Rabbi Mordechai Shulman: A Legacy of Perseverance and Faith

Rabbi Mordechai Shulman zt"l (1901 - February 20, 1982) was one of the leaders of the Slabodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak. On this day, the 43rd anniversary of his passing, we remember his noble character through 10 compelling stories.

1. Renowned for His Dedication at the Slabodka Yeshiva

Born in Poland before World War I, Rabbi Shulman moved to Stoyvitz during the war, spending time with the Chafetz Chaim. Between the world wars, he was a young student at the Slabodka Yeshiva, quickly earning a reputation for being exceptionally bright and close to the Rosh Yeshiva. He went with the yeshiva to Hebron in 1924, where he was assigned a room in the attic, studying diligently from 3 a.m., becoming a symbol of perseverance.

2. His Wife and Children Miraculously Survived

In 1927, Rabbi Shulman returned to Slabodka and got engaged to the daughter of the head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac Sher. By 1935, he began delivering lectures and took on financial responsibilities by 1939 when his father-in-law fell ill. He traveled to the United States to raise funds and remained there during World War II, advocating for European Jews and even founding the Rescue Committee. His wife and three children remained in Kovno during the war, and it wasn’t until afterward that he learned of their survival.

3. "I Tried to Do Kindness and Avoid Any Desecration"

Despite difficult times, Rabbi Mordechai acted as if the yeshiva operated as usual. While in America, he assisted a headless yeshiva after one of Slabodka's leading students passed away, teaching without pay until the new head was established. When he learned his family was safe, he wrote to his father-in-law, "Perhaps my refusal to accept a position and leave Slabodka in its time of trouble, doing a bit of kindness without causing any desecration, was a merit for my family."

4. "The Miracle of Salvation Demands a Sacrifice of Thanks"

Upon hearing that his family survived, Rabbi Shulman restrained his emotions. He wrote, "The miracle of salvation requires a sacrifice of thanks, and there is no greater thanks than working to rebuild the yeshiva and restoring the study of Torah." He returned to Israel alongside his father-in-law to reestablish the Slabodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak.

5. Addressed Three Students As If Hundreds Attended

Rebuilding the yeshiva in Bnei Brak started with just three students. Rabbi Shulman delivered lectures twice a week as though hundreds were present, managing the physical and financial aspects concurrently. The Chazon Ish, residing nearby, encouraged Rabbi Shulman to step in fully after his father-in-law's passing while still avoiding publicity and pride.

6. "Fear Him - Including His Scholars"

In 1980, when Rabbi Yitzchok Kamenetsky visited the Slabodka Yeshiva, students crowded to see him. Rabbi Shulman, disapproving of the pushing, proclaimed, "Fear Hashem and include His scholars. We must respect the scholars! Is this how we welcome the Divine Presence? It contradicts our essence as Torah students!"

7. "Greater Hidden Acts Lead to Greater Divine Assistance"

In 1953, at the cornerstone laying for the yeshiva's new study hall, only the heads of the yeshiva, 90 students, and the Chazon Ish were present. When a family member expressed upset at not being informed, the Chazon Ish explained that Rabbi Shulman believed the less publicity, the greater the divine assistance. "I had no right to tell you," he said.

8. "The Investment Is Worth It If Just One Learner Benefits"

During the dedication of the new building, Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky declared, "Why build a new study hall? Even if just one student better understands a concept because the space is conducive, all the investment in the new building is justified."

9. How to Establish a Sacred Yeshiva: A Day of Fasting

Before the dedication of the new study hall, the mashgiach, Rabbi Moshe Tikochinsky, told nine students a story about Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin asking for a day of fasting at his yeshiva's founding. He asked the students to fast on the dedication day, with him joining as the tenth, ensuring the vow was kept confidential.

10. "Great Buildings - Built with Complete Integrity"

At the yeshiva's early days, Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky asserted that "complete purity in Torah support ensures a sustainable place of learning - even more so today." Just months before his passing, Rabbi Shulman remarked, "Look at these great buildings, not a hint of dishonesty taints a single brick."