A Leader in Times of Darkness: Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman's Legacy

This Wednesday marks the 83rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman, a man whose life was a testament to unwavering faith. Here are the compelling aspects of his extraordinary character:

1. Rabbi Elchanan Bunim Wasserman was a devoted student of the Chofetz Chaim and a prominent leader of the Agudath Israel movement and Haredi Judaism in Europe before the Holocaust.

2. He led the 'Ohel Torah' yeshiva in Baranovich, Lithuania. Under his leadership, the yeshiva became renowned in the world of Talmudic study, influencing Jewish communities across Europe.

3. At the outbreak of World War II, the yeshiva had several hundred students. As the war began, Baranovich suffered heavy bombing by the Germans. With the destruction of the Jewish community, the yeshiva also faced ruin. Most younger students returned home, while older ones dispersed or, in some cases, found refuge.

4. Amidst these tumultuous times, Rabbi Elchanan, with a group of students, managed to reach Kovno, Lithuania, in hopes of emigrating to a safer land, only for Kovno to also fall under German occupation shortly thereafter.

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5. When the Germans occupied Kovno in 1941 and mass deportations to death camps began, Rabbi Wasserman taught his students about the sanctification of Hashem's name. He instructed them on the blessing to recite when sacrificing one's life in such a cause.

6. Facing the possibility of escape from the death paths, Rabbi Elchanan chose to stay, declaring, "I prefer to be buried alive alongside my people, the holy and pure Jews. Their fate is my fate, and what is destined for them shall also be my share."

7. When taken with other rabbis and students from the Kovno Ghetto to the Ninth Fort, Rabbi Elchanan stressed the importance of intent, asserting that an inappropriate thought might undermine the grandeur of their sacrifice: "In heaven, we are possibly regarded as righteous. Thus, we are chosen to atone with our bodies for all of Israel. We must repent immediately, as time is short... Remember, we are truly sanctifying Hashem's name. We will walk with heads held high, ensuring no improper thoughts arise, as they would blemish the offering. We now fulfill the greatest mitzvah: the sanctification of Hashem. The fire that consumes our bodies will reignite the Jewish nation," he told his students moments before their deaths.

8. Alongside Rabbi Elchanan, thirteen yeshiva members, including his sons Naftali and Tzvi-Yehuda, died, maintaining their purity. These martyrs lie together in a mass grave, following their magnificent sanctification of Hashem's name.

9. His writings include: "Kovetz Shiurim - Commentary on the Talmud"; "Kovetz Maamarim and Igros - Essays in Thought and Perspective"; "Kovetz He'aros - Q&A Styled Commentary on Yevamot"; "Divrei Sofrim - Discussions on Torah Tradition"; "Ikvasa deMeshicha".

10. In 1979, his son, Rabbi Elazar Simcha Wasserman, immigrated to Israel and established the 'Or Elchanan' yeshiva in Jerusalem in his honor. The yeshiva continues publishing his works. The 'Ramat Elchanan' neighborhood in Bnei Brak also commemorates him.

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