Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz: Stories of Compassion, Humility, and Torah Greatness

The 26th of Sivan is the yahrzeit of Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz (1914–2011), Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh L’Tzeirim and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah.

Following are several illuminating stories that reveal his towering greatness in kindness, humility, and warmth toward every Jew.

The Gadol HaDor Returned to the Car to Say “Shalom” to a Five-Year-Old

After returning from a brit milah, Rabbi Michel Yehuda was driven home by a participant who brought along his five-year-old son. The boy was radiant from sitting in the presence of the great Rabbi, a memory that would remain with him forever.

When they arrived, Rabbi Michel Yehuda blessed the driver warmly and walked toward his home. After a few steps, he suddenly turned around, hurried back to the car, opened the back door, and apologized gently to the little boy:

“I forgot to say shalom to you.”

He then showered the child with warm blessings and only then continued home.

He Returned to the House to Say Goodbye to the Host’s Son

Another man close to Rabbi Michel Yehuda shared this story:

“Years ago, my father celebrated a Hachnasat Sefer Torah, and Rabbi Michel Yehuda came to honor the occasion. I was a young man and had never previously met him. When he entered our home, I gave him my hand and introduced myself as the son of the celebrant.

After writing the letters and blessing those present, he left the house. A few minutes later, he returned. We all wondered why.

He explained simply that he was looking for me — because when he left the house, he did not see me and had not said goodbye. I had stepped into another room, and the Rabbi, remembering my brief handshake upon his arrival, made the effort to return so he could personally bid me farewell.”

A “Shabbat Shalom” That Lifted a Broken Heart

It was a peaceful Shabbat afternoon in Bnei Brak. Rabbi Michel Yehuda walked home from tefillah in Yeshivat Tiferes Tzion, his tallit radiating purity.

Though immersed in Torah thoughts, he was always attentive to the people around him. Suddenly, he noticed a simple-looking man walking heavily, his eyes dim.

With a warm smile and gentle voice, Rabbi Michel Yehuda said: “Shabta tova, Reb Yid. Gut Shabbos!”

The man froze. He looked behind him to see whom the Rabbi must have meant — there was no one. 

Realizing the blessing was meant for him, he broke down emotionally: “Rabbi… I can’t believe you said Shabbat Shalom to me. I am a survivor from Baranovitch. There, everyone knew me. My father was among the respected men of the city, and people honored me. Here… no one knows me. No one looks at me. You are the first to wish me Shabbat Shalom.”

Extreme Care Not to Hurt Someone’s Feelings

A woman with a troubled heart often visited the Rebbetzin for comfort and guidance. One week she brought a flowerpot as a small token of appreciation. The Rebbetzin, wanting to honor her gesture, placed the pot in the center of the beautifully prepared Shabbat table.

After she left, Rabbi Michel Yehuda entered the room. He praised the thoughtful gift but gently pointed out a concern: “What will we do on Shabbos? We cannot remove it from the table. But to leave it here… how will we eat?”

However, he would not allow it to be moved until he was sure the giver wouldn’t feel hurt.

The Rebbetzin reassured him: “A flowerpot placed on the floor in the corner of the room is perfectly respectable. She will be happy to see it there.”

“Are you certain?” he asked again, deeply worried not to cause the woman even a moment of pain.

Only when he was completely convinced did he agree to move it — so as to preserve the feelings of someone who cherished the Rebbetzin’s kindness.