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In the last few weeks, I have been repeatedly asked by our many Mosdos, publications, news media and the like, to speak/interview about my dear Shver, Harav Hagaon Reb Chaim Yisroel Belsky ZT’L. In addition to the tens of thousands of people who felt drawn to attend his Levaya, there were so many articles, speeches and Hespedim that were a beautiful and befitting Kavod Acharon for him; and I can’t thank you, the Oilam, enough for the kind words, support and Chizuk that you gave our family.
Hence, anything I can possibly expound upon would fall into the category of “Kol Hamosif Gorea”. To know him was to see him in action. To fully understand him was rare. I give Shevach V’hodah to the Ribono Shel Olam for the opportunity to have, for the last twenty two years, personally witnessed his Ahavas Hatorah and his unfailing love for every Yid. As Yaakov Avinu represents Emes, my Shver’s Rebbe Muvhak was Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky ZT’L known as the consummate Ish Emes; and my Shver learned from him and undyingly practiced this Midah all of his life.
A whole week, My Shver would look forward to Shabbos. He was able to enjoy the mystique of the secret present Hashem gave us that is hidden in his treasury. (Matana Tova yesh li b’vais gnozy, v’shabbos shmah). Bringing in the Shabbos would light his face aglow, a glow that revealed his Neshama Yeseirah. He felt himself not only a keeper of the Shabbos but also as its protector. It was important for him to stand up for, and defend Shabbos. Thus, when it came to its Halachos and their intricacies he was very Machmir. So, were the responsibilities of my dear Shver, the custodian of Shabbos.
I am reminded of a story which occurred some five years ago in which I was personally involved.
A new Eiruv was erected in a certain area. There were differing Halachik opinions as to the validity of the Eiruv. I called my Shver to ask him if it was permissible for me to make use of the Eiruv thus being able to carry on Shabbos. Believing the Eiruv was not Kosher when considering all the Poskim, my Shver characteristically did not criticize the opposing opinion, rather he simply asked me. “Shlomo Yehuda, the Aibeshter gives us one time a year to awaken and plead with him to do Teshuvah by blowing the Shofar. We only have one opportunity, to perform this most important and dear Mitzvah. However, should the first day of Rosh Hashanah fall out on Shabbos, Chazal made a Gezeirah NOT to blow Shofar. Why? Because Chazal were concerned with the mere possibility that someone might carry the Shofar to Shul, and as every child in Kindergarten knows, it’s Assur to carry on Shabbos”. My Shver concluded, “if Chazal were Mevatel the paramount and glorious Mitzvah of Shofer because of the mere possible danger and severity of someone carrying on Shabbos, why would you want to take a chance on an Eiruv that some of the Poskim disallow?”
My Shver was niftar just a few weeks after he was diagnosed. I immediately flew into New York to be with him. Knowing that my Shver was a Ba’al Menagen, and I’ve always found it easier to express my feelings through song, I had the Siyata Dishmaya to compose a Niggun about Shabbos on the flight to New York.
The words are from a Piyot in the Zohar called Raza D’shabbos (literally translated to “the secret of Shabbos”). Those of us who Daven Nusach Sefard recite it every week after Kabbalos Shabbos, though this mesmerizing concept is relevant to all. In the middle of this mysterious tefillah, are the following words:
“KAD AYEL SHABSA”…when Shabbos arrives, “IHI ISYACHDAS V’ ISPARSHAS MISITRA ACHRA”….she separates and distinguishes herself from the other (evil)side, “L’GABEI MALKA KADISHA”….in the presence of the holy king, Hashem.
“V’CHOL SHULTUNEI RUGZIN”….and all evil decrees, “UMUREI D’DINA”….and fear of judgement, “KULHU ARKIN V’ISABRUN MENOH”…all get uprooted and removed by her….”V’LAIS SHULTANA ACHRA B’CHOLHU ALMON”…..and there is no other power in the entire world… “BAR MENOH”….besides for Shabbos.
How many of us truly realize the importance and power of Shabbos?
As some of you know, my Shver was niftar exactly four years to the day from when he was rushed to the Hospital in cardiac arrest. (Yud tes, shvat). The Aibeshter gave him a gift of exactly four more years. An extra 208 Shabbosim. The word Raza (secret) is also B’ GEMATRIA 208!!
I truly believe that “RAZA D’SHABBOS”, the secret reason that he was gifted an extra 208 Shabbosim, “HI SHABBOS”, was because of the unwavering respect he always had for Shabbos.
(By: R’ Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz – YWN)
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One Response
I have read so many articles about the gadlus of Rav Belsky ztkl ‘and none of them are sufficient to show just how great a tzadick he was! I lost my father at the age of ten and now I feel I have become a yosim again! Rav Belsky was always there for us, through pain and happiness , we never felt alone! How in the world he was able to find time for everyone , I will never understand? The Rosh Yeshiva should be a meiletz yosher for his wonderful family who was selfless in sharing him with all of klal Yisroel !!