A Photograph Depicting the Gaonim Rabbi Baruch Ber and Rabbi Shimon Shkop Engaged in Torah Study on a Bench. Next to Them Sits Rabbi Baruch Ber’s Disciple, the Gaon Rabbi Shraga Feivel Hindes, Rosh Yeshiva at “Sha’ar HaTorah” in Grodno (the son-in-law of Rabbi Shimon Shkop). Grodno, 1920s. Extremely Rare.
Eyewitnesses to this photograph shared an interesting detail: It may appear puzzling that Rabbi Shraga Feivel is seated at a distance while his teacher and father-in-law are engaged in Torah discussion. According to students present at the time, Rabbi Feivel deliberately moved away, explaining that sitting alongside them might imply that he and his teacher were equals, both conversing with Rabbi Shimon Shkop. To avoid showing any disrespect to his teacher, he moved from his place. The students also recount that during this moment, Rabbi Baruch Ber posed a challenging question to Rabbi Shimon Shkop regarding the words of the Rashba. Rabbi Shimon exerted much effort but could not find an answer. Rabbi Baruch Ber then remarked, “What will we do about the Rashba’s words?” To which Rabbi Shimon replied, “You toil so deeply to understand the Rashba’s words, and it pains you not to understand them. I am certain you will ultimately find the true answer.” (from “HaRav HaDomeh LaMalach”, Jerusalem, 2005, p. 214).
9×6 cm. Light stains. Good condition.
