A moving scene unfolded this past week as distinguished avreichim of Gur, together with their children, went to the home of HaGaon Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein for a comprehensive test on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat and on dapim of Gemara learned over the summer.
For over an hour, Rav Zilberstein tested the avreichim, posing sharp halachic questions in the intricate areas of Choshen Mishpat. The participants displayed remarkable knowledge, fluency, and mastery of the subject matter. Rav Zilberstein was visibly impressed by the young talmidei chachomim‘s grasp of halacha.
As the session extended beyond its scheduled time, Rav Zilberstein was reminded by his aide, Rav Yisroel Leizerson, that the children were eagerly waiting for their turn. Smiling, Rav Zilberstein remarked, “Meanwhile, they see what it means to speak in learning—that itself is worth something.”
The children then stepped forward, each reciting and analyzing pages of Gemara they had reviewed and memorized during the summer. When one young boy appeared nervous before the revered rav, Rav Zilberstein gently stroked his face and reassured him: “Don’t be afraid. I can see from your expression that you know it. Excellent—you’re sweet as honey. That’s enough for me; I can tell from your style that you understand.”
At the conclusion, every child received a personal brocha from Rav Zilberstein along with a gift of his sefer Achas Sha’alti. But before distributing the sefarim, the Rav spoke with great emotion: “Look at these questions with illustrations—questions for young and old alike. In no other nation is there anything like this. Here, in the Jewish home, parents and children discuss halacha together. Fathers and mothers yearn for their children’s success in Torah and rejoice when they know how to answer. In other nations, people sit and waste their time with scoffing, but here, children sit and delve into Torah. This alone can save the Jewish people.”
Tears filled his eyes as he added, “Master of the world, show me in any nation such a sight. It does not exist. Only among Klal Yisrael.”
When asked what message should be conveyed to the Rebbe of Gur, Rav Zilberstein replied: “Tell him that all of them are candidates to become morei horaah in Klal Yisroel. That is the goal—that they grow into people who sanctify the Name of Heaven.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
When asked what message should be conveyed to the Rebbe of Gur, Rav Zilberstein replied: “Tell him that all of them are candidates to become morei horaah in Klal Yisroel. That is the goal—that they grow into people who sanctify the Name of Heaven.”
With all due respect to the Rov, the vast majority of Chassidim, Gur included, learn in Kollel for a few years and then go out to work and make a huge Kiddush Hashem by working in an ehrlich manner, honesty and derech eretz and supporting their families, that is Sanctifying the Name of Heaven. Dont’ disparage the working man who sets aside time to learn each day, please.
Thumbs up!
Halevai everyone makes a huge Kiddush Hashem. But not everyone does that, וד”ל.
Rebbetzin Leah Kook of Tiveria, the daughter of Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, said that anytime she or the other children asked for something – a piece of cake, better understanding of the Rashi commentary on the Torah, or 20 shekels – Rav Zilberstein always responded with some version of the following:
“All right, my daughter – but first, give me a warm hug.”
He’s a genuinely warm and loving person.