The Legacy of Rabbi Mordechai Shulman: Stories of Faith, Leadership, and Remarkable Resilience

Rabbi Mordechai Shulman (1901 – February 20, 1982) was one of the heads of the Slabodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak. The 27th of Shevat, marks the anniversary of his passing. Following are 10 inspiring facts and touching stories about his remarkable life and character.

1. A Symbol of Unmatched Diligence in the Slabodka Yeshiva

Rabbi Shulman was born in Poland before World War I. During the war, he wandered to Stoivitz and spent those years in the presence of the Chofetz Chaim.

Between the two World Wars, he studied as a young student in the Slabodka Yeshiva. Upon arrival, he quickly earned a place of honor, was considered a prodigy, and became close to the Alter of Slabodka. When the yeshiva moved to Hebron in 1924, he joined. He was given a room in the attic, where he studied uninterruptedly from 3:00 a.m., becoming the yeshiva’s symbol of diligence.

2. His Wife and Three Children Remained in Kovno and Survived Miraculously

In 1927 he returned to Slabodka, and two years later became engaged to the daughter of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac Sher.

In 1935 he began delivering lectures, and in 1939 — when his father-in-law fell ill, he also assumed the financial burdens of the yeshiva. He traveled to the United States to raise funds. While he was in America, World War II broke out, leaving him stranded there. He became deeply involved in helping European Jewry and was among the founders of the Vaad Hatzalah.

During the war, his wife and three children remained in Kovno. Until after the war ended, he had no idea if they had survived.

3. “I tried to do a little kindness and avoid even a trace of desecrating holiness.”

During those years in America, one of Slabodka’s greatest students passed away. His yeshiva was left without a leader. The son of the Rosh Yeshiva was too young to manage it alone, so Rabbi Mordechai stepped in to help — teaching without a salary, guiding the students, and stabilizing the institution. Once the young Rosh Yeshiva was strong enough, Rabbi Shulman immediately stepped aside.

When he learned that his family had survived, he wrote to his father-in-law: “Perhaps because I never wished to take any position for myself, and did not abandon Slabodka in its time of distress… I tried to do a little bit of kindness and not cause even a trace of desecrating holiness — perhaps this was one merit in a thousand for my family…”

4. “A miracle of salvation requires a thanksgiving offering.”

When he finally heard the joyous news that his family was alive, he did not allow himself to be swept away by emotion.

He wrote at the time: “A miracle of salvation requires a thanksgiving offering. I have no offering except dedicating myself to rebuilding the yeshiva and restoring the crown of Torah.”

Indeed, he returned to Israel, and together with Rabbi Isaac Sher, rebuilt the Slabodka Yeshiva on Rokach Hill in Bnei Brak.

5. He Delivered Lectures to Only Three Students — As If Hundreds Were Sitting Before Him

When the yeshiva reopened in Bnei Brak, it had just three students. Rabbi Shulman delivered his shiurim (twice a week) with the same passion and depth as if the room were full.

At the same time, he took full responsibility for fundraising, construction, and upkeep of the yeshiva.

The Chazon Ish, who lived nearby on Rokach Hill, would occasionally deliver a shiur at the yeshiva. After Rabbi Isaac Sher’s passing, the Chazon Ish encouraged Rabbi Shulman to fully assume the leadership of the yeshiva. Despite the position, he consistently fled from publicity and honor.

6. “Fear the Lord your God — including honoring Torah scholars.”

In 1980, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky visited the Slabodka Yeshiva.
When he arrived, the students rushed forward, pushing slightly in excitement to see the great Torah leader.

Rabbi Mordechai Shulman could not tolerate the disrespect and cried out: “Et Hashem Elokecha tira — this includes honoring Torah scholars! Is this how we greet the Divine Presence?! This contradicts everything we stand for as bnei Torah!”

His words left a profound impression on the students.

7. “The more it is done quietly, the greater the Heavenly assistance.”

In 1953 the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the new Beit Midrash took place. The event was extremely modest — only the roshei yeshiva, 90 students, and the Chazon Ish attended.

One of the Chazon Ish’s relatives expressed frustration at not having been informed earlier. The Chazon Ish responded: “Rabbi Mordechai told me he does not publicize the event because he believes that the more it is done quietly and modestly, the greater the Heavenly assistance will be. I was not permitted to tell you.”

This statement reflects his deep admiration for Rabbi Shulman’s humility.

8. “If one student understands the sugya better — all the investment is worthwhile.”

At the dedication of the new building, Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky said: “Why was a new Beit Midrash built? Because if even one student understands a Talmudic concept better due to the spaciousness — then the entire investment was worthwhile.”

9. How Do You Build a Sacred Yeshiva? A Minyan of Students Fasted on the Day of the Dedication

The day before the dedication of the new building, the mashgiach, Rabbi Moshe Tikochinsky, gathered nine students.

He told them that Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin once requested that ten students fast on the day the Volozhin Yeshiva building was completed. He asked each one privately to fast the next day — and keep it secret. The mashgiach himself was the tenth.

10. “Large buildings — and all built with complete integrity.”

At an internal yeshiva gathering at the start of construction, Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky remarked: “Only complete integrity in supporting Torah allows a yeshiva to endure — especially in our generation…”

A few months before his passing, Rabbi Mordechai Shulman gazed at the yeshiva buildings and told a confidant: “Look at such large buildings — and not a trace of dishonesty in even a single brick…”