Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg: Inspiring Stories Revealing His Extraordinary Sensitivity

The 27th of Adar marks the yahrzeit of Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg (27 Elul 5670 – 27 Adar 5772), Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Or, renowned posek, rabbi of Kiryat Mattersdorf in Jerusalem, and member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah.

In his final years he was known affectionately as the "Elder of the Roshei Yeshiva." Following is a collection of stories illustrating his extraordinary sensitivity and greatness.

He Ensured His Halachic Rulings Never Caused Pain

In his halachic decisions, Rav Scheinberg placed enormous emphasis on bein adam lachaveiro (interpersonal sensitivity).
Whenever a ruling could potentially cause someone emotional distress, he always added guidance on how to carry it out gently and compassionately.

Rav Rozengarten, Rosh Yeshiva of Belz, related that when he once asked Rav Scheinberg a halachic question, the Rav answered — and then added that this ruling applied only if it did not cause someone else pain. If it would, the halacha would be different.

He Asked Forgiveness From the Waiter

On several occasions, when others caused him harm or damage, Rav Scheinberg made a great effort to ensure the person responsible would not feel guilty.

At one simcha, a waiter accidentally spilled hot sauce all over the Rav’s clothing. The waiter was mortified. Immediately, Rav Scheinberg turned the situation around — insisting that he had caused the waiter to stumble, and he repeatedly asked the waiter for forgiveness throughout the event, soothing his embarrassment.

Calm and Kind Even When Hurt

In his later years, students would lift him in his chair. Once, while raising him, his fingers became stuck in the railing and were injured before anyone noticed. They panicked and begged forgiveness.

Rav Scheinberg smiled warmly and reassured them, “Nothing happened at all.” A family member later shared that as long as the boys were present, Rav Scheinberg acted as if nothing was wrong. But once they left, he quietly examined his injured hand, clearly in real pain — yet he had hidden it to spare them distress.

(Credit: shutterstock)

He Avoided Getting a Haircut to Prevent Embarrassing a Student

A student once moved the Rav’s chair, thinking he was about to walk away. Rav Scheinberg didn’t notice and sat down — falling to the floor.

When he stood back up, he immediately reassured the distraught student: “Everything is from Heaven, baruch Hashem nothing happened,” and with humor added, “It doesn’t matter what’s with the head — what matters is what's inside!”

For weeks afterward, when the barbers came to give him his regular haircut, he declined, because he feared the bruise would become visible and the student would be embarrassed. He refrained from cutting his hair until the injury fully healed.

(Credit: shutterstock)

“My Vision Is Not What It Once Was” – All to Spare Someone’s Feelings

Once, a man entered Rav Scheinberg’s room and introduced himself as a former long-time student. The Rav did not recognize him — yet instead of risking hurting the man's feelings, Rav Scheinberg immediately apologized:

“I’ve had to change my glasses several times… my eyesight is not what it used to be,” so the man should not feel forgotten or insignificant.

May His Memory Be a Blessing