Remembering Rabbi Aryeh Levin: The Beloved 'Father of Prisoners'

Today marks the 55th anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Aryeh Levin, ztz"l (6th Nisan 5645 – 9th Nisan 5729). He was a revered Jerusalem scholar and tzadik, most famous for his compassionate heart and extensive acts of kindness, earning him the title 'Father of Prisoners.' Let's explore the legacy of this remarkable figure.

Born in present-day Belarus, Rabbi Aryeh Levin studied in Slutsk under the great Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer and later attended the renowned Volozhin Yeshiva. At 19, amid the Russo-Japanese War, he decided to fulfill his dream of moving to Palestine, reflecting: "In those days, as war clouds gathered, I resolved to follow my buried desire from childhood: to ascend to the Holy Land at the age of 19."

Despite hardships, he reached the Land of Israel. He wrote, "Upon seeing the Holy Land from afar, given to us by Hashem, I became a new person, overwhelmed with joy, tears streaming as I thanked Hashem for letting me enter my ancestors' land. Forgotten were my struggles, replaced by endless spiritual joy. My tears flowed unabated as I felt the significance of stepping onto this sacred soil."

Rabbi Aryeh lived humbly in the simple neighborhood of Mishkenot Yisrael. Despite many urging him to move, he resisted, stating, "People often implored me to move to a larger place. Yet, considering one is ultimately led from their home to the cemetery, my transition will be easier, as my room bears no stark contrast."

'Father of Prisoners,' 'Rabbi of the Prisoners' and Extraordinary Acts of Kindness

Known for his merciful heart towards the sick and incarcerated, Rabbi Aryeh Levin was called 'Rabbi of the Prisoners' for his 25 years of visiting Jewish inmates. During the British Mandate, he visited underground movement prisoners, lifting their spirits, and even walked to the prisons on Shabbat and holidays. He alone braved the leprosy hospital, tirelessly aiding the afflicted.

During Chol Hamoed Sukkot, someone saw Rabbi Aryeh walking through a Jerusalem neighborhood. Asked why, he replied, "I visit the rabbis' widows during holidays. They feel their solitude keenly when everyone else celebrates, reminding them of joyous times when their husbands were alive. I ensure to comfort them now, maintaining their spirits."

From this story, we learn the importance of consistent support for those in need, like Rabbi Aryeh, who understood others' souls and knew when they needed encouragement.

Another moving story: Every Rosh Chodesh, Rabbi Aryeh brought a package to a psychiatric patient. Once his son asked why this particular patient received such attention. Rabbi Aryeh explained, "I saw a beaten patient, and when I asked why caregivers explained family-less patients are often handled roughly as no one advocates for them. I declared this patient family, and ever since, I ensure he's treated with respect, bringing monthly packages and praying for him."

Rabbi Aryeh exemplified the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim, providing spiritual encouragement, material aid, and prayers for healing.

When Dr. Yitzhak Rafael, then Deputy Health Minister, offered Rabbi Aryeh daily transportation for hospital visits due to his age, Rabbi Aryeh refused, saying, "Though aged and struggling with learning, I walk to hospitals to merit the steps' reward."

Before the state was established, the British asked Rabbi Aryeh to extend his prison visits to Arab inmates, seeing how his visits comforted everyone. Agreeing, Rabbi Aryeh cited, "All humans, created in the Divine image, deserve dignity."

Destiny of the GRA to Identify the Fallen Twelve

After the War of Independence, when the bodies of the Lamed He unit were returned, Rabbi Aryeh was tasked with identifying 12 unrecognizable soldiers using the GRA's lottery method. For more on this, click here.

Rabbi Aryeh’s love for Israel’s children and his joyful countenance were legendary. He believed passionately, "If we're to cherish the Stones and Dust of the Land, as Psalms say, 'For Your servants deeply love her stones, and cherish her dust,' how much more so must we cherish the children of Israel within it."

Rabbi Aryeh Levin is buried in the Sanhedria Cemetery in Jerusalem. His gravestone bears part of his will: "For those I bonded with, especially those close to me through Hashem, whose pain I've felt, I shall not forget to plead their cause from on high if I merit so after twelve months." Also inscribed is his request for visitors: "Please, affirm aloud: 'I believe wholeheartedly in the resurrection of the dead when it pleases the Divine, blessed and exalted be His name.'"

Famous Quotes Attributed to Him

1. "Sometimes...", his response to if he was one of the 36 hidden tzadikim.

2. "My wife's leg pains us," said during a doctor's visit concerning his wife's leg.

3. "A true God-fearing person cannot sleep at night from the worry they may not have eased a suffering Jew's pain that day."

4. "Chasing honor is pitiable, as nothing is more disenfranchising — honor seeks others' validation, the neediest of dependencies!" (From "Tzadik Yesod Olam," Simcha Raz, p. 426)

5. "Easier to uproot a mountain with a needle's tip than to eliminate pride from one's heart." (From "Tzadik Yesod Olam," Simcha Raz, p. 425)

6. "Idleness is death before its time." (From "Tzadik Yesod Olam," Simcha Raz, p. 26)

7. "Mark this: Any obstacle signals something good. Only harmful matters come effortlessly to a person." (From "Tzadik Yesod Olam," Simcha Raz, p. 427)

8. "Love of honor and serenity cannot coexist." (From "Tzadik Yesod Olam," Simcha Raz, p. 425)

9. "Dear Jew, when I look at you, I see your soul, and it brings me such joy," told to a bareheaded secular person feeling self-conscious.

10. "Hashem's salvation comes in a blink," a message of hope for underground prisoners.

"Without Rabbi Aryeh Levin, you wouldn't exist" - Rabbi Tzvi Horowitz shares a heartwarming tale:

Marvelous Excerpts from His Will

1. "My constant aim was to deeply root in my heart a robust faith in Divine providence."

2. "I strove in observance between people, as Scripture says: 'And what does Hashem require of you? Only to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.'"

3. "I was careful to greet everyone warmly, a second nature, and I made sure to always greet people first."

4. "I forced myself never to retaliate when insulted, and immediately prayed no one would be punished because of me."

5. "I endeavored earnestly to imbue my family with love for others, avoiding planting hatred towards sinners, instead nurturing respect and honor towards the pious."

6. "It's easier to learn many languages than to refrain from needless talk."

7. "My dear sons, never, heaven forbid, involve yourselves in any dispute and do not maintain any, not even for heaven's sake."