Paris, 1932. Entirely handwritten and signed by the Gaon Rabbi Aharon Kotler.
"Behold, the situation of our holy yeshiva is extremely dire, as all sources of income have been completely eliminated. The students of the yeshiva—outstanding Torah scholars, including some who are exiles—are literally suffering from hunger. Matters have reached such an extent that the yeshiva cannot even provide bread and meat to the students, which were distributed through ration tickets. Unable to bear their terrible suffering, I resolved to travel to England, as conveyed to Your Honor by my dear friend, the distinguished rabbi, a man of fine character, Rabbi Shimon Goder, may he be well.
The sequence of events, and how the steps of man are divinely guided, has led to my enduring numerous hardships and indescribable anguish for nearly two months. Yet, I have still not received a visa to England! It is self-evident how deeply pained I am by the current situation. Despite my wanderings, upheavals, and frail health, I have been unable to bring even a small salvation to our holy yeshiva.
I humbly ask Your Honor to assist the aforementioned rabbi, who is an integral member of the yeshiva and wholeheartedly dedicated to it, in organizing a collection for the benefit of the yeshiva within our community. This matter pertains to the very survival of hundreds of outstanding Torah scholars who delve deeply into the study of Torah under horrific pressure. At present, they do not even have dry bread to eat, Heaven forbid. Please introduce him to communal leaders and Torah supporters who can help him access benefactors and assist him in every possible way. By doing so, you will perform a great kindness for all the yeshiva’s students and for me personally.
I plead with you to help him as if I were coming myself, for a person’s emissary is like the person himself. I have been deeply troubled and remain distressed by this matter. I am confident that you will feel the pain of these Torah scholars, have compassion on our fortress of Torah, and do your utmost to ensure the success of this endeavor in our community.
One who esteems and honors you, blessing you with success and all good things, and may you merit to spread Torah amidst abundance and to accomplish great things for the strengthening of Torah.
Seeking your Torah-welfare with love,
Aharon Kotler"
The president of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and leader of the generation the great Gaon Rabbi Aharon Kotler (1892-1962) one of the greatest Gedolei Yiaroel in the recent generation. From a young age was renowned as an Iluy and diligent student. In his youth, he studied Torah with the Gaon Rabbi Zalman Sender Kahana Shapiro. Rabbi Reuven Grozovsky (Chatana Dvei Nessi’ah of the Gaon Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz) who knew him, urged him to study at the Knesses Yosroel Yeshiva in Slabodka. There Rabbi Aharon became close to his rabbis the Rashei Yeshivas who greatly respected him. At the age of 22 Rabbi Aharon Married the daughter of the Gaon Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer. Immediately after the wedding, he started teaching in his yeshiva in Slutzk and several years later, became its Rosh Yeshiva. In 1921, the yeshiva was forced to move to Poland to due persecutions by the communist government and settled in Kleck .
28 X 21.5 Cm. Filing holes.
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Lot #124