A Final Chanukah with Rabbi Steinman, the Generation’s Guiding Light

25 Kislev 5777, the first night of Chanukah just a year ago, was the day that Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Steinman was hospitalized for tests, due to concern about pneumonia. From that point on, his condition went up and down, until today—Tuesday—when he returned his pure soul to his Creator.

In these moments of mourning, longing, and the deep pain of separation, many recall the stories and memories shared by the doctors who treated him at Mayanei HaYeshua Hospital in Bnei Brak, exactly one year earlier. They were deeply moved and amazed by what they witnessed.

When Professor Eliyahu Sorkin, the head of the Intensive Care Unit, asked the Rabbi what medications he took regularly, the answer came quietly but firmly: “Nothing. I don’t take any medication.”

The doctors were stunned. How could it be that a 103-year-old man didn’t take anything—not even for the heart or blood pressure? Professor Sorkin gently asked again, wondering if perhaps the Rabbi had simply forgotten to mention something. “Sometimes I take Tylenol,” the Rabbi eventually added after a moment of thought.

“And besides Tylenol?” the professor asked.

“Nothing,” came the soft reply.

Professor Weinberg, the Rabbi’s personal physician, later confirmed: “The Rav doesn’t take any medication—not for blood pressure or anything else. He simply doesn’t need it.”

Long Life, Healthy Spirit

This encounter, just one year before his passing, says so much about the incredible life and strength of Rabbi Steinman. Not only did he have a long life—he lived it with vitality, clarity and health. Until his final year, he was independent, walked to shul (synagogue) each day, heard clearly, and never even wore glasses. His mind remained sharp, his thoughts organized, his words wise—fulfilling the verse, “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be vigorous and fresh.” (Tehillim / Psalms 92:15)

Even during that Chanukah hospitalization, when it became clear that he had pneumonia, doctors gave him the smallest possible dose of antibiotics—like one would give to a child. Not only was his body small and delicate, but he also wasn’t used to medication, and even a tiny amount had a strong effect.

Until that final year, Rabbi Steinman would fast each Yom Kippur. There’s a remarkable story from when he was 101 years old: Professor Weinberg told him that because of his old age, it was no longer safe for him to fast. The Rabbi looked at him with a gentle smile and asked, “How do you know I shouldn’t fast? How many people over 100 have you treated?”

The professor answered honestly: “I’ve never treated anyone over 100.”

With a twinkle in his eye, the Rabbi replied, “Then since you have no experience with people my age, you can’t tell me not to fast.” And fast he did.

Never Give Up on a Soul

Throughout the days of Chanukah that year, countless Jews across the world prayed for Rabbi Steinman’s recovery. Their prayers, filled with faith and tears, stormed the gates of heaven. And in His kindness, Hashem granted us another full year with our beloved leader.

Around that time, Professor Sorkin shared a powerful story from about 14 years earlier. Rabbi Steinman had traveled abroad for a strengthening tour and got sick during the trip. Though he was already ninety years old—a stage when some might think a person has reached the end—his doctors didn’t give up. They treated him with love and devotion, fighting for every breath, every moment.

That experience left a deep impression on the medical staff. Professor Sorkin later said, “Every doctor needs to see what those extra years meant. Because even though the Rav was already a great Torah leader, those final thirteen years became the foundation of the Torah world.”

With those words, he reminded us all: Never give up on a soul. Every minute of life is filled with meaning and purpose.

Yehi Zichro Baruch – May His Memory Be a Blessing

This story reminds us not only of Rabbi Steinman’s greatness but of how Hashem preserves His faithful ones, sometimes in ways that defy logic. Health, strength, and clarity of mind aren’t only in the hands of medicine—they are in the hands of Hashem.