Remembering Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach: An Inspirational Legacy

This Thursday marks the 30th yahrzeit of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, a prominent head of the Kol Torah yeshiva and an esteemed authority on Jewish law.

Rabbi Shlomo Zalman was known for saying, "I don't like stories about exceptional deeds, as they can't be emulated. I prefer stories that others can follow." Here are anecdotes exemplifying his warmth and virtues.

1. A brilliant mind in Jewish law, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman published his first book, "Meorei Ha'esh," in 1935 and wrote several others, including "Maadanei Eretz," "Shev Shemateta," and "Minchat Shlomo." He served as the halachic authority for "Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata."

2. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman emphasized practical learning. When asked by a supervisor at Kol Torah what his moral discussion should focus on, he replied, "It should be practical."

3. In 1949, Rabbi Auerbach was asked to lead Kol Torah yeshiva, a position he held until his passing. He became renowned for his straightforward and original halachic thinking. People from around the world sought his guidance on Torah laws regarding science, medicine, Shabbat, military, and technology.

4. Known for his outstanding scholarship, Rabbi Auerbach was also noted for his kindness and humility. All who met him recalled his warm smile and attentiveness, as described by a regular taxi driver: "He was always so pleasant, always said 'good morning' sincerely, and often asked about my family, unlike anyone else I drove."

5. Many sought his advice and blessings. After delivering his daily lecture, he would meet visitors, often delaying his meal until 3:00 p.m., saying, "How can I eat after hearing so many troubles?"

6. A boy too shy to say Kaddish for his father received a comforting visit from Rabbi Auerbach, who explained the significance, enabling the boy to recite it confidently.

7. While traveling with others in a speeding taxi, Rabbi Auerbach stayed silent. Only when alone with the driver did he admonish him, not wishing to embarrass him before others.

8. Rabbi Auerbach and his wife shared a profound love. At her funeral, he said, "We lived by the Shulchan Aruch. Still, if there was anything, I ask forgiveness." When questioned, he explained he truly couldn’t recall any wrongs but sought forgiveness just in case.

9. Despite his eminence, Rabbi Auerbach was exceptionally humble. He disliked the grand titles given to him and would call publications to refrain from using them.

10. When publishing "Minchat Shlomo," family suggestions for its title included 'Shlomo,' but he preferred the humble "Minchat Shlomo," remarking happily that even a poor man can bring a mincha (offering).

11. A student of Rabbi Auerbach recalls encountering him right after his wife's sudden passing. Unaware, the student shared joyful news of his own son’s birth, and Rabbi Auerbach congratulated him warmly before attending to his own loss.

12. In his will, Rabbi Auerbach requested his gravestone bear only modest titles and not exceed the height of his parents' graves, honoring their memory.

13. A taxi driver, impressed by this humility, commented, "You don’t find such respect for parents today. My kids don’t look at me like that."

14. To a sick man seeking divine mercy, Rabbi Auerbach advised focusing on saying blessings properly as a means of spiritual strength.

15. At Rabbi Auerbach’s funeral, his son Baruch praised his father’s respect for all people: "Such dignity and genius housed under one roof!"