A question sent to the greatest Gaon of his generation, Rabbi Yosef Zecharya Stern, author of ‘Zechar Yehosef’, with his handwritten answer, 1897. Never printed!
The question was sent from Rabbi Binyamin Epstein of the city of Zhitomer – the author of the Sefer ‘Nachlat Binyamin’, a commentary on Midrash Tanchuma – who states in his letter that the Sefer is been sent to print, with his encouragement, advice, and support of Rabbi Yosef Zecharia.
He brings a few nuggets and Chiddushim in the Agadah, and explains his question to the Gaon Rabbi Stern about the text of the prayer “Life of wealth and honor”, and brings several possible explanations.
He also brings some questions regarding the details of whether Akimas Sefasayim (moving the lips for speech) is considered an action or not.
Rabbi Yosef Zecharya replies in the content of his answer, words of Agaddah that were never brought to print, including his explanation of the interpretation of this prayer, and how to ask for wealth and honor, contrary to what appears to be the words of the Sages in many places.
Rabbi Yosef Zecharya also answers to his second question.
The great Gaon Rabbi Yosef Zechariah Stern Av Beis Din of Šiauliai (1831–1904) one of the greatest and sharpest rabbis of his generation. Son-in-law of the Gaon Rabbi Mordechai Gimple Yaffe of Różana. Author of the Seforim “Zecher Yehosef” and many other Seforim on all parts of the Torah, on the entire Shas, both Bavli and Yerushalmi, commentaries on the Haggadah, the Megillos, and Midrashim, Rambam, Shulchan Aruch and more. He served as rabbi in the city of Jasionówka, and for over 40 years was the rabbi of Šiauliai in Lithuania. His vast power of memory was legendary.
[3] written pp. on one folded sheet. About 18 lines in the actual handwriting of Rabbi Yosef Zechariah Stern Av Beis Din of Šiauliai. Light wear. Very dry page. Good condition.
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