Some examples of lessons I’ve learned from three “eishes chavers” over the years
Anyone who’s had the zechus to be a frequent visitor to the home of a gadol cannot help but be inspired by the exceptional middos of the akeres habayis — the spiritual power behind all the greatness. Allow me to share some examples of lessons I’ve learned from three such “eishes chavers” over the years.
She was the wife of Rav Henoch Leibowitz ztz”l, the rosh yeshivah of Yeshivah Chofetz Chaim for more than 60 years. Talmidim over many decades knew her as the fierce protector of the Rosh Yeshivah’s health. She was the gatekeeper who alone decided when to allow talmidim access to the Rosh Yeshivah. We all saw how the Rosh Yeshivah, who was always in frail health, appreciated her dedication to his welfare and obediently followed all her directives.
Much less well-known was her incredible devotion to chesed. The Rebbetzin had a relative in Bnei Brak who was a great talmid chacham leading an overwhelmingly difficult life. A debilitating illness robbed him of his ability to teach and provide for his large family. The Rebbetzin committed herself to help the family.
She partnered with another relative of this person, the Mirrer Rosh Yeshivah Rav Shmuel Berenbaum ztz”l, and they bore this great burden together for many years. I often served as a shaliach for transferring funds between the Rebbetzin and Rav Shmuel.
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