Auction 82 - Part II - Books and Letters from the Rabbi Yaakov Landau Family Collection
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Lengthy and exceptional letter of Torah thoughts, handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk. Dvinsk, 1932.
Remarkable letter, sent to R. Yaakov Landau, with a pilpul on the topic of reciting Tachanun on the days following Shavuot. The way the letter is written expresses more than anything the Rogatchover's boundless wellsprings of Torah and brilliance. He begins the letter with the date - Tuesday 9th Sivan, and before adding the year, 1932, he immediately begins a lengthy (25 line) halachic study of the time of the year - the week following Shavuot, with references spanning the entire literature of Chazal and poskim, concluding with a justification of the Chabad custom of not reciting Tachanun until 12th Sivan included. Here, he adds a remarkable sentence: "almost every ruling of true Gaon of Liadi is correct". Only then does he note the year, and continue with the actual letter.
The Rogatchover's statement about the Baal HaTanya is uncharacteristic and reflects his tremendous esteem for the Baal HaTanya, whom he refers to as a "true Gaon". He is known to have stated that since the conclusion of the Talmud, there were only two who reached the true depth of understanding of the Talmudic sages - the Rambam and the Baal HaTanya.
In the body of the letter, the Rogatchover relates to R. Landau's request, presumably regarding a recommendation for a rabbinical position he was offered. The Rogatchover replies that his practice is not to intercede, but if asked, he will surely recommend him highly (regarding the rabbinical position offered to R. Landau, see item 452).
The letter was published in the Yagdil Torah anthology.
[1] leaf. 27.5 cm. Stains. Minor tears and folding marks.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
14 letters, most particularly lengthy, with halachic responsa and Torah novellae, handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen of Dvinsk, addressed to R. Yaakov Landau:
1. Responsum regarding a Torah scroll containing an extra letter. Dvinsk (Daugavpils), 18th Sivan 1928. Postcard, written on both sides.
2. Lengthy responsum on the above topic. Dvinsk, 6th Av 1929.
3. Another lengthy responsum on the same topic. Dvinsk, 12th Av 1929.
4. A small leaf on the same topic. Undated and unsigned (may have been enclosed with one of the previous letters).
5. Responsum on the laws of terefot. Dvinsk, 22nd Adar [I] 1929.
6. Responsum on the above topic. Dvinsk, Rosh Chodesh Adar II 1929.
7. Responsum regarding the status of a bride and groom before the Erusin. Dvinsk, 3rd Marcheshvan 1929. With congratulations on the occasion of R. Yaakov Landau's betrothal.
8. Responsum on the above topic. Dvinsk, 19th Marcheshvan 1929.
9. Responsum on the laws of tevilah (ritual immersion). Dvinsk, 6th Shevat 1930.
10. Responsum on the laws of Eruvin. Dvinsk, 1st day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar 1932.
11. Responsum regarding an institution of Rabbenu Gershom. Dvinsk, 6th Tevet 1933.
12. Responsum regarding laws of agents, marriages and more. Dvinsk, 27th Nissan 1934.
13. Responsum on the topic of causation in regard to the private and the public. Dvinsk, 9th Iyar 1934.
14. Responsum on the laws of Erchin. Dvinsk, 26th Av 1934.
At the foot of this letter, the Rogatchover relates to R. Yaakov Landau's request for rabbinical ordination, replying that since he has already been ordained by the rabbi of Riga, his ordination is unnecessary (see next item - another letter relating to R. Landau's ordination).
The present letters were sent to R. Yaakov Landau during his tenure as rabbi of Libau.
Enclosed: 10 envelopes in which the Rogatchover sent these letters.
Most of the letters were published in Yagdil Torah, apart from letters 8 and 14.
14 letters (+ 10 envelopes). Size varies. Overall good-fair condition.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
Letter of recommendation handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, for R. Yaakov Landau. Dvinsk, 13th Sivan 1932.
The Rogatchover writes: "Regarding their query about the rabbi of Libau, R. Y. [R. Yaakov], if he receives ordination and permission from the rabbi of Riga [R. Menachem Mendel Zak], to rule… I also agree that they can accept him as rabbi of their city…" [the letter does not indicate which community wished to appoint R. Yaakov Landau as rabbi. Ultimately, R. Landau remained in Libau until his immigration to Eretz Israel in 1934].
R. Yaakov Landau was an associate of the Rogatchover and corresponded with him (see item 454). The Rogatchover even officiated at R. Landau's wedding in 1930.
Published in the Yagdil Torah anthology.
[1] leaf. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
[1] double leaf (2 written pages). 36 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to margins and folds. Folding marks. Filing holes.
R. Yaakov Landau served as rabbi of the Chassidic community of Libau from 1928 to 1934.
[1] leaf. 24 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Three letters of rabbinic ordination, accorded to R. Yaakov Landau: • Letter of rabbinic ordination from R. Betzalel HaKohen Zaitchik Rabbi of Smilovitz. [Smilovitz, 1913/1914?]. • Letter of rabbinic ordination from R. Chaim Sagalovich, posek in Vilna. [Vilna? 1913/1914?]. • Letter, enthusiastic recommendation and rabbinic ordination from R. Menachem Mendel Zak Rabbi of Riga. [Riga], Adar II 1932. R. Betzalel HaKohen Zaitchik, rabbi of the Chassidic community in Smilovitz (Smilavichy). Outstanding and renowned Torah scholar in his times. R. Chaim Sagalovich (1844-Cheshvan 1922), posek in Vilna. Elder Lithuanian rabbi. Authored Responsa Mekor Chaim. R. Menachem Mendel Zak (1871-1943), prominent Latvian rabbi. He published the writings of the Or Same'ach. 3 letters. Size and condition vary.
Addressed to R. Yaakov Rabinowitz (a respected member of the Telz community, father-in-law of R. Yaakov Landau Rabbi of Bnei Brak).
In his letter, R. Yosef Leib reports to R. Yaakov Rabinowitz about the progress of his son, who was studying in his yeshiva.
R. Yosef Yehuda Leib Bloch (1859-1930), a leader of the mussar movement. Established a yeshiva in Shadova, later succeeding his father-in-law R. Eliezer Gordon as rabbi and dean of Telz. Author of Shiurei Halachah and Shiurei Daat.
Postcard. 14 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Folding marks, creases and wear. Filing holes. Postmarks.
Both letters discuss a teaching position in one of the Telz educational institutions, offered to R. Yaakov Landau (whose father-in-law, R. Yaakov Rabinowitz, was a respected member of the Telz community). In the letter from 1931, R. Eliyahu Meir reports about obstacles preventing him from promoting the appointment, while in the second letter (presumably written after the position was given to someone else), R. Eliyahu Meir writes courteously about the refusal, and his hopes that a suitable educational position will be available in the future.
Both letters bear R. Eliyahu Meir's full signature: "Eliyahu Meir son of R. Y.L.".
R. Eliyahu Meir Bloch (1895-1955), son of R. Yosef Leib Bloch. Dean of the Telz yeshiva in Lithuania, and later founder of the Telz yeshiva in Cleveland, Ohio.
Two letters, one on official stationery and one on official postcard. 29 and 15 cm. Letter on stationery in good-fair condition. Tears, wear and folding marks. Original envelope enclosed. Postcard in good condition. Stains.
Addressed to R. Yaakov Landau Rabbi of Libau (later rabbi of Bnei Brak), in response to his question regarding the elections to the rabbinate of the town of Gorzd (Gargždai, Western Lithuania). R. Baruch (then president of Agudath HaRabbanim in Lithuania) writes that a permit from Agudath HaRabbanim is not required, and that the organization only authorizes the correct implementation of the elections.
R. Yaakov Landau, then rabbi of Libau, was considering accepting a position in a different town in Lithuania (see item 410). Ultimately, however, he immigrated to Eretz Israel in the summer of 1934 and served as rabbi of Ramatayim and later of Bnei Brak.
R. Baruch HaLevi Horowitz (1870-1936), leading Lithuanian Torah scholar, dean of the Slabodka yeshiva and head of Agudath HaRabbanim in Lithuania. A disciple of the Alter of Slabodka.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 29 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear (tape repairs). Folding marks.
Includes letters from R. Shemaryahu Gurary, son-in-law of Rebbe Rayatz; R. Nissan Telushkin, prominent Chabad rabbi in Belarus and the United States; R. Moshe Dov Ber Rivkin, dean of the Torah Voda'ath yeshiva and others.
For a detailed list, see Hebrew description.
15 letters and additional paper items. Size and condition vary. Good to good-fair. Stains, tears and wear.
• Draft letter handwritten by R. Yaakov Landau, from his tenure as rabbi of Libau, describing the state of Torah observance. Presumably intended to be sent to many rabbis, in preparation for a gathering to discuss ways of strengthening Torah observance.
• Two leaves handwritten by R. Yaakov Landau, lengthy speech in Yiddish about the state of the Jewish People. Signed.
• Draft letter (typewritten) from R. Yaakov Landau, describing Passover 1916 in the presence of Rebbe Rashab.
4 leaves. Size and condition vary.
In one photograph, R. Landau is seen accompanying the Chazon Ish, in the second, the Chazon Ish is seen sitting at the head table, together with R. Avraham Yaakov Neimark of Tel Aviv, R. Wosner, R. Unterman of Tel Aviv and R. Yitzchak Gerstenkorn mayor of Bnei Brak (these photographs were published in Pe'er HaDor).
Two photographs. Approx. 13.5X8.5 cm. Good condition. Some stains and creases. Handwritten inscription on verso of one of the photographs: "At Eli[yahu]'s Bar Mitzva celebration. Tammuz 1951".