Responsum Letter from the Gaon of Rogatchov (the Rogatchover) R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk - Tammuz 1906

Letter handwritten, signed and stamped by R. "Yosef Rosen" - "the Rogatchover". Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Tammuz 1906. Addressed to R. Moshe Chaskin Rabbi of Krakinova (Krekenava). The letter pertains to profound Talmudic topics in Tractate Shabbat and to laws of impurity. The letter concludes with his full signature: "…Yosef Rosen Rabbi of this place". Our research did not uncover any printed form of this responsum, and presumably it is hitherto unknown. R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birthtown Rogatchov [Rahachow]), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, together with the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk, Latvia alongside the rabbi of the city, the Or Same'ach, position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was proficient in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works. Recipient of the letter: R. Moshe Chaskin (1872-1950, Otzar HaRabbanim 14708), a close disciple and associate of R. Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor (introduced to him by the Chafetz Chaim, who admired him). He served for 15 years as rabbi of Krakinova, where he headed a preparatory yeshiva to the Slabodka yeshiva. During WWI, he went to serve as rabbi of Pryluky. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1933. He authored many important books, primarily pertaining to the laws of Eretz Israel. Postcard. 9X14 cm. Over 18 autograph lines of close handwriting. Good condition. Postmarks and the Rogatchover's stamps from his tenure as rabbi of Dvinsk.