How do you portray almost a century of utter genius, unique humility, unparalleled diligence, profound caring — and, yes, loving warmth and a gentle sense of humor?
How do you capture the greatness of Reb Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l?
With true stories.
Reb Aharon Leib: The life and wisdom of Rabbi Aharon Yehudah Leib Shteinman, written by Rabbi Naftali Weinberger, author of the hugely popular bestseller Rebbetzin Kanievsky: A Legendary Mother to All, and edited by Nina Indig, is a biography featuring hundreds of stories about Reb Aharon Leib, as well as many never-before published family photos and documents.
The source of many of these stories, particularly of his youth, is … Reb Aharon Leib himself. When he was in his nineties, Reb Aharon Leibs’s grandchildren took turns spending the night in his apartment. To show his thanks, Reb Aharon Leib, a master of gratitude, told them stories about when he was young, knowing how much they enjoyed them — stories of the Brisker Rav and Rav Simcha Zelig Riger, of the “potch” he never forgot, of the only time he made a goral haGra, which ultimately saved his life. Rabbi Weinberger spent many hours interviewing grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita and talmidim to discover these treasures.
Moving past tales of his youth, we read about Reb Aharon Leib’s relationship with the Chazon Ish and other gedolim. We are amazed by Reb Aharon Leib’s incredible patience and compassion during his kabbalas kahal, when he spoke to countless people looking for a berachah, an eitzah, or just some comfort.
We visit that legendary two-bedroom apartment on Rechov Chazon Ish, and we meet the beloved and illustrious Rebbetzin Tamar Shteinman, who truly found her home — with its two propane burners, peeling paint, and backless chairs — beautiful and complete. We learn of her remarkable chesed and see how she raised a Torah-true family with the utmost simplicity — and the greatest simchah.
In the beis midrash, in his home, flying all over the world to bring chizuk to other Jews: Wherever Rav Aharon Leib went, he strengthened the emunah and love for Torah in the people he met. So it’s very appropriate that this major biography, too, will strengthen and inspire us.
Already in its 2nd printing, visit your local Hebrew bookseller or go online today at http://artscroll.com/Books/ralh.html to purchase the biography that will positively influence your life in a multitude of ways.
