A Halachic Responsum Letter, Spanning Three Large Pages, in the Holy Handwriting and Signature of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, on His Official Letterhead. Jerusalem, 11th of Shevat, 5752 [1992].
The letter is addressed to the gaon, Rabbi Chanoch Henach Karlenstein (son of the author of Ma’aglei Tzedek, who tragically passed away at a young age). Rabbi Elyashiv refers to him with the honorific title “HaRav HaGaon HaMetzuyan”. After receiving Rabbi Karlenstein’s book Chok HaMelech on topics in the Talmud, Rabbi Elyashiv sent him this detailed responsum, discussing the laws of lost property (Dinei Aveidah) presented in the book.
The Gaon Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv [1910–2012], the greatest halachic authority and leader of the generation. He was born in the city of Shavel, Lithuania, as an only child to his parents after 17 years of marriage. In 1924, he immigrated to the Land of Israel with his family, settling in the Me’ah Shearim neighborhood in Jerusalem. He served as a dayan (judge) on the Supreme Rabbinical Court and was renowned for his extraordinary diligence, dedicating all his hours, day and night, to Torah study. Until his final years, he was known to sleep only three hours a day, devoting the rest of his time to relentless study. He became the preeminent halachic authority and leader of the generation, serving as a guide for individuals and the community alike, with his home becoming a focal point for Jews worldwide.
The recipient, the gaon Rabbi Chanoch Henach Karlenstein [1957–1999], the son of the great gaon Rabbi Dov Tzvi Karlenstein. He was one of the luminaries of the yeshiva world, passing away in his youth after a prolonged illness. He was renowned for his sanctity, spiritual greatness, and towering Torah scholarship.
[3] pages, 24 cm. Rabbi Elyashiv’s personal letterhead. Entirely handwritten and signed by him. Condition: very good.
