In a rare glimpse into the thinking of the generation’s Torah leader, a US supporter of the Yisachar B’Ohalecha Kollelim was ushered into the home of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Aharon Leib Steinman shlit”a, by Rabbi Elchonon Weisbord, executive director of the network’s financial operations along with a cameraman. Rabbi Weisbord asked Rav Aharon Leib which idea he can discuss with past donors, when asking for continued support? The Rosh Yeshiva paused for a moment and began with the following thought. “Just like a meal, one must eat every day, he cannot just eat once in a lifetime, he must keep on eating his entire life, so too Avreichim need to receive each day the required support”. The Rosh Yeshiva then brought an example” Even the mann, which came from Heaven, fell fresh each day, and so too Avreichim deserve steady and reliable support”.
When the Rosh Yeshiva looked around the room and noticed that he was being recorded, he asked “for what purpose?” His attendant explained to him that Rabbi Weisbord had brought him along, so that this message would be conveyed by video to other supporters of the comprehensive chain of Kollelim. The Rosh Yeshiva blessed the supporters with success, quoting the famous Talmudic dictum “asser bishvil shetisasher-contribute a tenth, so that you will become rich” and concluded with a blessing for the new year.
Since its formation just a decade ago, Yisachar B’Ohalecha has grown to include 30 branches serving over 1,400 Avreichim, many in areas outside of Bnei Brak and Yerushalayim. Maran Rav Aharon Leib shlit”a is the guiding force behind the network’s operation, counseling Rabbi Weisbord in its establishment and offering encouragement and guidance for its expansion. It has gained recognition in the Torah world in for excellence in learning, attendance and providing an atmosphere conducive for individual growth.
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20 Responses
Thank you very much for that video and article! It is a treat to savor, to be able to see Rav Shteinman sheyaarich yamim on video and to hear his words. Keep it up!
“if people would feel the sweetness and pleasure in the goodness of the Torah they would be rushing madly after it, and it would have no value in their eyes a world full of gold and silver, because the Torah encompasses all of the benefits in the world”
(Ohr Hachayim Ki Savo 26:11)
His words ring of true leadership, responsibility and inspiration.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful article and video with the tzibbur. It is a real treat to get such a close up glimpse to the gadol hador – to see and hear him! Much hatzlochoh to Yissocher B’Ohalechah. After watching the video of it, it sure looks like its worth its name!
Very nice! Would’ve been more Mentschlech though if they’d let him know he was being recorded before he had to figure it out himself 😉
It is so evident how much the Gadol Hador Shlita and the others in the video relate to and understand the feelings of the yungerleit and their families. Mi K’amcha Yisroel!
I personally know R’ Elchonon and his network of Kollelim. I wonder how many people realize that the zchus of hachzokas haTorah is what keeps us. The Yungerleit are the ones who are supporting us.
As someone that knows R’ Elchonon Weissbord Shlita personally, I can attest that he is a truly special, hardworking, and Emesdik individual. I am greatly impressed with his organization, in which every action is guided by the Gadol Hador, Harav Shteinman Shlita. I’ve seen the organization flourish from tens to thousands of Yungerleit and this is a direct result of R’ Elchonon’s hard work! May Hashem give him and his family continued Koach to continue in this amazing work!.
Continuation to # 5:
Also even after he noticed and was explained the reason for the filming he did NOT say that he agrees to be filmed. As anyone who has experience with speaking to gedolim knows, the rule of “shtekah kehoda’ah is not always applicable. The fact that he did not protest does not necessarily show his consent.
I’m not saying they did something wrong just that we dont know that he consented.
It’s beautiful to see and hear a Gadol Hodor.
But there is an edit/cut between when they explain why they are recording him and his statement. Did they tell him what to say? (Similar to their telling him to say A Gut Yohr)
Picture ads have been altered for years to endorse various Tzedakas. Now video is also being edited to use Gedolim in marketing campaigns?!?! Were there multiple takes until it was considered suitable?
To get to see and/or hear a gadol hador is a rare privilege for those who live thousands of miles away. The organization that put out this advetorial (it is nothing short of that) is surely a worthy organization (anything promoting the growth and support of torah is a worthy organization). Nevertheless there is some part of me that continues to blanche everytime I see gedolim exploited by organizations seeking funds. Do you think the Rosh Yeshivas message about tzedaka in general or hachzakas torah in particular would have been different had it been a different organization doing the filming?
#5
all we needed is one classic scoffer
‘Lei’tzonus achas docheh me’ah tochachos’
Ashrei Ha’am
for those commenting on how people use rabbonim for their own purposes, you should know that chonon works for, and answers only to, r aharon leib and not the other way around.
to think that the Manhig HaDor can be manipulated, or that his dedicated gabbaim would allow ‘video exploitation’, is ignorance at its best. Rabbi Weisbord is no stranger in the house. It is a known fact that he works for Maran shlit”a, as administrator of the Rosh Yeshiva’s kollelim, and that is why he is so obviously favored by the Rosh Yeshiva, and the gabbaim.
It is also common knowledge that the Rosh Yeshiva is always equally available to help any and every worthy Torah cause across the globe.
Every word uttered in that video is full of truth, full of feeling and that is why it is so powerful.
It doesn’t change the fact that this video was not intended as an advetorial to be posted online.
Nobody suggested the rosh yeshiva is being manipulated.
#17 some actually did
None did. They are suggesting that there are those who are using images, recordings and statements of gedolim in ways they were not intended.
Listen to the video. What did they tell the rosh yeshiva would be done with the recording? Why is it posted online as an advetorial? I’m sure the people in question are eherlicher yidden, however many people get the feeling when seeing videos such as this, similar advertisements in print and the like, that gedolim have been reduced to marketing devices.
those who were inspired and gave to support Torah, enjoyed. so can you!why be left out and feel negative? give with a good heart, and you will get the bracha too!