Picture of Perfection

I still think often of the Novominsker Rebbe, Rav Yaakov Perlow ztz”l. I still see his smile and feel his warmth. His ability to see the good in every person and make time for everyone was legendary.

Over 25 years ago, when I lived in the Heights, I attended the bris of a son of a friend of mine. It took place in the social hall of K’hal Adath Jeshurun, referred to by everyone in the Heights as “90 Bennett Ave,” and which was across the street from the famous Breuer’s Shul.

My friend was also a talmid of Rav Perlow when the Rebbe served as rosh yeshivah in Breuer’s, and the Rebbe was the sandek.

Many people not necessarily connected to the bris made their way to 90 Bennett Avenue that day to receive a brachah or unburden themselves to the Rebbe. I noticed how every person who approached him received the same warm smile and attention.