The Genius Who Dedicated His Life to the People of Israel: Profiling Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach zt"l

The genius Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach zt"l was born 86 years ago as the eldest son to his father, the esteemed Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l, head of Kol Torah Yeshiva.

From an early age, he was distinguished by his unique genius and depth, and was known for his extraordinary diligence. Even as a young boy, while other children his age played, he would remain engrossed in his studies, which hinted at his future greatness in Torah and righteousness.

Throughout his life, a central point was clear: aside from Torah, he had no other interest. Indeed, he was privileged to teach countless students and was considered one of the Torah's greatest scholars, versed in all its secrets.

His studies at Etz Chaim Yeshiva were marked by increased diligence and intensity, becoming a role model for a young person whose life was entirely devoted to Torah, drawing all his vitality from it. He formed a deep bond with the head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer zt"l, who appreciated his depth and would engage with him in deep Talmudic discussions, making him renowned throughout the yeshiva world as one of Jerusalem’s extraordinary scholars.

During those days at 'Etz Chaim,' he studied with Rabbi Ephraim Zelznik zt"l. He recounted that one year during Hoshana Rabbah, Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer asked where he would celebrate the circling, to which he replied that he might go to Chevron Yeshiva or elsewhere to feel the joy of Torah. His rabbi replied that if he studies with Rabbi Shmuel, there was no need to go elsewhere; the worth of their Torah is immense.

Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach was deeply attached to his father Rabbi Shlomo Zalman throughout his life, and they often engaged in deep halachic discussions, a scene frequently admired by those who witnessed these two great figures engaged in Torah study.

He married Rebbetzin Rachel a"h, daughter of the renowned Rabbi Pinchas Eliezer Pexer zt"l, a Jerusalem notable, living initially on Gesher HaChaim street, where his home became a place of Torah study. His wife supported him with immense dedication, and he often cited Rabbi Akiva's words: 'What is mine and yours is hers.'

Teaching Torah with Extraordinary Dedication

Sadly, Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach did not have children, dedicating his life to his students. Residing in the yeshiva, he was wholeheartedly devoted to his many students, who saw him as a spiritual father.

His students at the Maalot HaTorah Yeshiva viewed him as a guide who could teach them how to succeed in Torah studies and understand its profound secrets. His depth and sharpness, along with his immense knowledge, helped them delve into every topic thoroughly. His lessons became famous for their depth of insight in the yeshiva world, drawing many outside the yeshiva to enjoy his profound teachings.

Rabbi Shmuel served as the head of Maalot HaTorah Yeshiva, established on Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5742 in the Shaarei Chesed neighborhood of Jerusalem. His students were deeply connected to him, imbibing from his teachings. Known for his unique dedication to Torah teaching, he delivered regular lessons on various Talmudic topics, also providing spiritual guidance and serving as a model for fear of Heaven equalled by wisdom.

His encyclopedic knowledge of all Torah realms became legendary, focusing on the essence of each subject rather than peripheral matters, teaching students how to discern between halachic opinions and understand them at their core.

Through his remarkable pedagogy, he educated countless students, not only by lecturing but by examining each student’s reasoning, guiding them towards a true understanding of every topic.

His Prayers: A Matter of Renown

Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach's prayers were renowned for their length and the depth of his devotion, visibly expressing his great fear of G-d. He often prayed for the community's needs, treating them as personal matters.

He was also known for his inspiring discourses during holidays, drawing students from all eras to hear his insightful words.

His days were marked by a special sensitivity and dedication to the less fortunate, offering support and assistance across various needs, embodying the role of a compassionate father.

On the last holy Shabbat evening, his heart suddenly stopped, leaving the House of Israel mourning the loss of one of the great yeshiva heads and Torah educators. Thousands are expected to accompany him on his final journey from the Maalot HaTorah Yeshiva to Har HaMenuchot cemetery at 11:00 AM.

Please recite Psalms for the elevation of the soul of Rabbi Shmuel ben Shlomo Zalman:

Psalm 16

(1) A Michtam of David; guard me, O G-d, for I have sought refuge in You. (2) I said to Hashem, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.”

Psalm 49

(1) For the Leader; a Psalm of the sons of Korach. (2) Hear all you peoples, give ear all you inhabitants of the world. (3) Both low and high, rich and poor together.