MatzavRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch Signs Baseball in Chicago, Adding to Unique Collection of Rabbinic Autographs
During his current visit to Chicago, Hagaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, created a memorable moment when he signed a baseball for local educator Reb Daniel Harris—the latest addition to an unconventional collection.
Rav Hirsch has been visiting Chicago to garner support for the Olam HaTorah in Eretz Yisroel. Amid the many gatherings and meetings, the brief interaction with Harris stood out, blending warmth, personality, and a touch of creativity.
The baseball that the gadol hador signed joins a growing collection that Harris has been assembling for years—baseballs bearing the signatures of various rabbonim. What began as a simple idea has evolved into a project, with Harris seeking out opportunities to have leading figures in the Torah world sign baseballs.
Those close to the rosh yeshiva noted that the gesture was entirely in character. Rav Hirsch is known for going out of his way to be mesameiach another Yid, even in the midst of a demanding schedule. Signing the baseball, while unconventional, was seen as a simple act of chesed, an opportunity to bring simcha to another person.
Harris’s collection includes signatures from various rabbinic figures, with one notable example being a baseball signed by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein bearing the inscription: “Aharon Lichtenstein, who strives for stardom in another league.”
Other Harris baseballs have been signed by Rav Gedaliah Schwartz and Rav Berel Wein.