Remembering Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv: A Legacy of Wisdom and Faith

This upcoming Shabbat, the 28th of Tammuz, marks the 12th anniversary of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv's passing, one of the greatest halachic authorities of our time. Here are 10 insights into his remarkable life:

1. A Leading Halachic Authority

Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv was renowned as one of our era's leading halachic authorities, a learned scholar, and a guide for the Lithuanian Jewish community. Following Rabbi Shach's passing, Rabbi Elyashiv became the leading voice of the Lithuanian Jews in Israel and the supreme authority of the Degel HaTorah party.

2. Passed Away at 102

Born in Lithuania on Rosh Chodesh Nisan, 1910, he passed away in Jerusalem on the 28th of Tammuz, 2012, at the age of 102. His grandfather was Rabbi Shlomo Elyashiv, the renowned kabbalist known as the "Leshem."

3. Only Child After Many Years

Rabbi Elyashiv was the only child of his parents after many years of waiting. After decades of marriage without a child, his parents consulted a prominent professor in Vilna who declared they had no chance of having children. Khiya Masha, later Rabbi Elyashiv's mother, returned home heartbroken but was promised by her father, the righteous "Leshem," that she would have descendants. A year later, Rabbi Elyashiv was born.

4. A Light to the World

The day after Rabbi Elyashiv's circumcision, his grandfather "Leshem" wrote: "And behold, my daughter Khiya Masha has birthed a son on Rosh Chodesh Nisan, and yesterday we brought him into the covenant, named Yosef Shalom son of Avraham. May it be Hashem's will that he grows to be a light to the world, and that his forefathers will raise him well and with lasting joy."

5. Slept Only 3 Hours a Day

Rabbi Elyashiv was known for his unparalleled dedication to Torah study, sleeping only three hours a day, from 11 PM to 2 AM. Upon waking, he immediately continued his intense study schedule. He ensured to pray Shacharit after at least three hours of learning.

6. Ingenious Advice for Waking Up for Shacharit

Journalist Shlomo Kook, a close associate, shared that Rabbi Elyashiv never interrupted anyone asking him a question and listened patiently to all, regardless of their status. "In my youth, I told the rabbi that I struggled to wake up for Shacharit and sought his guidance. The rabbi responded: 'Advice? If you understand the significance and value of prayer, you would get up for it, just like you would for your store. A store is a mere triviality compared to prayer. In the store, you earn a few coins. If you comprehend the value of what you can gain through timely prayer, you surely manage to wake up.'"

7. Father-in-Law to Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky

Rabbi Elyashiv had 12 children, each a testament to the Torah world's grandeur. Among his eminent sons-in-law were Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who was married to his daughter Batsheva Esther, Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein, and Rabbi Azriel Auerbach.

8. Mourning Five Children

Rabbi Elyashiv tragically buried five of his children during his lifetime. His son Yitzchak died in childhood; his daughter Rivka was killed at 18 months by a Jordanian shell during the Israeli War of Independence. Other children included Dina, Batsheva Esther, Leah, and Shoshana, each leaving behind enduring legacies.

9. Silent Acceptance

During his period of mourning, many came to console him, and he greeted each expression of comfort with a nod, mostly enveloped in silence. When asked why he remained silent after his wife's passing, he replied: "Silence is a form of accepting Hashem's judgment, as 'Aaron was silent,' and the sages teach that the merit of mourning comes from silence."

While mourning his daughter Leah, even after returning from the long funeral, he immediately immersed himself in studying the laws of mourning, reflecting his legendary dedication. Close family members marvelled, observing that learning Torah provided him solace amidst profound personal loss, embodying 'Hashem's Torah is perfect, reviving the soul.'

He shared with his son-in-law Rabbi Kanievsky, "Our sages say that comforters should not speak until the mourner opens. This emphasizes the essence of comforting mourners. Sometimes, a mourner isn't ready to be soothed... Therefore, before comforting, ensure the mourner can accept the consolation. If not, refrain from comforting."

10. Fresh Joy in Daily Torah Study

Rabbi Yosef Efrati, a student, described Rabbi Elyashiv's daily Torah study as filled with joy and freshness, as if it were his first. He likened it to witnessing a rare phenomenon, a perfect metaphor for Rabbi Elyashiv's lifelong excitement and commitment to Torah study. His consistency, driven by love for Torah, was his defining trait: persistence hour by hour, day by day, for decades.

Much of this dedication is credited to his wife, Rebbetzin Elyashiv, who unwaveringly supported his Torah pursuits. Their daughter recounted how, when Rabbi Shach visited, Rebbetzin Elyashiv’s sole request was for prayers that her husband could study uninterrupted. A devoted mother in challenging times, she asked for nothing but her husband's Torah study to remain undisturbed.

Even though Rabbi Elyashiv preferred studying Torah without distractions, he assumed leadership when Rabbi Shach directed him to guide the public. May his memory be a blessing.

We are fortunate to have had Rabbi Elyashiv's support in founding the "Hidabroot" organization, encouraging its leaders to spread Torah and inspire the broader community.

Consultation Discussion on Outreach with the Hidabroot Rabbis Led by Rabbi Zamir Cohen