The petirah of Springfield Rosh Yeshivah Rav Elya Meir Sorotzkin hit talmidim and admirers particularly hard

Photo: AEGedolimphotos.com

The world has lost so many great men and women in recent months, but the petirah of Springfield Rosh Yeshivah Rav Elya Meir Sorotzkin hit talmidim and admirers particularly hard. The Rosh Yeshivah had been ill for years, but as the sickness spread, his strength seemed to grow. His speech grew weaker, his gait slower, but his shiurim were ever more profound, the voice still roaring like a lion during shiur.

From the hospital bed, he taught Torah, giving over his essence with his last breaths.

Mishpacha’s Avraham Elbaz shares a picture he obtained of the Rosh Yeshivah with his father-in-law, Mir Rosh Yeshivah Rav Shmuel Berenbaum, reflecting that profound ahavas Torah — the glue that connected them with joy and enthusiasm.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 838)