The Netziv was Rosh Yeshiva of the famed Volozhin
Yeshiva for almost 40 Years until it was closed by the Russian government
in 1892. Founded by R. Chaim of Volozhin, the Yeshivah flourished, increasing
from 100 to 400 students.
As a young man the Netziv was undistinguished, but
by virtue of his extraordinary diligence grew to become one of the greatest
scholars and leaders of his time. The prevalent method of Talmudic study
was that of deep analysis of the "sugya" (topic) at hand.
The Netziv’s approach was to immerse himself in all the relevant
passages from the entire Tannaitic literature, always striving to go
back to the earliest sources. Similarly, he paid special attention to
the Gaonic literature and the earliest Rishonim, who were closer to
the Talmudic period. He believed only in this manner could the text
being studied be properly understood. His approach was strongly encouraged
by R. Dovid Luria.
The Netziv emphasized study of Chumash and Nach and
gave a shiur on the weekly parsha every day after morning prayers. He
was an early supporter of the Hovevei
Zion movement and strongly supported the resettling of Eretz Yisrael.
However, he was opposed to the selling of the Land for the Shemittah
year. Contrary to the view of Rav Hirsch he opposed separate communities.
During the Netziv’s time in Volozhin the Yeshiva
produced great scholars, including R. Issur Zalman Meltzer, The Dvar
Avrohom, Rabbi A. Shapiro, R. Avrohom Y. Kook, R. Moshe M. Epstein and
R. Zelig R. Benges.
The Netziv’s works include his famed commentary
on the Sheiltos of Rabbi Achai, his Commentary on the Song of Songs
and Meishiv Davar, a collection of his Responsa.
The Maskilim could not bear the success of the Yeshiva
and constantly sought its demise. Their continuous barbs were noted
by the government who demanded that the Yeshiva curriculum and hours
of study be completely revamped. It is often said that the Yeshiva was
closed because of the Netziv’s refusal to permit secular subjects
to be studied. The fact is that the government’s demand were such
that if adopted the Yeshiva would have totally lost its character. For
example, one of the demands was that secular subjects be studied until
3:00 PM and that night study cease.
Left with no choice the Netziv felt compelled to close
the Yeshiva. His entire existence was linked to the Yeshiva and after
its closing his health began to decline. He passed away less that two
years after the closing. His two sons were Rabbi Chaim Berlin and Rabbi
Meir Bar-Ilan.
Sources: Orthodox
Union