Lessons from the Stipler: A Testament of Faith and Wisdom

On the 23rd of Av, we commemorate the 39th anniversary of Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky's passing, better known as the 'Stipler'. Here are some insights into his life and teachings.

1. Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, the 'Stipler' (Tamuz 9, 1899 - Av 23, 1985) was a prominent leader within the Haredi Jewish community in Israel. He authored the series of books 'Kehillos Yaakov', 'Shaarei Tevunah', 'Shiurim of Torah', 'Birkas Peretz', 'Chayei Olam', and 'Karnei Ha'Iggeres'. Rabbi Kanievsky passed away on Av 23, 1985.

2. The 'Stipler' was the father of the esteemed Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky. It is told that a man once asked him until what age one should pray for their children. The 'Stipler' replied, "I still pray for my son Chaimke in every prayer that he becomes a Torah scholar," even though Rabbi Chaim was already recognized as a great sage and righteous man.

3. He earned his nickname from his birthplace, Hornosteipel, near Chernobyl. In his youth, he studied at the Novardok Yeshiva and later in Białystok during World War I.

4. During World War I, he was drafted into the Russian army, where he maintained his adherence to Torah laws under extraordinary circumstances. The book 'Toldos Yaakov' recounts an incident: On a freezing Shabbat night in Russia, stationed as a guard, the custom was to wear a thick fur coat for warmth, transferring it from soldier to soldier. When the non-Jewish soldier preceding him finished his watch, he hung the coat on a tree. Rabbi Kanievsky, seeing the coat, felt the bitter cold but refrained from using the tree, respecting even the rabbinic prohibitions of Shabbat.

He told himself, "I can manage without the coat for 5 minutes," and after 5 minutes, "Maybe I can hold out another 5 minutes." In this way, the 'Stipler' managed to honor Shabbat, providing us a lesson in enduring dedication to Divine service.

When his shift ended, he returned to his barracks, content in upholding a rabbinic commandment.

5. Upon immigrating to Israel, the 'Stipler' was appointed head of the 'Beit Yosef' Yeshiva. He guided students in learning techniques, emphasizing adequate sleep, despite his own minimal sleep habits. His method involved reviewing each page of Talmud four times before moving to the next, and similarly for each chapter, which ensured comprehensive understanding and retention.

One of his students approached him in despair, worried that his continuous struggles against the evil inclination rendered him unworthy and disconnected from Torah. The 'Stipler' asked, "Have you ever succeeded in overcoming it?" Upon the student's acknowledgment of rare successes, the 'Stipler' responded with: "Then focus solely on those victories." He remarked that many books suggest rigorous acts of repentance, but the greatest repentance is simply saying: "No more." It's surprisingly simple, within reach, and effective."

6. After the passing of the 'Chazon Ish', his brother-in-law, in 1954, the 'Stipler' became recognized as a leading figure of the Haredi community, navigating its challenges alongside Rabbi Elazar Menachem Shach, head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva.

7. The 'Stipler' was fervent in his defense of Torah observance, filling the breaches within the vineyard of Hashem. His writings and views on these matters are compiled in 'Kiryana D'Iggeres', a collection of his essays and correspondence.

8. On Shabbat, the 23rd of Av, around 11:00 PM, the righteous departed, and the holy ark was taken. Rabbi Kanievsky passed away, leaving thousands in the streets of Bnei Brak mourning like orphans. He was buried next to his brother-in-law, the 'Chazon Ish', in Bnei Brak. May his merit protect us all.