Harsh Letter from Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman Opposing the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and its Leaders
Long and strongly-worded letter handwritten and signed by Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman addressed to Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky, Rabbi of the Eidah Chareidis in Jerusalem.
Background: In 1934, the idea was proposed, led by Rabbi A.Y. Kook of merging the Eidah Chareidis Beis Din in Jerusalem with the Beis Din of the Chief Rabbinate. Rabbi Elchanan vehemently opposed this idea and penned this letter, strongly criticizing the Chief Rabbinate and those standing at its helm. He declared that connecting with these ‘resha’im’ was prohibited, he expressed dissatisfaction towards those who support this unification and do not worry about the chillul Hashem it will cause.
Rabbi Elchonon Bunim Wasserman (1875 – 1941) served as Rosh Yeshiva of Ohel Torah in Baranowicze and was a leading Torah figure in prewar Lithuania. His sefarim, Kovetz Hearos and Kovetz Shiurim, as well as his hashkafos (worldview) are a cornerstone of the yeshiva world today. He was an active member of Agudas Yisrael and fought alongside the Chofetz Chaim to protect Orthodox Judaism, fearlessly expressing his opinion as is well evident in the present letter.
Dated Baranowicze, 1934
Official stationary | 28 x 22 cm | Handwritten and signed | Hole punched, slightly worn margins
