Rabbi Shach: A Lifelong Commitment to Compassion and Wisdom

This upcoming Shabbat marks the 23rd anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shach, a revered leader of a past generation. We've gathered three incredible stories showcasing his boundless empathy and wisdom:

"R' Tzvi, Even I Thought About Leaving Once"

In the yeshiva office worked an elderly man named R' Tzvi, who shared an age close to Rabbi Shach. Each day after prayers, Rabbi Shach would meet him at 'Sha'arei Yosher' at the entrance of Ponovezh Yeshiva. R' Tzvi's role was to deliver letters addressed to 'Rabbi Shach – Israel' from all over the world.

These frequent morning meetings nearly ended when R' Tzvi, feeling the weight of his age, considered retiring. Despite efforts from friends and colleagues warning him against leaving a fulfilling job, his resolve seemed firm.

Rabbi Shach, upon hearing of this, engaged R' Tzvi in a heartfelt conversation. "I heard you plan to leave us?" Rabbi Shach started, "I'll be honest... I too thought of leaving... After all, I'm old and no longer as strong. But I realized at home I'd be lonely and have no one to talk to. So, I chose to stay at the yeshiva. R' Tzvi, stay with us; you'll be happier, just like me!"

Thanks to Rabbi Shach's wisdom and the thoughtful way he spoke, R' Tzvi stayed. Rabbi Shach's approach empowered R' Tzvi, avoiding direct criticism while sharing personal reflections.

Every morning, Rabbi Shach would take a moment to exchange words or light-hearted jokes with R' Tzvi, uplifting his spirit. Thus, the yeshiva learned that even those whose thoughts dwell in heaven find time for small gestures that make others feel valued.

"Let Me Tell You a Story," Rabbi Shach Said to the Little Girl. "I'm a Convert Too"

Another example of Rabbi Shach's noble character comes from the following story:

A family of converts moved to Israel from America due to their daughter being bullied over her origins. In Israel, history repeated itself, leading to the girl refusing to go back to school.

Desperate, someone suggested the parents take her to Rabbi Shach. He agreed, and they visited him.

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Rabbi Shach warmly greeted the girl in his study, "My dear, do you know who I am?" She replied, "Yes! Rabbi Shach!" He responded, "Correct, but let me tell you something. I'm also a convert!"
"You're a convert?!" she exclaimed. Rabbi Shach nodded, showing her a passage in the Torah: "Love the convert, for you were strangers in Egypt" (Deuteronomy 10:19), explaining, "All Jews are called converts, including me!"

The girl was deeply moved and agreed to return to school. Rabbi Shach's words empowered and elevated her, emphasizing her worth.

"I Have a Spacious Apartment and Even a Car"

Another story involved a grieving orphan seeking consolation from Rabbi Shach, whose compassionate heart understood every Jew's pain. The rabbi said softly:

"Look, my child, in my youth I endured great hardships and poverty, often lacking food. Now, as you see, I have a spacious apartment and even a car!"...

Though such material comforts meant little to Rabbi Shach, he knew they would resonate with the boy. Claiming that many orphans cope could have left the boy disheartened. Instead, Rabbi Shach's sensitivity and wisdom allowed him to inspire hope in terms the boy could relate to.

Understanding not to dismiss the boy's struggles, he offered empathy and an optimistic outlook based on his own life experiences. The orphan, leaving Rabbi Shach's home, felt uplifted, a rare smile gracing his face.

Watch: What Was Rabbi Shach's Advice to Artist Yoni Gerstein, and How Did It Save His Life? (Courtesy of 'Maane' website)

More Stories About Rabbi Shach:

3 Rare Stories About Rabbi Shach and a Remarkable Advice on How to Earn Millions of Mitzvot On a Moment

Rabbi Aharon Levi: How Rabbi Shach's Tears Brought a Kibbutznik from Ein Harod Back To Faith

Rabbi Zmir Cohen Cites What Rabbi Shach Said About the Holocaust

Rabbi Shach's Response to a Couple Longing for Children

Rare Footage of Rabbi Shach Dancing on Simchat Torah

Facts, Stories, and Quotes From Rabbi Shach