Revealed: The Certificate of Integrity from the Volozhin Yeshivah to the Gaon

A “Certificate of Integrity” for our teacher, the gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a, issued for him many years ago, has been revealed for public viewing. This is an original and rare document from 60 years ago, sent to the Rav shlit"a by Rabbi Langbert, founder and director of “Yeshivas Geonei Volozhin” in Tel Aviv. As can be seen inside, the certificate testifies to the Rav shlit"a’s uprightness and trustworthiness already when he was only 20 years old—long before he rose to lofty levels and became renowned for his righteousness, wisdom, and exceptional holiness.

The original certificate is currently being offered for public auction at a price of $500, and observers expect its price could reach even 1,000% more and beyond. In addition, there are personal letters written by the Rav shlit"a and his brother Yechezkel to Rabbi Shmuel Hominir.

Rabbi Shmuel Hominir

[caption id="attachment_5444" align="aligncenter" width="784"] The Certificate of Integrity from the Volozhin Yeshivah to Rabbi Eliezer Berland[/caption]

Text of the certificate:

With Hashem’s help, Bnei Brak, Thursday, 1 Iyar 5718

With this, I hereby confirm that I know R. Eliezer Berland, may he live a good long life, well—that he is an upright and trustworthy person.

Here in Bnei Brak

Signed: Shmuel Hominir, Rosh Mesivta