Lengthy Responsum Letter from Rabbi Shmuel HaLevi Wosner

Lengthy Responsum Letter from Rabbi Shmuel HaLevi Wosner
Lengthy responsum letter (3 leaves) handwritten and signed by R. Shmuel HaLevi Wosner "Rabbi, Beit Din Head and Yeshiva Dean of Zichron Meir, Bnei Brak". Tevet 1974. Addressed to R. Efraim Greenblatt (author of Rivevot Efraim), it mostly concerns an incorrect ruling published in an English book regarding laws of Niddah. R. Wosner counters this ruling sharply and comprehensively: "…behold, this rabbi is causing the public to err in something which is explicit in the Talmud and halachic literature...". This responsum was published in Responsa Shevet HaLevi, part III, section 114 (it is interesting to note that R. Efraim Greenblatt himself in his responsa book Rivevot Efraim, does not mention this responsa from R. Wosner addressed to him. See Rivevot Efraim, part VIII section 702, where a responsum of R. Greenblatt dated Cheshvan 1997 is presented, discussing the same topic as this letter. R. Greenblatt mentions there what he heard from R. Moshe Feinstein on the topic, thirty years back, yet does not refer at all to this responsum). R. Shmuel HaLevi Wosner (1913-2015), author of Shevet HaLevi, was a leading Halachic authority of the past generation. Born in Vienna, he was a disciple of R. Shmuel David Ungar, rabbi of Nitra, R. Yosef Elimelech Kahana, rabbi of Ungvar (both perished in the Holocaust) and later a close disciple of Rabbi Meir Shapiro at the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva. In 1939, he immigrated to Eretz Israel with his wife. He first settled in Jerusalem, where he studied under the leading rabbis of the city. He soon thereafter earnt prominence as a leading Torah scholar and was appointed as rabbi and posek of the Geulah neighborhood. In 1947, he moved to Bnei Brak to serve as rabbi of the Zichron Meir neighborhood. He was recommended for this position by the Chazon Ish who already then discerned the greatness and strength of the young man and foresaw his illustrious future. After a short while, he was appointed rabbi of the Chug Chatam Sofer communities in the city and with time became renowned as a foremost halachic authority acknowledged by all circles. He responded to thousands of halachic queries which were published in the eleven volumes of his book Responsa Shevet HaLevi. [3] leaves, official stationery. Approx. 28 cm. Approx. 68 autograph lines and signature. Good condition. Minor tears and creases.