10 Fascinating Facts About Rabbi Moshe Feinstein

This week, from Wednesday evening through Thursday before sunset, marks the 39th yahrzeit of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt"l, on 13th of Adar. Here are 10 facts to remember him by.

1. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein was born on the 7th of Adar, 1895, and passed away on the 13th of Adar II, 1986. He is buried at Har HaMenuchot, near the grave of Rabbi Aharon Rokeach, the Admor of Belz.

2. He was one of the leading Halachic authorities post-Holocaust, serving as the chairman of the Council of Torah Sages of 'Agudath Israel' in the United States and as the head of the Tifereth Jerusalem Yeshiva in New York.

3. Rabbi Feinstein was known as the most prominent and influential Orthodox Halachic authority in America. His thousands of responsa on Halacha spread throughout the Jewish world and were compiled in the series Igrot Moshe. His responsa addressed modern technological issues, medical ethics, and fundamental principles of Judaism.

4. He was also active in public and educational matters within the Jewish community, fiercely opposing the Reform and Conservative movements.

5. He was revered as a great leader, admired by many. His tombstone reads, among other things: "Pillar of teaching, the great leader of our generation, a father to the wise, head among speakers on sacred matters, bearing the burden with wisdom and understanding, courage and resilience, and endless patience in all his actions. He guided, led, directed, and taught, dedicating himself to establishing the truth from his labor. Throughout his life, he accumulated treasures of Torah in his books 'Igrot Moshe' and 'Dibrot Moshe' and brought new light to the study and understanding of Torah. A source of Halacha for all seeking a Torah of life, a support and trust for them in service of Hashem, humble to all in need, compassionate to those in distress, and prayed for their salvation. Brave among the strong to save the oppressed. Holy and pure, wise and humble, loved above and beloved below, accepted by all."

6. He published the Halachic book 'Igrot Moshe' (nine volumes) containing responsa letters which became milestones in Halachic rulings and addressed new Halachic issues. He also published 'Drash Moshe' on homiletics and several volumes of 'Dibrot Moshe', which included Talmudic lectures.

The grave of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein at Har HaMenuchot

7. Here are some stories illustrating Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's greatness in character:

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein used to eat the third Shabbat meal at the yeshiva and recite Psalms. One Shabbat, while in the middle of reciting, a child with a mild developmental delay watched him. The child leaned Rabbi Moshe's book to the right, but Rabbi Moshe continued to recite. The child then tilted the book to the left, yet Rabbi Moshe persisted. The boy took the book and turned it completely, but Rabbi Moshe did not stop his recitation.

Someone felt the situation should be stopped and scolded the child: "Enough, stop! Let the head of the yeshiva pray!" Rabbi Moshe turned to the man and said, "He's just playing with me, and I'm enjoying it. I love him as if he were my own son." Then Rabbi Moshe embraced the child and kissed him.

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8. Another story highlighting Rabbi Feinstein's character: A pregnant woman suffering from a serious illness was told by her doctor that she must terminate the pregnancy or risk her life and the life of the fetus. Her husband sought Rabbi Feinstein's guidance. Rabbi Feinstein asked the woman to repeat the doctor's words verbatim, clarified several points to ensure understanding of the facts, and then confidently told her, "Do not worry, you will give birth to a healthy child. Your health will also improve. There is no cause for concern." A few months later, his words proved true, and she gave birth to a healthy baby.

The story didn't end there. A year after the baby's birth, on the eve of Shabbat, the family received a surprise phone call. It was Rabbi Moshe, who introduced himself, inquired about the woman and the baby, and then added to their surprise: "Today is the baby's birthday. May Hashem send health and success to the whole family."

9. On the day of his beloved son-in-law Reb Moshe Shisgal zt"l's funeral, another funeral was held for a neighborhood resident. In the midst of his son-in-law's funeral, Rabbi Feinstein also attended the other funeral. "Everyone is coming to my son-in-law's funeral," he explained, "causing an injustice to the other. If I go to accompany him, others will come as well."

10. An African-American servant was newly hired at his home. Rabbi Feinstein asked a family member to prepare the servant's bed and guide him to his room at the rabbi's request. The family member approached the new servant, asking him to follow him to his room. The startled servant exclaimed, "I've never met anyone like him," referring to Rabbi Feinstein's kindness. "I just arrived, and he came to show me the kitchen and instructed me on how to make myself a hot drink!"