A Heart Full of Kindness: Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach's Acts of Love

Many years ago, at a wedding where Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach was present, he noticed something new. The families were escorting the groom with candles, as is customary but this time, they were using a special glass device that completely prevented wax from dripping onto their clothing.

Today, you’ll see these protective glass holders at nearly every wedding. But at that time, this was a brand-new invention. One of the in-laws, who was skilled in glasswork, had designed it especially for the occasion.

When Rabbi Auerbach saw this clever innovation, he quietly approached a relative of the glass expert after the wedding and asked if he could, please, get in touch with the inventor. He wanted to order eight sets of these candle holders for full payment, of course. But the Rabbi had one request: “Please don’t tell him I’m the one asking. I prefer to remain anonymous.”

The family member hesitated. “If I don’t tell him who’s asking,” he said gently, “I’m not sure he’ll agree to make them.” After much persuasion, Rabbi Auerbach finally agreed that the glassmaker could know who had requested the sets.

As soon as the request came in, especially in the name of such a respected Torah scholar, the glassmaker happily agreed. Not only did he prepare the eight requested sets, he made many more.

Once they were ready, the family member called Rabbi Auerbach to let him know. The Rabbi asked him to take a taxi to his home at the Rabbi’s own expense and bring the candle holders with him.

When they arrived, Rabbi Auerbach handed the candle holders to a friend in Jerusalem. He asked him to set up a gemach, a free loan service, so that anyone in need could borrow the glass holders for a simchah (joyous occasion) like a wedding.

This simple act of kindness became a huge success. Many families took advantage of the loan service and were grateful to avoid getting wax on their clothes during these beautiful events. Over time, the idea caught on everywhere and today, these candle covers are a standard part of Jewish weddings.

Another touching story of Rabbi Auerbach’s gentle heart was told by his brother, Rabbi Avraham Dov Auerbach.

In Rabbi Auerbach’s neighborhood lived a widow with young children. The Rabbi did everything he could to help her financially and in other ways. One day, one of his assistants came to him and shared a concern. He had seen the widow at the market buying early-season fruits, quite expensive luxuries and wondered whether it might be better to gently hint to her that she should save her money instead.

Rabbi Auerbach responded with heartfelt astonishment:

“After all, she is a widow. She has no husband, and her life is already full of pain and struggle. Now, she finds some joy and some sweetness in those early fruits. And you want us to take even that small comfort away from her? Chalilah! (G‑d forbid!)”

This was Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. His Torah greatness went hand in hand with his incredible sensitivity, his deep understanding of people, and his unwavering commitment to kindness.

From 'Diokna' by Rabbi Moshe Vito, courtesy of the Dirshu website.