For those with a deep appreciation for history, genealogy, and bibliography, it is often not the central content of a sefer that uncovers the most illuminating insights, but rather its supplementary components – such as the preface, approbations, subscriber lists, and title pages – that frequently provide the most invaluable revelations.
In 1933, a modest Hebrew halachic treatise was published in Milwaukee under the title Chukei Da’at, authored by Rabbi Shmuel Reshevsky. The work was brought to press by the author’s son, Rabbi Jacob Reshevsky, who served as a rabbi on the Lower East Side. The pre-subscriber list is notably distinguished, featuring luminaries such as the Boyaner, Skvere, Stretin, and Monastrich rebbes, Rabbi Dr. Bernard Revel, Rabbi Eliezer Silver, Rabbi Shraga Feivel Mendelowitz (described as the “manager” of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath), along with a host of other eminent rabbis of the period. Furthermore, the publication contains full-page advertisements for leading Jewish enterprises of the era, including the renowned Manischewitz brand.
Accompanying the copy I obtained was a letter from Rabbi Jacob Reshevsky, whose letterhead presents an intriguing detail: it identifies him as the father of Samuel Reshevsky, the illustrious chess prodigy. In his introduction to this edition, Rabbi Jacob recounts how he facilitated the publication with the assistance of his son, Samuel Chaim Reshevsky, the famed illuy (prodigy). Indeed, Samuel was an illuy, though his prodigious talents were not in Talmudic scholarship, but rather in the strategic realm of chess.
Born in Poland, Reshevsky (1911-1992) was an extraordinary child prodigy. Between 1919 and 1920, he earned widespread acclaim by delivering highly successful simultaneous exhibitions against a formidable array of opponents across Europe and America. During this period, he also demonstrated remarkable prowess in individual matches, most notably securing a draw against the esteemed David Janowski. After relocating to America, Reshevsky temporarily stepped back from his chess career during his adolescence to focus on academic pursuits. However, he made a triumphant return to the chessboard in the 1930s, securing multiple victories in the United States Chess Championship and triumphing over formidable opponents such as Reuben Fine and Isaac Kashdan. Additionally, he emerged victorious in numerous prestigious tournaments across the United States, Latin America, and Great Britain.
Perhaps most remarkable, however, was Reshevsky’s unwavering commitment to his faith as a devout and fully-observant Orthodox Jew. He dedicated a portion of each day to the study of Torah and steadfastly adhered to his religious principles, famously refusing to engage in chess matches on Shabbat. His actions demonstrated a profound integration of his religious observance with his exceptional chess career. His family hailed from a Gerrer chasidic lineage, and Samuel himself cultivated a connection with the Rayatz and his successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn. Prior to his marriage, he forged a relationship with the sixth Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, which deepened after his relocation to Crown Heights. In 1949, Reshevsky attended a chassidic gathering where Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who would later become the Lubavitcher Rebbe, compared the game of chess to spiritual hierarchies, interpreting the pieces as symbols of various levels of divine energy. The pawns represented souls within physical bodies, while the king epitomized the transcendent aspect of G-d. This profound interpretation of chess is said to have left a lasting impression on Reshevsky.
As Reshevsky aged, his competitive edge naturally waned, but when he sought guidance from the Rebbe on whether he should retire, the Rebbe encouraged him to continue, asserting that his adherence to mitzvot through chess sanctified G-d’s name. Reshevsky’s victories persisted, including a notable win against world champion Vasily Smyslov and a shared first-place finish in a 1984 tournament in Iceland. Following these achievements, the Rebbe praised him for his steadfast religious observance and continued success.
The Rebbe also encouraged Reshevsky to assist in bringing Bobby Fischer – an enigmatic Jewish chess player who had become increasingly alienated from his heritage – back to Judaism. Reshevsky visited Fischer in Los Angeles, where they engaged in a deeply reflective conversation about their shared faith. Samuel Reshevsky passed away in 1992 at the age of 80.
