Small Stories, Big Heart: Rabbi Dov Yaffe’s Lasting Impact

Today (Sunday, the 19th of Cheshvan) marks five years since the passing of the elder Mashgiach (spiritual guide), Rabbi Dov Yaffe. He served as the mashgiach ruchani (spiritual supervisor) of the Kfar Chassidim Yeshiva in Rechasim and was deeply loved by his students and community. In his quiet, gentle way, Rabbi Yaffe inspired thousands. Below are four short but powerful stories that give us a glimpse into the heart of this remarkable Torah teacher.

A Moving Response to a 9-Year-Old’s Loneliness
A Jewish resident of Rechasim once had the privilege of driving Rabbi Dov Yaffe in his car. Sitting in the backseat was the driver’s son, a third-grader, who bravely took the opportunity to ask the Rabbi a question.

With a warm smile, the Mashgiach turned to the boy and gently asked, “What is it about?” The child answered honestly, “It’s that I have no friends.”

Rabbi Yaffe offered him a sincere answer, and the conversation moved on—or so it seemed.

A few days later, the boy’s teacher called his mother. He shared that Rabbi Yaffe had personally reached out to him, requesting he give a special class talk about bein adam le’chaveiro—how we treat one another. As the teacher spoke, it became clear to the mother that this was connected to her son. Rabbi Yaffe didn’t just listen with compassion—he quietly took action to help.

At a Red Light—Fulfilling a Mitzvah
One day, while walking through the city with a student, Rabbi Yaffe came to a crosswalk just as the pedestrian light turned red. They stopped and waited silently.

After a few moments, Rabbi Yaffe turned to his student and asked, “What are you thinking about right now?” The student shrugged and replied, “Nothing in particular.”

With a gentle smile, the Mashgiach said, “Then think about the mitzvah you're fulfilling right now—‘v’nishmartem me'od lenafshoteichem’—‘Take very good care of your life.’”

This was his way: finding holiness in the smallest moments. He lived by the verse, “B’chol derachecha da’eihu”—“In all your ways, know Him.” Every action, no matter how ordinary, was a chance to connect with Hashem.

Learning to Feel Another’s Pain—Through Silence
A resident of Rechasim once shared this personal story: “Years ago, our child was born with several rare health conditions. Our whole world changed. One evening, I had the opportunity of driving the Mashgiach from his home in Rechasim to a Torah lecture in Bnei Brak. We began with a friendly conversation, and during the drive, I opened up to him about our son’s struggles.”

“I expected advice or perhaps a blessing. But to my surprise, Rabbi Yaffe remained silent. The rest of the drive, he didn’t speak at all. I couldn’t understand it.”

“On the way back, I finally asked him about his silence. With great sensitivity, he explained: ‘To truly bless or advise someone, I first need to deeply feel what they are going through. I spent the ride thinking about your story and imagining what it would be like if I were in your place—G-d forbid. Only once I’ve really felt that pain in my heart, can I offer a true prayer or blessing.’”

“Then and only then, Rabbi Yaffe gave me a blessing. Fifteen years have passed, but I will never forget how deeply supported I felt that night. That quiet empathy still gives me strength.”

Love from Hashem Eases the Pain
One year, Rabbi Yaffe was injured, and the pain should have been intense. A student, concerned for his well-being, asked if it hurt.

The Mashgiach responded with a touching parable: “When a little child gets hurt and cries, and his mother hugs him, he stops crying. Her love soothes the pain. I think about how much Hashem loves us—and this thought calms me, too.”

The student later said: “This is what it means to live on a higher level, to walk through life with Hashem in every moment. That was Rabbi Dov Yaffe.”