Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, zt"l

11/09/11

This week, the Jewish people lost a true Torah leader, gadol hador with the passing of HaRav Nosson Tzvi Finkel ztz"l, Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir, on Tuesday morning in Israel. Rav Finkel was the great-grandson of the Alter of Slabodka, for whom he was named.

Rav Finkel headed the Mir yeshiva, one of the largest institutions of Torah study in history, since 1990. He was known for his brilliance and insight, as well as for his gentle demeanor and his indefatigable commitment to Torah. One anecdote that illustrates why Rav Finkel was a true gadol was reported by Yeshiva World News in the announcement of his passing:

"When once asked by a student why he never took drugs to calm the Parkinson's disease he suffers from, he answered that when inquiring about the drugs, his doctor had told him that it would have an effect on his memory. 'I'd rather be ill my whole life than to forget even one word of the holy Torah.'"

Another incident, of a nature closer to home, involves the NCSY Summer Kollel in Israel. A number of years ago, Rav Finkel addressed the Kollel. He asked the boys, "Who here is from Chicago?" A number of Kollel participants raised their hands. The rav then asked, "Who goes to Ida Crown?" Again, a show of hands. Finally, the gadol asked, "Who's on the basketball team?" As would be expected, a few hands shot up. However, Rav Finkel surprised the room with his response: "So was I." Not only does this tale demonstrate the rosh yeshiva's warmth and understanding of even the simplest Jew, it shows us that our gedolim do not materialize fully formed. They come from among us, utilizing the strengths and potential that God has placed in each of us. 

The loss of Rav Finkel is tragic for all Jewry. May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and may his passing serve as a much-needed kaparah for us all.