Among the esteemed maggidei shiur in a yeshivah that boasts many gifted Rebbeim, Rav Elya Boruch Finkel, ztz”l, was in a class by himself. He had a unique ability to bring out the sweetness in a sugya, to allow his listeners a taste of the honey that lies beneath every word. He was refreshing and exuberant, clear and deliberate. His home, situated within the yeshivah complex, was open at all times to students who needed a listening ear, a concerned mentor who took their troubles to heart.
The grandson of Reb Leizer Yudel Finkel, ztz”l, who rebuilt Mir Yeshivah in the aftermath of the war, Reb Elya Boruch grew up inside its walls, and had unique access to Torah scholars such as Rav Nachum Partzovitz, ztz”l, and Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, ztz”l. Much like his grandfather, Reb Elya Boruch had a vast heart, and his love for Torah included anyone who learned it, regardless of who they were and from where they came.
Shortly before his untimely passing, Reb Elya Boruch shared memories of his visionary grandfather and Rebbe with Mishpacha’s Yisroel Besser. Set against the backdrop of Reb Elya Boruch’s own persona, these anecdotes highlight the greatness of the vast heart we have just lost.
T
hree months ago, I had the privilege of visiting Yerushalayim. I took advantage of my time in the Holy City to visit with some of its unique figures, to hear their recollections and memories, the perspectives of great men on other great men.
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