Harav Yitzchok Dov Koppelman Shlita, the Rosh Yeshiva of Lucerne who arrived tonight (Thursday 10th June 2010) in Melbourne Australia for a week’s visit, is literally a living testament to a vanished world. It is reliably said that he was born in May 1905. His longevity and lucidity are not merely personal blessings; we, too, can now share in them over the next days.
He is universally known today as the zekan Roshei HaYeshivos, the world’s senior Rosh HaYeshiva.
Rav Koppelman is a leading disciple of his great mentor, Rabbi Shimon Shkop (1860–1939), the Rosh Yeshiva of Sha’ar HaTorah in Grodno, having learnt under him for 18 years.
Rav Koppelman has been the Rosh Yeshiva of Lucerne since 1963. In the intervening 47 years the Yeshiva has earned itself an enviable international reputation: indeed, one of the indications of its success is that it is a microcosm of the world – pupils come not only from Switzerland, Western Europe and the United Kingdom, but also from the United States of America, Canada, Eretz Yisroel and even Australia (the first Melburnian made his way to Lucerne in 1964). As well as having a geographical mix, the student body of the Yeshiva comprises Chasidim, Litvaks and Yekkes, all learning in harmony.
Despite Rabbi Koppelman’s advanced years, his title as Rosh Yeshiva is no mere sinecure; he is to be found each day in the Beis Medrash, giving regular shiurim and being completely accessible to his pupils. The affinity does not cease when boys leave the Yeshiva and many former students living abroad arrange their travels so as to spend a Shabbos or a Yomtov in Lucerne .
In recent years, the Rosh Yeshiva has started to travel abroad somewhat more; usually to the USA or Eretz Yisroel. A few months ago, Rabbi Koppelman started to speak about the possibility of coming to Australia and now, much to the delight of his students and admirers, the greatly anticipated visit is an actuality.
In today’s somewhat polarised Orthodox world, Rabbi Koppelman is that rarity who has good relations with everyone. He eschews politics and is only interested in disseminating Torah. Wherever he goes, people rush to meet him and hear his wisdom.
Click HERE for photos.
(Video & photos by Yumi Rosenbaum – YWN Australia)
To arrange a private meeting with the HaRav Koppelman in Melbourne please contact:
Meir Chaim Spigelman: 0412 421 626
Mordechai Benedikt: 0418 418 199
Meir Present: 0433 915 567
(D. Havin – YWN)
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2 Responses
until 120 years with good health the rosh hayeshiva shlitas passport is dated birth in 1904 but i heard from his sister in tel aviv that he is approximately 100/101.the rosh is one of the key reasons we have rav shimon shkop writings he had them through the war years in Siberia.
The Rosh Yeshiva’s age was always in question, even by his own children.
That was until 2 years ago when the Rosh was here in NY. While in residence by his BP hosts, he had a surprise guest – an elderly Yid from Queens, who introduced himself as a former talmid who had been mentored by Rav Koppelman. He further divulged that the Rosh was 10 years his senior.
Of course everybody pounced with anticipation. “And how old are you?”
When he replied “93” the Rosh’s age was finally confirmed.
Of course, since it is 2 years later, the “105” is correct, amv”s.
The age, of course, is not the issue. It is be”h the brilliance and wisdom that this zaddik possesses and conveys that make him so unique. People come to him with kvitlach although he is not a rebbe.
It is amazing to see the relationship the talmidim have with him. It is one of both awe and love.
Believe me, it is a zechiah to meet him and get a bracha from such a zokon.