The Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Encyclopedia Talmudit
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, may his memory be for a blessing, had a very special relationship with the Encyclopedia Talmudit. Rabbi Yehoshua Hutner, the administrator of the encyclopedia, described this relationship in an interview with the journal “Kfar Chabad”:
“The esteemed Rebbe’s encouragement and identification with the encyclopedia and its method is wonderful; he is unusually dedicated to and supportive of its mission. I know of no other great Torah scholar who would be so committed both to the project of the encyclopedia and the idea behind it…the Rebbe greatly endorses this approach: ‘the method of methodology.’ We have been fortunate enough to receive much encouragement from him from the first days that he took office. I wish to stress that after the publication of each volume the Rebbe would send us letters of admiration and appreciation, first of all to Rabbi Zevin, but also to myself” (from Rabbi Hutner’s interview with “Kfar Chabad”).
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, may his memory be for a blessing, had a very special relationship with the Encyclopedia Talmudit. Rabbi Yehoshua Hutner, the administrator of the encyclopedia, described this relationship in an interview with the journal “Kfar Chabad”:
“The esteemed Rebbe’s encouragement and identification with the encyclopedia and its method is wonderful; he is unusually dedicated to and supportive of its mission. I know of no other great Torah scholar who would be so committed both to the project of the encyclopedia and the idea behind it…the Rebbe greatly endorses this approach: ‘the method of methodology.’ We have been fortunate enough to receive much encouragement from him from the first days that he took office. I wish to stress that after the publication of each volume the Rebbe would send us letters of admiration and appreciation, first of all to Rabbi Zevin, but also to myself” (from Rabbi Hutner’s interview with “Kfar Chabad”).
Throughout all his years in office the Rebbe praised the Encyclopedia Talmudit project, applauded its administrator Rabbi Hutner and its editor-in-chief Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin, and even helped with budgetary issues and in eliciting donations. Furthermore, the Rebbe gave advice for optimizing and improving the encyclopedia, offered observations regarding its content, and sometimes even “rebuked” the management and editors for the pace of publishing volumes. It is widely known that the Rebbe studied and perused the encyclopedia and referenced the work hundreds of times in his talks and published lessons.
Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin at a Hassidic farbrengen
Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin at a Hassidic farbrengen
Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin at a Hassidic farbrengen, with the participation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman Gorelick, Rabbi Shaul DovBer Zislin, and others
Words of Praise and Appreciation
“I am pleased to say that I have received the third volume of the Encyclopedia Talmudit...although I have been too busy to give it the attention it requires, nevertheless when I thumbed through it, it was clear even from first glance that it is the result of tremendous work and painstaking research of all the Talmudic literature, the early authorities, the later authorities, and the latest of the late authorities. It is also a powerful demonstration of the strength of orderly minds and eloquent language. This highly valuable book will undoubtedly provide much benefit, especially in our days, when due to our many sins the treasuries of the Torah are sealed to many of our people, some of whom do not have the time to study the sources in depth etc. Thus an organized volume of this kind fulfills an important function, as one can easily find a summary of the topic he seeks, and the sources are noted for all who wish to analyze the matter further. In addition, it is a treasure trove for scholars of Torah and those who are occupied with its study” (Igrot Kodesh, [Letters of the Rebbe] 1565).
“I have just received the sixteenth volume of the Encyclopedia Talmudit, and as the saying goes, the house was filled with light. According to the exposition of our Sages of blessed memory [on the verse] “and there was light to the Jews” [Esther 8:16], [this] light is Torah…and a special congratulations [is due] for sending it so quickly. It was also received on an auspicious date, just before the 12th and 13th of Tammuz, the days of redemption, as this is the anniversary of the release of the holy rabbi [Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn] from imprisonment [in Soviet Russia], when he was dealing with matters which required true devotion etc. [This date] is uniquely relevant in two aspects, as the founder of the encyclopedia and its editor until his last day on earth, Rabbi Zevin, of blessed memory, was one of the rabbi’s assistants and his secretary etc. in those conditions of a harsh country and a harsh government etc.” (Igrot Kodesh, 11 Tammuz, 5740 [25 June, 1980]).
“In the month in which we increase joy, and especially the joy of Torah (light is Torah), I confirm with great joy that I have received volume 20, esrim ([a word] that, as stated in the holy books, has the same numerical value as keter [crown]). And his [teaching of] Torah will fulfill the dictum of the Sages, may their memory be for a blessing, that one who has [one hundred coins wants two hundred, and one who has two hundred] wants double, and based on the current order [of the encyclopedia] more than double [of the output so far still awaits its readers], as the letter Tet [which symbolizes “there is no tov, good, other than Torah] is not yet finished [and thus, not even half the alphabet has been covered]. This [doubling] is especially [true] regarding the Torah, as the Jews desire it more than money, if the two can be compared. Another major point: With regard to the Torah, any addition to [its interpretation] adds wisdom, understanding, and knowledge [Chabad] for the previous [volumes] as well, particularly as it is a volume [kerakh, which also means a city] with everything in it (see Babylonian Talmud, Hullin 56b) etc. etc. and all this is through light, which is Torah, and [thus] through Torah and hora’a [halakha, law]” (Igrot Kodesh, Shushan Purim [15 Adar] 5751 [1 March, 1991]).
Suggestions for Improvement
Quality of the paper: “Since an encyclopedia in general, and the Encyclopedia Talmudit in particular, is designed to be a useful book…the paper on which the encyclopedia is printed must be of the strongest quality, which does not stain easily, but that is not the case with this encyclopedia” (Igrot Kodesh, 1768).
Images, diagrams, and maps: “If images, diagrams, and maps were added to the encyclopedia, this would bring clarity to several issues. In addition, it would not do any harm, to paraphrase [an idea from the] Lekha Dodi [song], that [it is a sad situation when] similar [secular] books are beautifully presented, whereas holy volumes [are not as pleasing to the eye] etc.” (ibid).
Publishing drafts of entries: “I have to reiterate my request and proposal, as forcefully as I can, to publish the drafts of the Encyclopedia Talmudit as soon as possible. I myself, not only in the past but in the present too, and surely in the future as well, have seen actual harm caused, and by this I mean a negative effect on Torah study, which could have been at least ameliorated to a great extent had such drafts been available. And if that is true about myself, even though I have access to numerous books and indexes, thank God, how much more so does it apply to all those Torah scholars who do not have such options available to them” (Igrot Kodesh, 18 Tammuz, 5739 [13 July, 1979]).
Bibliographies: “As is my wont, I will allow myself to offer a comment regarding the encyclopedia, [an idea] that occurred to me a long time ago and which has only strengthened in my mind…that it would be worthwhile to add, for [further] clarification of the entries, the names of those books that focus specifically on the topics discussed in that entry etc. It is common in many encyclopedias to add at the end of entries…what is nowadays called bibliographies” (Igrot Kodesh, 10013).
Open Rebuke
“This is the place to remind, time and again, as vehemently as I can etc., about [the need for] the publication of the forthcoming volumes as speedily as possible, in accordance with the well-known expression “the quicker the better,” which applies as stated to all the volumes that have already appeared etc. etc.” (Igrot Kodesh, 10013).
“And turning from the above matter, when will the next volume of the Encyclopedia Talmudit be ready? Many people need it etc. etc.” (Igrot Kodesh, 9007).
Learning the entry “Temple” in the period between the fasts of the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha Be’av:
Rabbi Y. Hutner relates: In the summer of 1978, the Rebbe placed great emphasis on the study of the laws of the Temple during the period between the fasts of the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha Be’av, mainly in the Nine Days [culminating in the fast of Tisha Be’av]. On the first day of the month of Menachem-Av (a Sunday morning) the Rebbe’s secretary Rabbi Groner called me and said: “The Rebbe asks your permission to photocopy the “Temple” entry from the Encyclopedia Talmudit, so that it can be studied throughout the world in the Nine Days. Naturally, I immediately agreed to the Rebbe’s request. By the very next day, Monday evening, in both New York and Kfar Chabad thousands of copies of the photocopied entry from the encyclopedia had been printed” (from Rabbi Hutner’s interview with the “Kfar Chabad” journal).
Observations regarding content
On more than one occasion the Rebbe had comments on the content of entries in the encyclopedia, which he sent to Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin, of blessed memory:
“In the encyclopedia, in the entry on Elijah, it is stated as the accepted view (that Elijah will reveal himself before the arrival of the Messiah), but in my humble opinion the Rambam rules the opposite (and therefore there is no problem of uncertain naziriteship), and he bases his ruling on a mishna in Eduyyot (which he cites in Hilkhot Melakhim, ibid)” (Igrot Kodesh, 9407).
“In my usual manner [I will comment] on corrections for the encyclopedia, [in this case the] entry “Beautification of mitzvot,” that the fact that the venerable Rabbi [Shneur Zalman of Liadi] cites the verse (“This is my God and I will glorify Him” [Exodus 15:2]) implies that in his opinion [the obligation to beautify the mitzvot] applies by Torah law. He writes the same regarding a prayer shawl ([Shulchan Arukh HaRav, Orach Chayim, 24:3; 651:2). See Ma’asef Lekol Hamachanot, ibid, where this is explained” (Igrot Kodesh, 9440).
Assistance with Distribution
and Funding
The Rebbe, of blessed memory, did not provide merely spiritual encouragement; he also helped with the distribution and sales of the books:
“A few days ago, I had a visit from Mr. Bar-Lev who gave me the third volume of the Encyclopedia Talmudit, and asked me if I could help in distributing and selling the encyclopedia. After some discussion of the matter, I gave him a letter in the form of a response to the great rabbi for his gift, a copy of which is enclosed here, which I hope will bring him the desired result. Of course, I will also try as much as I can to help him [in other ways]” (Igrot Kodesh, 1566).
In addition, the Rebbe attempted on more than one occasion to ensure that the Encyclopedia Talmudit would receive a budget from suitable funds. Regarding these efforts, he wrote to Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin:
“I have just received notice that the meeting of Keren Hatzala [a charity fund] will take place next Monday, and I have asked for a telegram to be sent to Dov Razeh and through him also to Rabbi Hutner, who is certainly in contact with them, so that they should have the opportunity to persuade the aforementioned with regard to supporting the Encyclopedia Talmudit, since this year they are threatening to give them far less than the previous year, and therefore special effort is necessary here, and so on and so forth” (Igrot Kodesh, 2 Tammuz, 5715 [22 June, 1955]).
In another letter to Rabbi Zevin, the Rebbe writes
“Regarding what he wrote about the Encyclopedia Talmudit, my opinion of this project is well-known, and I will act appropriately if required by the honorable writer. But I must stress once again that when I spoke several months ago to the representatives of the Claims Conference, I expressed my surprise that they do not do much to help the printing of the encyclopedia, and they responded that quite the contrary, they only wish that the publications [of the volumes] would proceed at a quicker pace…” (22 Tevet 5720 [22 January, 1960]).
The Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Encyclopedia Talmudit
The Rebbe referenced and relied upon the Encyclopedia Talmudit
On many occasions, the Rebbe – may the memory of the righteous be for the blessing – or the editors of his writings, directed the reader’s attention to the Encyclopedia Talmudit, and in several instances the Rebbe even commented on an entry from the encyclopedia.
The Encyclopedia Talmudit is mentioned 395 times in comments on his Likkutei Sichos [“Anthology of Talks”], in 37 separate volumes; 102 times in the 26 volumes of Igrot Kodesh [“Letters of the Rebbe”]; 713 various mentions in the 114 volumes of Torat Menachem [“The Torah of Menahem”]; and 56 times in the five volumes of Sha’arei Halakhah UMunhag [“The Gates of Halakhah and Customs”]. There are a number of cases where the Rebbe not only refers to an entry of the encyclopedia, but actually comments on it. All of these examples demonstrate the great importance that the Rebbe attached to the Encyclopedia Talmudit and his regular use of its volumes. The same can be seen from the rare picture of the Rebbe in his study (attached), as volumes of the Encyclopedia Talmudit are visible in the bookshelf next to the Rebbe’s place of study.
Chabad Chassidim on the editorial board of the Encyclopedia Talmudit
In addition to the editor-in-chief Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin, of blessed memory, several important Chabad Chassidim have worked on the editorial board of the Encyclopedia Talmudit over the years:
Rabbi Alter Hilvitz, of blessed memory
Born in Russia in 1906, Rabbi Hilvitz studied at the yeshiva in Lyubavichi and in Minsk, and he also took Oriental Studies in the university there. He immigrated to Israel in 1936 and taught in the Tiferet Israel Yeshiva in Haifa. During the years 1944–1953 he served as secretary of the Encyclopedia Talmudit board for volumes 1–4. Between 1951 and 1975 he headed the Jewish educational system in South Africa. His books include Lilshonot HaRambam [“On the Terminology of the Rambam”] and Ḥikrei Zemanim [“Studies on the Calendar Year”]. He died in September, 1994.
Rabbi Shmuel Elazar Halperin, of blessed memory
Born in 1932 in Jerusalem, Rabbi Halperin was the son-in-law of Rabbi Shmuel Aharon Shazuri (Weber), the first secretary of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He studied in the Ḥikrei Zemanim Yeshiva in Jerusalem, the Slabodka Yeshiva in Bene Brak, and Yeshiva Toras Emes in Jerusalem. During the years 1967–1977 he held the position of Rosh Yeshiva of Toras Emes in Jerusalem, and from 1977 he served as the rabbi of the Bais Yisroel neighborhood in Jerusalem. He was a member of the Chabad Chassidim, and as a seventh-generation descendant of the author of the Tanya he founded the Association of the Descendants of the Alter Rebbe, edited Sefer HaTze’etza’im [“The Tree of Genealogy”], and wrote other books on this Chassidic sect. He was a member of the oversight committee for entries in the Encyclopedia Talmudit, volumes 12–16. Rabbi Halperin died in March, 2009.
Rabbi Chananya Yosef Eizenbach, may he merit a long life
Rabbi Chananya Yosef was born in the Bais Yisroel neighborhood in Jerusalem, to Shimon Bentzion and Chanah Rochel Eizenbach. He studied in Ponevezh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Toras Emes, and from 1965 in the central Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in New York. In 1969 he married Bracha Elka, daughter of Rabbi Aharon Bernstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Ḥayyei Olam.
He served as Rosh Yeshiva of Tomchei Tmimim in Kiryat Gat from 1968, Rosh Yeshiva of Tomchei Tmimim in Bnei Brak from 1995, and Rosh Kollel of Beit Midrash HaGavohah in Jerusalem from 1978. In 1981 he was awarded the Emek Halakhah Foundation Prize in memory of Rabbi Baumol, for his research into the halakhot of fraud.
Rabbi Eizenbach has been a member of the Encyclopedia Talmudit editorial board since 1977. In 1990 he founded, together with Rabbi Shalom Dov Lifshitz, the Hilkheta BeTa’ama Institute, for the encouragement of Torah writings on Shulḥan Arukh HaRav. This institute is currently managed by his son-in-law. He is also on the management board of the Kfar Chabad newspaper, in which he has written regular columns under various pennames.
In 2011 he was appointed head of the Institute for Teaching Studies in Brussels, near the Rabbinical Center of Europe, while in 2012 he became the Rosh Kollel and rabbi of the Ohel Yosef Moshe Chabad community in Buenos Aires.