This striking black-and-white printed photograph of the revered Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, famously known as the Chofetz Chaim, is a rare and controversial piece. Images of the Chofetz Chaim are exceedingly uncommon, as he lived during an era when photography was not widespread in Orthodox Jewish communities, and there was a general reluctance to take portraits of prominent Torah sages.
What makes this particular photograph especially intriguing is the inscription at the bottom, which includes the abbreviation "Shlit”a" (an honorific meaning "May he live a good and long life"). This designation is traditionally reserved for individuals who are still alive, indicating that the photograph was purportedly taken and distributed during the Chofetz Chaim's lifetime. The presence of this honorific has sparked debate among historians and collectors, as it challenges the narrative surrounding the existence and dissemination of authentic images of the Chofetz Chaim.
24.5cm
Good Condition
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