THE NETZIV OFFERS A PRAYER THE LORD HAS provided me the opportunity to utter a blessing [of thanks] for the completion [of this work], to explain and elaborate the intent of Rav Ahai Gaon of blessed memory [concerning] many topics, [some of which are] straightforward while others are very difficult. In most instances I also gave the opinions of the Rishonim of the subsequent generations, precious jewels. I extracted, like wine, their opinions that resided within the grapes constructed of their terse and guarded words. By using these opinions, matters of halachic decision became perfected. For this is the purpose of all who toil in the Torah, that the hukim and mishpatim shall be preserved [by teaching them to others],¹, She’iltah 7, os 3. and it is for this reason that I frequently elaborated so as to clarify and communicate the opinions of the various authorities.

footnotes: ¹ Preserving the Torah refers to teaching the Torah to others. See Ha’amek She’elah

I [by publishing this work] come here to pay the debt that I view myself as obligated to discharge. I state today that in most cases I took great care to explain [the concepts in this book] to student and colleague in the great academy where the Lord has graciously allowed me to lecture. They [of this yeshiva] possess the power to engage in the battle of Torah, soldiers who prevail [over erroneous arguments]. Numerous times, I [took care] not to rely on my own analysis and understanding, [for I did not fear risking that my conclusions] be shattered. Heaven forbid, that the truth of the Torah should be [restrained] as captives; [let] the Will [of God] be spoken. Many times I was [assisted] by the mouths [of my colleagues and students expressing] explanations, and I expanded [beyond that which they] stated so as to produce [halachic discussions] in purity.

However, it should not be stated that nizdaken ha-din, that the judgment is unsolvable, or that it has been wisely established,² are discussed in Tractate Sanhedrin 42a. [that the matters I discuss should not be revisited] either because of strangeness [of the subject], or because it is pure [without error]. [I do not state that my writings are free of error], especially in regard to the first volume [of Ha’amek She’elah], where I was a tiron [novice] as an author. ([For proof that tiron means a novice], see how it is used in Bereishis Rabbah, parashah 1).³ 3.

footnotes: ² Both meanings of nizdaken ha-din ³ I found it in parashah

I constantly pray to the God of Purity that He should teach us His truth, His Torah, so that [we may] increase His teachings and substance. This is my longing in this transitory world: to benefit from the light emanating from the Face⁴ of the Living God, May He be blessed in the World of Perfection, the yearning of all [humankind]. Behold, I am the one laden with service, [for] all my desire and salvation are with her, [the Torah].⁵

footnotes: ⁴ “Face” refers to the various ways in which God is manifest to His creations. ⁵ II Sam. 23:5 and Isa. 62:4.