A person who focuses on giving kavod rather than taking it, will always reflect that kavod himself

The term “z’kan admorim" is often used in reference to the elder tzaddikim around us, and the Rachmistrivka Rebbe of Brooklyn is certainly among our revered venerable tzaddikim. I would often look on and marvel at the relationship he enjoyed with his brother, the previous Rachmistrivka Rebbe of Jerusalem ztz”l, and the way they deferred to each other. This picture reminds me of their special bond, which I witnessed at so many simchahs.

These days, the Rachmistrivka Rebbe of Brooklyn is in a wheelchair, and as a close chassid of his told me, the Rebbe will no longer go up for the traditional aliyah of shishi. He feels that if he cannot honor the Torah by rising to his feet, then he doesn’t even want to approach the bimah. The humility and yiras Shamayim that so typifies him explains the reverence that flows toward him. A person who focuses on giving kavod rather than taking it, will always reflect that kavod himself. May Hashem protect and safeguard the tzaddikim among us.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 845)