Talmudic scholars. Joseph Baer Soloveichik (1820-1892) and his son, Hayim (1853-1919), were considered the greatest rabbinical authorities in Russia. The latter served for several years as head of the famous yeshiva, or Talmudical Academy, of Volozhin. Both held the position of rabbi in the city of Brest-Litovak (Brisk), Russia. Moses Soloveichik, son of Hayim, was dean of Talmudic studies, first at the Tahkemoni school in Warsaw, Poland, and later at Yeshiva University in New York. Joseph Baer Soloveichik (1903-1992), who arrived in the U.S. in 1932, occupied the chair previously filled by his father at Yeshiva University, and was one of the leading spirits in the religious Zionist movement in the U.S. Combining Talmudic scholarship with extensive secular knowledge (he received his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Berlin), he was considered one of the most brilliant and stimulating Orthodox teachers and lecturers. Rabbi Soloveichik was head of two congregations, one in Boston and one in New York. He served as chairman of the Law Commission of the Rabbinical Council, and contributed to scholarly and rabbinical journals.