Long Handwritten Letter of Chiddushei Torah by the Maharshag.
Szentmihály, 1908
A long, 3-page letter of Chiddushei Torah handwritten by the Maharshag during his early years of serving as Rabbi in Szentmihály. The letter is written on the personal stationery of his father Rabbi Yehuda Greenfeld, Av Beis Din of Szentmihály.
These Chiddushei Torah focus on the subject of the firstborn of an animal, whether one may instruct a gentile to inflict a permanent injury on a firstborn animal that already has a temporary injury, and whether a Kohein may refuse to accept a firstborn animal.
The letter opens with the Maharshag’s apology that it is difficult for him to write about a subject that he never taught to his students, “because from my students [I learn] more than anyone else.” Notwithstanding the disclaimer, the Maharshag writes clearly and comprehensively on the topic.
Rabbi Shimon Greenfeld, the Maharshag (1861-1930), was Av Beis Din of Szentmihály and author of the 3-volume ‘Shu”t Maharshag’ which includes hundreds of his famous responsa. A leading Hungarian rabbi, he studied in the yeshivah of Maharam Schick and in his youth traveled to study under Rav Chaim of Sanz where he was among the select few who thoroughly understood his complex shiurim (see haskamah of the son of the Arugas HaBosem to Shu"t Maharshag). The Yitav Lev also extolled his greatness. He succeeded his father as Rav of Szentmihály where he maintained a Yeshivah Gedolah.
Szentmihály, 1908.
Folded paper. 3 written sides.
Page size: 23 x 14 cm.
Condition: Good.
Printed in Shu”t Maharshag Vol. 1 Ch. 71 without the 3-line apology found in the beginning of the letter.
