While learning in Novardok, R’ Granum Lazevnik Zatzal was introduced to Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin by a close friend. Chachmei Lublin had a beautiful spacious Bais Medrash, hot meals (with butter and eggs), beautiful gardens, etc., all which was unheard of in Novardok. Yet, he decided to return to Novardok! (He also wouldn’t stay in a top Litvishe Yeshiva (Baranovich), when he found out that he would have to give up his Novardok Derech in Mussar).
In Novardok, he was thoroughly indoctrinated about the truths of Olam HaZeh. Nothing in this world counts besides Avodas Hashem and achieving Shleimus. Novardok was so powerful about this, that the poverty and difficulties didn’t bother them. Like I’ve heard from them: “It’s all in your head”. When you are taught to appreciate the pure truth and enjoy it, no Gashmiyus attraction can persuade you otherwise. Having a Chabura to be M'chazek each other was considered #1 to keep up your principles.
STORY
After WWII, the Vaad Hatzalah tried to get displaced persons out of Europe to the USA. They could only do so for “Rabbi’s”. They saved many Yeshiva’leit this way, except for one group. R’ Ahron Kotler Zatzal was concerned about them, so he asked Rabbi Rosenberg to fly immediately to Europe, and find out what’s going wrong. It was a matter of Pikuach Nefesh.
The general in charge of the DP camp explained that these Yeshiva students insisted they are NOT Rabbi’s! Indeed, they were Novardokers. They stood their ground on this, since they had total Bitachon only in Hashem; and didn’t want a trace of Hishtadlus! They were positive they would make it to USA through Bitachon alone. They also didn’t want to be Baalei Ga'ava, or say a Sheker.
Rabbi Rosenberg went back to the general, and laughingly explained their denial, thereby settling the matter. A Novardoker doesn’t change, despite going through the Holocaust. Bitachon is part of his system.
