We Can All Learn From Ha’Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman ZT’L.

I don’t come from that world and can’t relate to many aspects of it.

I grew up in a normal religious home, and went in my own direction like most of us do, whilst at the same time always trying to stay in line with my family.

However, sitting here working, whilst listening to the Kol Chai radio station, to the statement Rav Shteinman wrote, he wanted read out at his funeral in place of eulogies for him, we can all learn much, who ever we are and whether we are religious or not.

Ha’Rav Shteinman was seen as a mainstream leader in the Charedi community and was supportive of Charedim integrating more into general Israeli society, through work and national service. He was against public demonstrations and unrest. On the pieces I write on my IsraelB online community about the Charedi community in Israel, I tried to present his more moderate approach.

In our generation, when there is so much arrogance, judgmentalism and pursuit of ‘kavod’ (recognition and respect) and social acceptance – More so in the ‘frum’ community than any other.

When the way people behave, dress and speak is governed by their ego and the way they want to be perceived, rather than the pursuit of the truth. How much do we need these values of Ha’Rav Shteinman.

He was the greatest sage in our generation, yet at the same time so human and was very much connected to the needs and problems of regular people even though he, himself was so other-worldly. He had a sharp wit and understanding of people. He loved and was totally immersed in Torah, but at the same time he loved and understood man.

The greatest sage in our generation, Rav Ahron Leib Steinman,in these parting words from this world, he wanted read out before he was buried, showed his true modesty, humility and love of man and Torah.

May we all follow his example modesty, humility and love of Torah and man.

Benjy.