HaGaon HaRav Simcha HaCohen Kook Shlita, chief rabbi of Rechovot, was interviewed by Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) regarding the condition of Maran Posek HaDor HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita.

Rav Kook explained that he was not in the hospital to see the rav, but he visited Rav Elyashiv on erev Shabbos at home to inquire regarding a number of Halachic issues. “I was so pleasantly surprised to see him doing so well and his mind was sharp and alert” he explained.

Rav Kook wished to consult with the rav regarding a couple in the process of divorce, explaining that in his forty years as rav of Rechovot he always knew that he has an address, someone with whom he can consult regarding any and all issues, and this is what he did.

Rav Kook explained that for Am Yisrael the generations are defined by the gedolei hador, as the period during the time of the Rambam, referred to by that great personality and his contribution to the Jewish People.

Rav Kook explained that he is not accustomed to speaking on the air, something that he rarely does, but he felt compelled to share with listeners the uniqueness and unparalleled qualities of the gadol hador, “who gives this generation a place in history as well due to his presence, sharpness of mind and commitment to Torah”. He stressed that as recently as this past erev Shabbos, 10 Shevat 5772, while he was physically weak, his presence of mind, concentration on davening and ability to discuss the issues at hand were simply outstanding.

Rabbi Kook drew an analogy from medicine, explaining that when a rav seeks advice he must seek out a rabbi who is more learned and advanced than he, and Rabbi Elyashiv is at the top of this ladder. He explained a doctor seeking advice seeks out a more senior physician in his quest to cure the body, and here it is far more serious, addressing the soul.

GALEI TZAHAL: He is almost 102. I see that great rabbis seem to live longer.  The Lubavitcher Rebbe was 92, the Baba Sali 95, Rav Yitzchak Kadouri 108, Rav Avraham Shapira was 96 and Rav Shach was 103. What is the connection between being a great rabbi and longevity?

RAV KOOK: This is not the secret of this particular man. Rabbi Elyashiv’s private life is not the issue. It is who he is. People came from the United States or Canada, or the farthest possible place just to sit with him for ten minutes. He is not just a private person. His merit is that of all of us since so many need him.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Yesterday we davened for the rabbi around the world, in every city and tears poured like water and we pray for his well being – at which point the rav begins crying and the interview ends.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)