There was one unforgettable interaction I had with Rav Mattisyahu Salomon ztz”l that I’d like to share
While in previous columns I’ve shared my personal reflections and experiences with gedolim I had the great fortune of interacting with over several decades, this piece is different. While there are surely many others who knew the late Lakewood Mashgiach, Rav Mattisyahu Salomon ztz”l, far better than I did, there was one unforgettable interaction I had with him that I’d like to share.
The story took place close to 25 years ago. Tragically, a young wife and mother who was also a popular teacher in a prominent girls’ schools in Flatbush passed away suddenly. A number of rabbanim and askanim met with the great gadol Rav Avrohom Pam ztz”l to ask what kind of community chizuk event they should organize as a zechus for her neshamah. The Rosh Yeshivah suggested that since she was an ishah tzanuah, it would be appropriate to arrange a gathering for women and girls about the importance of tzniyus, something he felt needed some improvement. As I’d just written an article on this subject, I was asked if I would agree to be the keynote speaker at the event.
I was apprehensive about speaking about this sensitive topic outside of my own community, though, and was reluctant to accept. I decided to meet with Rav Pam to share my concerns. The Rosh Yeshivah strongly encouraged me to accept the assignment. He then said that because people may find the topic of tzniyus off-putting, he suggested we create a catchy title for the evening that would keep the subject vague and not deter attendees.
I reached out to one of my mentors, Rav Nisson Wolpin ztz”l, and we came up with “The T word: A Community Response.” It worked. The wording was somewhat mysterious and definitely caught the attention of the targeted audience.
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