Aerogram (22 lines), handwritten and signed by R. Aharon Kotler, dean of the Lakewood yeshiva in the United States. New York, 21st Av [August] 1960.
Addressed to R. Yechezkel Abramsky in London, president of the Vaad HaYeshivot and Independent Education System, then a leader of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Eretz Israel, who was visiting his family in London at the time. The letter discusses activities on behalf of the Vaad HaYeshivot in Eretz Israel. R. Aharon Kotler also suggests R. Abramsky visit the United States to contribute his efforts to a related conference.
R. Aharon Kotler goes on to write of various activities for the yeshivas in Israel and the Independent Education System (Chinuch Atzma'i) in Israel, mentioning R. Zalman Sorotzkin and various philanthropists and activists.
R. Aharon Kotler describes the failure of Poalei Agudat Yisrael's attempt to compromise the independence of the Independent Education System, and the improving relations since the appointment of Abba Eban as Minister of Education, as he was a longtime supporter of the Independent Education System. [For more details on Poalei Agudat Yisrael's attempted interference in the Independent Education System, see R. Aharon Kotler's previous later, dated 2nd Av 1960 (Kedem Auction 101, Lot 208)].
R. Aharon Kotler concludes with blessings and his signature, "Aharon Kotler".
R. Aharon Kotler (1892-1962), disciple of the Alter of Slabodka, famous for his brilliance (while he was still a young student, the Or Sameach predicted that he would be the "R. Akiva Eger" of the next generation). He was the son-in-law of R. Isser Zalman Meltzer. He served as lecturer and dean of the Slutsk yeshiva, and during World War I, he fled with the yeshiva students to Poland, reestablishing the yeshiva in Kletsk. He was one of the yeshiva deans closely associated with R. Chaim Ozer and the Chafetz Chaim. A founder of Vaad HaYeshivot and member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Lithuania.
During the Holocaust, he escaped to the United States, and established the famous Lakewood yeshiva in New Jersey (which revolutionized the yeshiva world in the United States by inculcating its students with the passion and absolute devotion to Torah study that was typical of Lithuanian yeshivot). He was one of the heads of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in the United States, and dedicated much of his later years to activity on behalf of the Independent Education System in Eretz Israel.
Aerogram. 18.5X30.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and some tears.
