When a Rabbi Changed a Child’s Life: Inspiring Moments from Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, zt"l

Tonight (Wednesday), marks the 12th yahrzeit of Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, zt"l. Rabbi Lefkowitz (1914 - 2011) was the head of Ponevezh Yeshiva for youth and served on the Council of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah.

Here are some inspiring stories that truly capture his great love for the Jewish people and his unwavering dedication to his spiritual path, following in the footsteps of Aaron the priest, 'loving peace and pursuing peace'.

1. The Rabbi Returns to Greet a Young Boy: After attending a brit milah, Rabbi Michel Yehuda accepted a ride home from one of the participants. The driver also had his five-year-old son in the backseat, who, during the journey, was deeply moved by the presence of the esteemed rabbi.

Once they reached their destination, Rabbi Michel Yehuda expressed his gratitude and blessings to the driver and began to walk away. But then, he abruptly turned back towards the car, visibly concerned. To the driver’s surprise, Rabbi Michel Yehuda opened the car door, apologizing to the young boy in the backseat for not saying goodbye, bestowing heartfelt blessings upon him before returning home.

2. Returning to Bid Farewell: A close story is told by someone who was privileged to be near Rabbi Lefkowitz, zt"l. "Many years ago, my father celebrated a sefer Torah dedication and Rabbi Michel Yehuda attended," he recounts. "I was a young man then and didn’t really know him. As he entered, I greeted him and introduced myself as the son of the host.

"After the ceremony, Rabbi Michel Yehuda blessed the guests and left the house. But minutes later, he returned, much to everyone’s surprise. He explained simply that he was searching for me. When he left, he hadn’t noticed me and felt he hadn’t gotten the chance to bid me farewell, so he came back to offer a proper goodbye."

3. A Shabbat Greeting That Lifted Spirits: The peaceful Shabbat air hung over the streets of Bnei Brak. Rabbi Michel Yehuda returned from prayer at 'Tiferet Zion' Yeshiva, his white tallit adding to his illuminated presence. Deep in Torah thought, he remained alert to those around him. Suddenly, an unassuming figure with heavy steps and downcast eyes approached.

With a gentle voice and radiant face, Rabbi Michel Yehuda warmly wished him: "Shabbat Shalom, Mr. Jew, Gute Shabbos!" At first, the man was puzzled. Was this truly directed at him? He turned around, assuming the rabbi was greeting someone behind him, but found no one else on the street.

Realizing Rabbi Michel Yehuda’s greeting was meant for him alone, he turned back, deeply moved and said: "Dear Rabbi, I can’t believe you're wishing me 'Shabbat Shalom!'" and began to share: "I am a survivor from the flames of Baranovitch. In my hometown, I was well-known, my late father was a respected figure, and everyone honored me. Here, no one knows me, no one acknowledges me. You, Rabbi, are the first to wish me a Shabbat Shalom."

4. Thoughtful Sensitivity for A Gift: With a flowering plant in hand, a deeply troubled woman stood at the entrance of the house. The rabbi’s wife welcomed her warmly; she knew her well, as the woman often came to pour out her heart, while the rabbi’s wife listened with empathy, offering comfort. The woman now took the opportunity to express her appreciation by gifting this plant in honor of the upcoming Shabbat.

The rabbi’s wife, with her generous heart, brought her into the inner room. The white tablecloth was already set for Shabbat, and she placed the plant prominently on the table with gratitude.

The woman’s heart lifted, her eyes brightened – seeing how much the rabbi’s wife valued her gift.

Once the woman left, Rabbi Michel Yehuda entered the room, seeing the plant on the table, admiring the gift, but pointed out: "What will we do on Shabbat? We can’t remove it from the table, but how will we eat this way?" To remove the plant would be unthinkable. "If she comes back and sees her precious gift moved, she might feel hurt. What’s the solution?" pondered the rabbi aloud to his wife.

His wife replied: "We can place the plant on the floor, in the corner of the room. That's completely acceptable and respectful." "Is that so? Are you sure it's acceptable?" Rabbi Michel Yehuda wanted confirmation. "Absolutely," she assured. "I'm certain she’d be happy seeing the plant in the corner." Only once assured there was no risk of causing any offense did he agree to quietly place the plant in the corner of the room.

Further Reading about Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, zt"l:

Moments before his passing, he pleaded: "Get rid of the black dogs trying to tear me apart", Click here.

"My children became Torah scholars thanks to the head of the yeshiva's tears", Click here.

Nine months after the rabbi’s blessing, the couple held twins, Click here.