Semichas Chachamim from the Holy Gaon Rabbi Meir Yechiel Halevi of Ostrowiec ZY"A – For the Extraordinary Gaon Rabbi Shimele Zlakhovier [?]
A Semichas Chachamim (ordination for halachic rulings) written by the holy Gaon Rabbi Meir Yechiel Halevi Holstook, Rav of Ostrowiec, in his own handwriting and signed by him.
"…I spoke with him on various matters and saw that he is proficient in issuing halachic rulings, and he possesses great understanding in Torah study, like one of the distinguished scholars, and therefore we can rely on him as one of the teachers…"
The Semichah was written for an individual named the distinguished sharp and brilliant Rav Aharon Shimon –
possibly for the holy Gaon Rabbi Aharon Shimele Zlakhovier, the Mashgiach of the ‘Yeshiva Chachmei Lublin’ [the town Zlakhov is very close to Ostrowiec, and it would be natural for Rabbi Shimele to seek Semichah from a great Rav near his place of residence].
The holy Gaon Rabbi Meir Yechiel Halevi Holstook, Rav of Ostrowiec (1813–1928), was a great genius and an exalted tzaddik, a shining light in Polish Jewry. He was known for his sharpness and unparalleled genius, and he was a remarkable ascetic, fasting for around 40 years. He was a disciple of the holy gaon the Amrei Elimelech of Gradzisk, and after his passing, he became a revered leader, with thousands counting themselves among his followers. Some of his profound innovations were published in several volumes under the name Meir Einei Chachamim.
