Date and Place: 3 Shevat 5670 (1910), Yafo
Recipient: Rav Yaakov Moshe Charlop. Rav Charlop, who became very close with Rav Kook, was an outstanding scholar in Yerushalayim and the rabbi of the Shaarei Chesed neighborhood. He later became the Rosh Yeshiva of Merkaz Harav.
Body: I have a request of you, concerning my hope for the sake of Hashem’s Name, that I will succeed in establishing a group of talented young men here, in the holy city [of Yafo]. The plan is to lead them in the ways of Hashem, in true fear of Heaven with a healthy course of study, and prepare them to have an impact in matters of holiness, with an approach of rectitude of the heart, a brave spirit, internal serenity, and charm and honor in their approach to life.
At this point, we will be able to accept four young men [from Yerushalayim], if they are talented enough. Together with some talented young men on some level who are here (Yafo and/or the region), there will be a foundation to gather everyone together for this holy undertaking with divine grace. I am turning to you, my respected friend – if there are not pressing matters that prevent this, such as the current situation (ed. note- I am unaware what specifically he was referring to), to please write to me the names of some talented young men that you know, especially if they are likely to agree to come. Then we can try to bring the matter to fruition, and the merit that the masses will have will be credited to you.
