Lengthy letter (2 large pages, 63 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (the Steipler Gaon). Bnei Brak, "Thursday, Korach" [24th Sivan] 1951.
Addressed to his mechutan, R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, during the engagement period of his son R. Chaim Kanievsky to Rebbetzin Batsheva, R. Elyashiv's eldest daughter (the engagement was on Lag BaOmer 1951, and the wedding took place the following Kislev). In the letter, the Steipler tells how he paid key money to rent an apartment he had found for the young couple: "…I write to inform you that thank G-d, we got to rent a fine apartment for the couple here in Bnei Brak, second floor, a nice room with a kitchen, bathroom and the rest… The apartment is really worth double or more; the landlord could have asked for 1,000 lira immediately, but they are honorable people of the city who love the Torah very much, and they are leasing the house to us for love of Torah, may G-d reward them in this world and the next".
He goes on to write about Torah issues on various topics, which R. Yosef Shalom had discussed with him in a previous letter (regarding destroying chametz which became Notar, spilling of sacrificial blood, and Meilah by eating something worth less than a Perutah).
The Steipler concludes the letter by blessing the mechutanim and "the excellent bride": "I sign with all concluding blessings to you, with the honorable family, and especially the dear, excellent bride, seeking your welfare with much love, hoping for G-d's great kindness, Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky".
R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (1899-1985), a leading Torah scholar of the past generation. He was known as the Steipler, an appellation derived from his hometown Hornostaipil, Ukraine. A foremost student of the Novardok yeshivas in Ukraine and Poland, he was reputed as one of the most diligent and scholarly students in the yeshiva world. Following his marriage to the sister of the Chazon Ish, he was appointed dean of the Novardok yeshiva in Pinsk, and in 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel to serve as dean of the Beit Yosef Novardok yeshiva in Bnei Brak. For many years, he lived in Bnei Brak in the same house as his brother-in-law, the Chazon Ish. After the yeshiva shut down, he continued his studies in Kollel Chazon Ish and in his home, and authored the Kehillot Yaakov series on most Talmudic topics and tractates. He was known as a wonder-worker benefiting from Divine Inspiration, and many sought his blessings and counsel.
The match between R. Chaim Kanievsky (1928-2022) and Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky (1932-2012), eldest daughter of R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, was concluded upon the advice of the groom's uncle, the Chazon Ish, who stated that as a daughter of a veritable Torah scholar, she was truly suited for him. R. Elyashiv later retold that when he consulted the Chazon Ish about the match, the latter praised the prospective groom profusely, even predicting that R. Chaim would one day be an outstanding Torah scholar renowned for his breadth of knowledge, just like the Rogatchover. When R. Elyashiv related this decades later, he added that at the time, it seemed to him that the Chazon Ish was overstating, as is customary for matchmaking, but in truth the prediction of the Chazon Ish was realized in full.
The Steipler, father of R. Chaim Kanievsky, held his mechutan R. Elyashiv in high regard, and would refer to him halachic questions and names to be mentioned in prayer and for blessings. He even sent people to be blessed by his daughter-in-law Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky, as a woman of holy lineage. Over the years, her great abilities were publicized, and many experienced salvations as a result of her prayers and blessings. Thousands of women flocked to Rebbetzin Batsheva, seeking her heartfelt encouragement and wise counsel.
[1] leaf. Official stationery. 30 cm. Written on both sides (63 lines in his handwriting). Good condition. Creases and folding marks.
The present letter was published in various forums, including Yeshurun (XXVIII, Nisan 2013, pp. 311-312).
