Who better to inspire thousands of talmidim in the biggest yeshivah in the world, than a rebbi who is happy to teach one person at a time?

Many years ago, a popular rav was asked to deliver a lecture in a secular town in Israel, and he accepted. Then, when the date approached, he realized he had another commitment and he scrambled to find someone to fill in. In desperation, he turned to Rav Binyamin Finkel, known as “Rav Binyamin Hatzaddik,” who happily agreed to do the chesed.

Rav Finkel traveled to the distant town and arrived at the designated address, but even after repeated knocking, there was no answer. Finally, a pajama-clad gentleman opened the door and shamefacedly admitted that he had forgotten to arrange the lecture, and no one was there.

Rav Binyamin smiled and said, “My friend, learning Torah with you is as valuable to me as teaching Torah to 50 people. I would be happy to learn with you, if you’re interested.”

The visitor was welcomed in and he sat down to learn with the host and the host’s son, who came to join them.

Twenty years later, a young man stopped Rav Binyamin in yeshivah and introduced himself. He was the son of that man, and he had been so impressed by the conduct of the visitor and the learning on that night, that he had been drawn to Torah.

Now, Rav Binyamin takes his place in the exalted line of Mirrer mashgichim, having been appointed to succeed Rav Aharon Chodosh ztz”l in the position held by spiritual giants through the ages. And who better to inspire thousands of talmidim in the biggest yeshivah in the world, than a rebbi who is happy to teach one person at a time?

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 840)