“The ikar hisorerus comes from being in the constant presence of ten thousand yungeleit”

Living Higher

This past Shabbos, the Cincinnati community was graced by the presence of two gedolei Yisrael. Rav Malkiel Kotler, rosh yeshivah of Beth Medrash Govoha, and Rav Tzvi Berkowitz of Ner Yisrael spent Shabbos in Cincinnati in honor of its kollel’s 30th anniversary. Many of the kollel’s alumni, along with their families, joined as well for a most memorable Shabbos. Over the course of 24 hours, the two visiting gedolim delivered multiple addresses in numerous venues, sharing from their bubbling wellsprings of Torah mastery.

Greatness in Torah is difficult to quantify. But once in every long while, you get a flash of insight into its grandeur.

One such moment came during a Q and A session held during Shalosh Seudos. Rav Dovid Spetner, who together with Rav Meir Minster has directed the kollel since its inception, began the session with a question of his own, directed at Rav Malkiel.

“The Rosh Yeshivah was raised among gedolei Yisrael,” he began, “but is there any one particular inspiration that the Rosh Yeshivah can point to that spirited his development over the years?”

Rav Malkiel thought for a moment. “It’s hard to point to any one thing,” he began. “My grandfather was niftar when I was already a grown child. I was raised in the home of my father. When I lived in Eretz Yisrael, I was extremely close with the Steipler and Rav Shach as well as many others. I saw so much gadlus, it’s hard to point to a single factor.”

He lowered his voice as he continued. “The ikar hisorerus,” he said, “comes from being in the constant presence of ten thousand yungeleit completely engrossed in their learning. It has to make a roshem on you. There are so many talmidei chachamim muflagim in the yeshivah, true tzaddikim who are moser nefesh for Torah. I feel a responsibility to live up to them.”

In a stunning moment of disclosure, the rosh yeshivah of one of the greatest yeshivos in history reveals that he sees his inspiration as none other than his own talmidim, allowing the kollel members, past and present, to see the depth of humility that comes along with true Torah greatness.

The Lens

Last week, Rav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, rosh yeshivah of Shaarei Simcha and one of the generation’s foremost gedolim, visited the United States and made a stop at the Adopt-a-Kollel headquarters. Rav Soloveitchik is very fond of the organization and wanted to personally thank shul gabbaim and those involved in the effort to support kollelim in Eretz Yisrael.

Rav Soloveitchik is renowned for his hasmadah, and knowing how precious every moment is to him, his visit was planned to be just a few minutes. Yet after he finished his speech, to the surprise of his audience, Rav Soloveitchik turned to Rabbi Abish Brodt, a noted baal menagen, and encouraged him to “start a niggun.” As the heartfelt music began to play, he closed his eyes and began swaying with deep emotion, tears rolling down his face, while encouraging the audience to continue singing one song after another.

It was clear to those present that this was his way of conveying his hakaras hatov to those involved in a cause he deeply cherishes.

Od Yoter Trump

A Jerusalem pizzeria on Yaakov Meir Street in Geula recently changed its name from “Pizza Klinton,” presumably referencing the 42nd president of the United States, to “Pizza Trump,” complete with an Uncle Sam-style top hat and a “Make Pizza Great Again” slogan.

Pizza Trump’s proprietor, Yitzchak Babayov, shared with Mishpacha that since he purchased the shop three years ago, he’s been on the lookout for a replacement name.

“Many people suggested Pizza Trump because we are all very excited for him to be president again,” he said. “I think he will be very good for us, help us. President Trump loves the Jews, he loves Israel. However, there’s only one name I am willing to change it to when the time comes, b’ezras Hashem soon: Pizza Mashiach!"

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 1046)