(By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5TJT.com)

During this horrible pandemic � there are thousands of families that are sitting shiva.� How does one console the family members of a tzaddik that passed away young � in the prime of his life?� We are all at a loss.

But perhaps we can take a lesson from Rav Yeruchem Levovitz zatzal, the great Mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva in Europe � who had previously learned in the Yeshiva of Slabodka – whose famous Mashgiach was the Alter of Slabodka, Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt�l.� Rav Yeruchem was extremely close to the Alter.

During the first World War, the Slabodka Yeshiva was in exile in Kremenchug.� Upon their return to Slabodka � things had changed.� Lithuania declared its independence (1918-1940) and needed an army to stop the fact that Poland wished to take over its lands.� Eventually, the Lithuanians declared a nationwide draft of even the seminary students � unless secular studies were to be introduced into the Yeshiva. �The younger students were well below draft age � so they were safe.� The older students, however, needed to go elsewhere.� It was decided to look toward Eretz Yisroel. In 1924, the Slabodka Yeshiva was able to obtain visas for a number of the older students to emigrate to Mandate Palestine. �The Yeshiva was to establish a branch for the older students in the city of Chevron � next to the Avos HaKedoshim.

The Alter had a son, upon whom Rav Yeruchem looked at like a brother.� Rav Moshe Finkel zt�l was praised by all the Gedolim of Europe as the next Gadol haDor.� He was Rav Aharon Kotler zatzal�s chevrusah in Slabodka.� Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk described him as an ilui among ilium � a genius among geniuses. The Alter and his son left Europe and travelled to Yeshiva in Chevron Eretz Yisroel. �Tragically, on Oct. 5, 1925, the second day of Chol HaMoed Sukkos, Rav Moshe passed away at the tender age of 42.

Twelve weeks later, on Sunday, December 27, 1925, Rav Yeruchem wrote a letter of consolation to his Rebbe, the Alter. The letter is a portrait in how to console.

[I am planning a book b�ezras Hashem on the Yeshivos of Slabodka, Kelm and Mir in Europe.� If any readers out there have any of the following three � it would be most appreciated if they could contact the author at [email protected]

• Any photographs of Rav Yeruchem, Mir, the Alter of Slabodka, and Slabodka.
• Any unpublished letters from either the Alter or Rav Yeruchem to their parents, or grandparents
• A desire to dedicate a chapter.

With sincere thanks, Yair Hoffman

What follows is the author�s translation of that letter.

10 Taives, 5686, Sunday of Parshas Vayechi

May He who comforts His Nation, Israel, console many fold Adoneinu Moreinu v�Rabbeinu among the other mourners of the loss of the Ark of Hashem..

After inquiring of the well-being of the Rav and his holy family,

Three weeks ago, we heard about the horrible tragedy.� Many times, I have tried writing this letter, but I just could not continue. Even now, I am in a frantic state and apprehensive. I cannot believe that this has happened to us. My hands are literally shaking and my heart is palpitating within me. It is like I was hit with a bolt of lightning. Oy vey! We are in very rough shape and devastated.

Whose heart isn�t shattered?

I used to say, �lo alman Yisroel (Yirmiyahu 51:5) Klal Yisroel is not widowed as long as we have such a mighty tree growing within us.�� He had so much light, and we saw light through him.� But now, the lamp of Israel has been put out, and we cannot see anymore.

He was such an anav � a modest and humble person.� He was also a true chassid � a remarkable tzaddik who always did more than was ever required or asked of him. Who can hold back from crying?� Who can not shed rivers of tears over our loss here � the loss to the whole world?

From where will we find the strength to cry out on this sudden devastation?� Why did Hashem do this to us?

[Perhaps,] in the great joy that this noble citadel of Torah merited in coming to the Holy Land � the evil eye became regnant to change this great joy to mourning. This is only a manifestation of �bikrovai ekadesh� (in parshas Shmini Vayikra 10:3) to demonstrate how medakdek Hashem is with those who are close to Him.� I am like �one of the chaburah� [a group where one has passed away � all should be worried – see Shabbos 106a] who sits and cries.

I say that I seem to remember that there is some Midrash regarding the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash that one of the ministering angels [Metatron, see Yalkut Shimoni 996 Aicha Rabasi] said before Hashem, I am crying and You shall not cry.

I say the same thing. It is upon us [the world] to cry over the fire that Hashem has caused to burn.� He was taken from us. We are the ones who lost him.

You, [however], should not cry.� You had the remarkable zchus to have him.. an honorable, precious and holy soul was sent from shamayim [to you.]� But he has fulfilled his tafkid.

Upon him Chazal said [Midrash Tanchuma Parshas Ki Sisa also quoted in Rabbeinu Yonah in Yesod Darchei HaTeshuvah on the pasuk in Koheles 5:11], �Sweet is the sleep (spelled as ??? meaning year not sleep) of the worker� � whether long or small, if his days are long or his days are short � his reward is as if he has lived a long life [in other words, Hashem gives him the credit and merit as if he lived a very long life filled with Torah and Mitzvos].

How many pillars of the world and lights of Israel were taken in the prime of their lives!� People like the Ramah and the Shach may their memories be for a blessing.� There is no doubt that they did not die half way through their lives, but at the fulfillment of their missions.� His [Rav Moshe�s] death is to be looked at no differently than theirs.� There is no one left in this world that is his equal in all of his greatness in Torah and in Yirah � the fear of Heaven.� It seems that I can offer this consolation to Hod Kvod Gadluso HaRamah, that he has merited a wonderful share � who like him has merited such a portion.� He lives! He lives in the realm of life � forever more.

We received all of the telegrams on time, but because of sins, our tefilos were not answered.� I have been isolating myself and thinking deeply about it constantly and I have no rest.� How did you ever manage to deal with this loss in your difficult state of health?� Also, his poor mother, how can she manage in her poor state of health?

Please, if I can receive a few personal lines from you [as to how you are doing]. I share your grief, with feelings of great respect and awe.

Yeruchem Levovitz

The translator can be reached at [email protected].� Once again, if anyone has any of the following three � it would be most appreciated if they could contact the author at [email protected]

• Any photographs of Rav Yeruchem, Mir, the Alter of Slabodka, and Slabodka.
• Any unpublished letters from either the Alter or Rav Yeruchem to their parents, or grandparents, etc..
• A desire to dedicate a chapter.

With sincere thanks,

Yair Hoffman

[email protected]