The Watch and Tablecloth that belonged to Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian, Author of "Lev Eliyahu"

The Watch and Tablecloth that belonged to Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian, Author of "Lev Eliyahu"
Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian (1876–1970), known as Reb Elyah, was among the most prominent rabbis of the Mussar Movement. As a disciple of the Kelm Talmud Torah method, he was known for his strict keeping of order and strong self-control. It is told that he would not turn his head without a reason and a structured decision.
Rabbi Elya Lopian was born in Grajewo, Poland in 1876. In his youth he studied at the yeshiva in Łomża and at the Kelm Talmud Torah of Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv. He emigrated to England in 1928, where he served as the Rosh Yeshiva of the Etz Chaim Yeshiva in the East End of London, working for many years alongside his distinguished colleague Rabbi Nachman Shlomo Greenspan.
For many years, Rabbi Lopian had wanted to make his home in the Land of Israel, and spoke a great deal about the Vilna Gaon's intense yet unfulfilled desire to live there. In 1950 he left the Etz Chaim Yeshiva and moved to Israel. He initially refused to lead Mussar seminars in Israel and sought to occupy himself with teaching and private moral work. Yet with the blessing of the Chazon Ish, he finally reconciled himself with leading Mussar courses. Despite his old age, he agreed in the end to act as Mashgiach Ruchani at the Knesset Chizkiyahu yeshiva located originally in Zikhron Ya'akov and later in Kfar Hasidim, headed by Rabbi Noah Shimonowitz.
From the moment of his arrival, Reb Elya became a magnet for the young men. The yeshiva became firmly established and even drew many young people from neighboring yeshiva high schools such as the Bnei Akiva Kfar HaRo'eh yeshivah and Midrashiat Noam in Pardes Hannah.

A. Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian's Watch
Punctuality was one of the values of the Mussar method of the Beit Midrash of Kelm.
Before us is the watch of one of the most prominent rabbis of the Mussar Movement, Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian.
A Swiss-made pocket watch. Circa the beginning of the 20th century. The body of the watch is made of silver-plated nickel. Two covers. Decorations.
It has not been examined whether the watch functions. Natural signs of wear, in agreement with the age of the watch.

B. Tablecloth. At its edge, the English initials of his name are embroidered.
122x122 cm.
Condition: Very Good.