This was, apparently, one of the shorter inheritance disputes. This week, it ended, according to information obtained by Haredim 10, with a compromise agreement that put an end to the conflict.
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Apparently, Maran Harav Kanievsky zt"l did not leave behind any property. The old apartment on Rashbam Street where he lived in 'Demi Mechat' is also owned by 'Kollel Chazon Ish'. It is possible that Maran also believed this, due to a lack of understanding of finances, on the part of someone who was immersed in Torah study his entire life and did not know the shape of a coin.
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But in practical terms, every cane, chair, book and manuscript he left behind constitutes property worth millions, for which quite a few would jump to pay a fortune.
And who does all this actually belong to?
Shortly after the passing of Maran Grach zt"l in Shoshan Purim, an interesting offer was made, as revealed in 'Globes'. According to the offer, Eliezer (Louis) Scheiner, a Haredi businessman from New York, will purchase an original manuscript of the Grach zt"l in exchange for...seven million dollars. According to the publication, this is a commentary on the Jerusalem Talmud, in his original handwriting.
Now imagine how many such writings there are, how many books - and how much money is involved. According to estimates, the entire inheritance is valued at tens of millions of dollars.
According to one version, Maran zt"l said during his lifetime that his property would be divided according to Torah law. Which means - daughters do not inherit, the eldest inherits twice (sometimes in Torah law they rule as in state law - equal division, but then the question is what about the daughters).
However, the truth is that the late Shemar left a written will, which he wrote three times. The first time was about 13 years ago. The last letter was written about 7-8 years ago. According to what it says, his son Rabbi Shaul Kanievsky (known as 'Shoki', Yanki Kanievsky's father) will receive the writings and books - except for the books he published, which he divided equally between his sons.
And why did the Grach zt"l specifically give the writings and books to Rabbi Shaul's son?
A source close to the house of the Rabbi tells Haredim 10: "Rabbi Shaul studied with him, and he trusted him to do them great good. He also published many books from his letters during his lifetime, such as the 'Daat Nota' series and more.".
With his father's letter in his possession, Rabbi Shaul negotiated the offer made to him to sell the manuscript, without his brothers knowing about it - until it was revealed to them.
The revelation led to a conflict with the other brothers, who apparently did not know about the letter written by Maran zt"l.
This is the older brother, Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Kanievsky, who also lives quite close to the home of the Maran (Rashbam, corner of Nehemiah), and his son, Aryeh Kanievsky, who spent long hours every day at the Maran's house, assisting him in receiving the congregation. The other son is Rabbi Shlomo Kanievsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Kiryat Melech.
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The years issued a restraining order preventing the sale of the writings, and the brothers sought mediation from real estate tycoon Robbie Sharan, who was known for his closeness to the late Maran.
Sharan, with the brothers' consent, brought the dispute before the Dayan, Rabbi Silman, who this week presented a compromise agreement, acceptable to all parties.
According to the agreement, Rabbi Shaul Kanievsky, for the sake of peace, gives up objects and books in favor of his brother, and thus all parties decide to put an end to the conflict - which, of course, did not add honor to the memory of the late Rabbi.
According to the source close to the rabbi's house, Sharan will also compensate the brothers with money, for the sake of peace. According to him, most of the objects that Maran zt"l used - the stand, Kiddush cup, the table and more - will be given to the brothers.
According to the insider, "It was hard work, there was a lot of 'headache,' but it ended in the end. The family members didn't want what happens in other places to happen. Even to the sisters, who they didn't think they would receive, Rabbi Shaul plans to give them objects that will be a keepsake.".
