More Than Torah Study: Rav Steinman’s Final Message From the Heart

Rav Yehoshua Mishkowsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Imrei Moshe, once shared a moment that left a deep impression on him—a moment that revealed the greatness of Rav Aharon Yehuda Leib Steinman zt”l, not only in Torah, but in heart and sensitivity.

“It was the first day of Elul,” Rav Mishkowsky recalled. “Rav Steinman had just returned from giving a talk in Karmiel. The trip completely drained him. He was weak, barely able to stand. But when we suggested he go home to rest, he refused. ‘I have to go to Orchos Torah Yeshiva,’ he said. ‘I must speak to the boys. I can’t miss it.’”

With whatever strength he had left, Rav Steinman entered the beit midrash. Slowly, he climbed up to the platform. His voice was faint, but full of purpose.

“I really have no strength to speak,” he began, “but I felt I must come and tell you something important…”

Everyone leaned in. What would a great Torah leader like Rav Steinman, arriving so tired, feel was so important to share?

“Today is the first day of the zman,” he said, “and there are new students here who don’t yet know the place. I ask the older students—please help them. Show them where the dining room is, where the faucets are, where to put their Gemaras after learning. Make them feel at home.”

And with that, he finished. No lessons about intense study, no complicated discussions. Just a simple, heartfelt reminder to care for one another.

Rav Mishkowsky shared another moment that came just months later—this time, close to the Rav’s passing.

“Right before Rosh Chodesh Elul 5777, I visited Rav Steinman. He was extremely weak, hooked up to medical equipment. I came to tell him that our new yeshiva, Imrei Moshe, was growing—baruch Hashem, we already had two classes. I asked if he had a message for the boys.”

To his amazement, Rav Steinman gathered his strength, raised his voice, and said clearly:
“Tell the second-year boys to treat the first-year boys nicely—with honor, like equals. And tell the first-year boys to value their time, to use every moment.”

That was the last message Rav Steinman gave the yeshiva. And maybe, Rav Mishkowsky said, it was the most powerful lesson of all.

"More than any new insight or complex topic, he taught us to open our eyes—to see those around us, to help, and to make another Jew feel welcome. Torah isn't just about studying; it's about how we live and how we treat one another."