Letter of Blessings From Rav Aharon Kotler
First-Hand Description of the Yeshivah in Kletzk Before WWII
Kletzk, 1937
A letter thanking a benefactor for his substantial contribution and support of the yeshivah.
The letter contains a fascinating historical description of the yeshivah, which was "one of the most important and well-known yeshivas in Poland" (in the words of Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, son-in-law of Rav Aharon).
"This current summer term, Boruch Hashem, several outstanding students have joined [the ranks of the yeshivah], and I am pleased to inform my dear friend about the vibrant spirit, dedication to Torah study, and strong fellowship among all the students of our esteemed yeshiva…".
In the letter, Rabbi Aharon expresses gratitude to the generous donor for his significant contribution to strengthening the yeshiva and blesses him:
"May Hashem reward you….. in all good matters, and strengthen your abilities and efforts to achieve great things in strengthening Torah and Judaism until the coming of Moshiach."
Rabbi Aharon Kotler (1892 – 1963) was a leading Lithuanian Rosh Yeshivah in the pre-Holocaust era and thereafter. Following the destruction of European Jewry, he worked tirelessly to rebuild the Yeshivah world in America, founding Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood and serving as president of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah in the United States.
Yeshivas Etz Chaim-Slutzk was considered one of the elite yeshivas of Lithuanian and Polish Jewry. It was founded by fourteen leading students of the Alter of Slabodka, and headed by Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer. Later, the yeshivah moved to Kletzk, and after Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer moved to Eretz Yisrael, his son-in-law Rabbi Aharon Kotler was appointed as Rosh Yeshiva. The yeshivah had over 200 outstanding students. Following the outbreak of the Holocaust, the yeshivah moved to Vilna where it was closed.
Kletzk, 1937. Scribe’s writing, with Rabbi Aharon’s signature, and with his personal stamp: "Aharon Kotler, Rosh HaYeshivah."
Official paper.
Size: 21.5 x 29.5 cm.
Condition: Good-fair. Fold marks. Tears in the margins. Stains.
