“Are we, as a community, so small and superficial that we cannot admit this truth?”
The mention of a paper shortage during the Israeli War of Independence in your article about Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer reminded me of my father’s visit to Rav Meltzer during that time.
My late father, the writer Rabbi Tovia Preschel, once wrote about his visit to Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer during the summer of 1948. My father, who had enlisted as a soldier, had been transferred from a camp in the central sector of Israel to the northern front. Since he had to pass Petach Tikvah, he decided to visit Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer. Rav Meltzer had been wounded in his leg during the siege of Jerusalem and was convalescing at the home of his son-in-law, Rav Y.M. Ben Menachem of the beis din of Petach Tikvah.
My father describes the humble and modest home being filled with warmth and friendliness. Rav Isser Zalman was reclining on a couch, his wounded leg resting on a pillow. Although he seemed to suffer some physical pain, his talk was affable and animated.
Rav Isser Zalman’s wife, Rebbetzin Baila Hinda, was sitting at the table. In front of her was a small pile of sheets of paper. Some of the sheets had been used for wrapping purposes, and by smoothing them, she made them suitable for writing.
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