Yishuv Eli resident Rabbi Netanel Elyashiv took his talmidim with him to Bnei Brak to give them a glimpse of the Torah city. They visit include a stop at the home of HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita.
Following the visit Rav Elyashiv posted his reaction on his Facebook page, describing the impression made on him and the talmidim by the modesty of Maran’s lifestyle and home.
“The man was born 100 years ago, on the eve of the outbreak of the first world war in the city known as Brisk. There he was close to Rav Yitzchak Ze’ev Halevy Solovechik. When he arrived in Israel in 1946 he worked in the diamond field. However, the Chazon Ish realized his greatness and compelled him to Torah related endeavors in the chareidi world. This included Rosh Yeshivas Ponevezh for Tze’irim.”
Rabbi Elyashiv adds “The rav received us cordially and he encouraged the talmidim to take life seriously and that the tachlis of life and our existence is not about eating, drinking and sleeping, all of which are consumed. They are only means, the purpose is to grow in Torah and to become people who do not live meanly but with dignity.”
“What can non-chareidim can learn from character of Rav Shteinman” asks Rav Elyashiv. “First of all, you look at the wall behind him. Only Gaza sees such walls. This is how his entire small apartment appears”, concludes Rabbi Elyashiv, who speaks about how the level of modesty of the gadol hador’s home and lifestyle are a striking example for all.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
Quite a Rebbi to bring his talmidim to meet with Rav Steinman and be inspired by his middos and ahavas yisroel.
Just like the home of the Chofetz Chaim, another Chareidi Rov.
This is the difference between following a Gadol in the media and meeting him in person. One is cynical, the other instills awe.
BTW what family tree of Elyashuv does this rebbe come from?
As a general matter, the DL community respects Talmidei Chachamim, regardless of the political affiliation of the GGadol in question. That doesn’t mean they follow them – it is possible can respect someone while following a different Shita.
It would be nice if this were reciprocated by the Chareidi community. Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel were able to disagree with Kavod; we should strive to emulate them.
an Israeli Yid
I do not understand what is so unique about this story. Why is it such a big deal that a Dati Leumi Rav took his students to see a Gadol Hador? In Israel, the big rabbis are revered by all types of Yiden. Even secular Jews go to visit big rabanim (especially the Sephardim). It is a nice story but I think it gives the impression that Rav Elyashiv is unique and most dati leumi don’t pay attention to the gadolim.