"The hatred of Jews is growing" – A letter from the great Gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Shemalkish, author of Beit Yitzchak – Regarding the rabbinical gathering in Krakow – Lviv 1903
A distinguished letter from the great Gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Shemalkish, Av Beit Din of Lviv and author of Beit Yitzchak, to the Gaon Rabbi Aharon Menachem Mendel Cohen of Heran, Av Beit Din of Cairo, regarding the planned rabbinical gathering and his request to hold it in Lviv.
What was Rabbi Yitzchak Shemalkish’s objection? The Beit Yitzchak opposed the idea, explaining that the hatred of the gentiles would prevent its success. It is important to note that many rabbis from Galicia opposed the gathering, particularly as "less religious" rabbis were also meant to attend – most likely, Rabbi Yitzchak wanted to reject the request of Rabbi Aharon Menachem Mendel in a respectful manner, especially since, in the end, the Beit Yitzchak did not participate in the gathering. Rabbi Aharon Menachem Mendel’s goal in holding the gathering was to implement his vision regarding the renewal of semicha (ordination) and the establishment of a Sanhedrin (which was not ultimately discussed at the gathering). For more on the gathering and its details, see The Rabbinical Gathering in Krakow (Drehabitsh, 1903).
"… Your esteemed letter was delivered by the great and wise Rabbi Shlomo Baver, may he live. I am answering with all my heart and soul; I would have gladly served you in all that I could. Unfortunately, I must say that our city is not suited for this. For, alas, here in the land of Galicia, the hatred of Israel is growing. The Poles are opposing us, and every action we take within our community will be scrutinized and investigated thoroughly. If rabbis from different factions gather here, they will accuse us of covert conspiracies. If you follow my advice, I suggest you choose Switzerland for the gathering, where its citizens live in freedom and liberty,
without oppressive laws, and where hatred of Israel has not taken root. It is a place of peace, and those who respect it will honor its value…"
The great Torah scholar Rabbi Yitzchak Shemalkish, Av Beit Din of Lviv and author of Beit Yitzchak (1798–1906), was one of the greatest poskim and responders of his time, a distinguished student of the great Galician Torah leaders, including Maran, the author of Yeshuot Yaakov, and the author of Sha’al u-Mashiv, continuing their holy work as the Rabbi of Lviv. His numerous responsa are famously published in the Beit Yitzchak responsa collection and are cited thousands of times in the books of later poskim.
