Autographed Halachic Ruling by Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, Author of the Divrei Chaim. Sanz, 1873
The Divrei Chaim was 80 years old when he authored this responsum!
Responsa regarding the halachic debate questioning the validity of a bill of divorce given in the city of Hermanshtat 1873, by the holy Rebbe Harav Chaim of Sanz.
"Although in my old age I do not answer questions regarding what is permitted or prohibited, I will briefly explain that this bill of divorce is invalid according to all opinions…"
Embedded in the paper in the beginning of the responsa is a raised seal from the Rebbe. At the end of the responsa is the handwritten autograph from the holy Rebbe. It is inscribed as: Divrei Dbs”t [Doresh B’shalom Toraso] HaK’ Chaim Halberstam with the stamp of the Divrei Chaim.
The Divrei Chaim, Harav Chaim of Sanz inscribed his responsa in great purity and holiness, often immersing in a mikveh in the course of writing. His attendant and scribe the chassid Reb Zanvil Blobstein related that transcribing the Divrei Chaim’s halachic responsa was his most difficult duty. “The Divrei Chaim would sometimes immerse 3 or 4 times in the mikveh in the process of composing his rulings, and there were times when Reb Zanvil only managed to transcribe half a responsum after a full night of work”. (Rabbeinu Hakadosh MiSanz, page 98)
Sanz, 1873. 1 leaf. Page size: 34×20 cm. Reinforced folds. small hole in center. Protected in an ornate leather case. Case size: 42×28 cm.
First published in Shu"t Divrei Chaim Hachadash, Bobov editon, Teshuvos Chadashos Ch. 23.
[Provenance: Genazym Catalogue 2017 #28 from the Baal Sdei Tzofim Archive]
———————————————– ————————–
Harav Chaim Halberstam of Sanz (1793-1876) was one of the great tzaddikim of the Chassidic movement. He was a genius in both the hidden and revealed Torah, a halachic arbitrator, and a spiritual leader to thousands. Harav Chaim was the son in law of the Baruch Taam, from whom he received both Rabbinical ordination as well as direction and methods to use in Torah learning. In 1830, he was crowned Rebbe after which he led his flock with devotion and love developing into one of the great Admors of Galicia.
Harav Chaim of Sanz blended Torah genius, sacrifice for avodas Hashem, and perfection in loving kindness. He lectured extensively and responded to countless petitioners. As his son wrote in the introduction to the Divrei Chaim on the Torah, "He devoted his entire life to Torah and service of Hashem in closeness, fear of Heaven and self-sacrifice…He afflicted himself in fire and water and mikvaos…and supported hundreds of thousands of needy people. One could almost hear the Divine Presence emanating from his throat."
"For this is our life, to engage ourselves all day with Torah, halachah and pilpul, and to answer halachic queries." (Shu"t Divrei Chaim Vol. 2 Ch. 47)
…………………………………….. ………………………………………….. ….
The story behind this responsa:
In 1873, Harav Mordechai Halevi Ish Horowitz, Av Beis Din in Shamloy, contested the validity of a bill of divorce delivered in Hermanshtat and consulted with the Divrei Chaim in order to receive his opinion. Many great Hungarian sages and scholars authored letters and responsa on this matter. The Rabbi who wrote the bill of divorce defended his claims in a compilation that he published under the name Milchemes Chovah.
The letter sent by Harav Mordechai Halevi Horowitz to the Divrei Chaim regarding this matter appears on the verso.
…………………………………….. ………………………………………….. …………
"I ruled correctly regarding the laws of names in gittin."
At the head of this responsa there is a reference to what the Divrei Chaim wrote in his first published sefer Divrei Chaim – on the subject of name-writing in Gittin and on the laws of Mikvaos. The above sefer was praised and cherished by the Divrei Chaim himself as attested by his son Harav Baruch of Gorlitz. In the preface to the Munkacs edition his father once said, “I give praise and gratitude to Hashem Yisborach that I ruled according to halachah in the laws of gittin and mikvaos in this sefer. "
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Any inquiries about this lot?
