In honor of the upcoming Yom Hilula of the holy Rav Shlomo of Zvhil, zy”a (Iyar 26, 5706), we present a selection of inspiring stories about this tzaddik, taken from the vast treasures of our teacher and Rav, the esteemed gaon and tzaddik, shlita.
Rav Shlomo of Zvhil zy ”a, was renowned as a wonder-working tzaddik whose blessings and deeds brought salvation and inspiration to many, particularly among the residents of Yerushalayim. Despite his efforts to conceal his greatness, certain miracles he performed became widely known, causing great awe and admiration.
On one occasion, news of a remarkable miracle he performed spread throughout Yerushalayim. Despite his attempts to avoid publicizing his spiritual power, the extraordinary event could not be hidden.
One of his close talmidim, Rav Eliyahu Roth zt”l, seized the opportunity to discuss the miracle with his Rav. During their conversation, he asked the Rav, “How does one attain the ability to perform such great wonders?”
Rav Shlomo’s response was shockingly simple:
“It ‘s very simple,” he explained. “When you become accustomed to asking Hashem for help with every breath you take and thanking Him afterward, He grants you the power to accomplish such things.”
A promising young yeshivah student once sought advice from Rav Shlomo about whether he should transfer to a prestigious yeshivah in Tel Aviv. At the time, Tel Aviv was home to many prominent yeshivos and Torah leaders. The talmid wanted to know if it was appropriate for him to move there. Rav Shlomo, as was his custom, deferred the matter, stating he needed to reflect upon it after immersing in the mikveh.
The following day, the talmid returned and inquired about the Rav’s decision. Rav Eliyahu Roth, the Rav’s close attendant, relayed the response: Rav Shlomo said the question was “too difficult” for him to answer.
Perplexed, the student wondered why this decision was so challenging for the Rav, who regularly resolved complex and weighty matters. Ultimately, after consulting other rabbanim, the student decided to transfer to the Tel Aviv yeshivah. Two years later, Rav Shlomo suddenly asked Rav Eliyahu to find out what had become of the young man.
After several days, Rav Eliyahu returned with an update: the young man had indeed enrolled in the prestigious yeshivah in the Tel Aviv area, where he was excelling in his studies, growing in Torah, and elevating himself in yiras Shamayim. Rav Shlomke thoughtfully responded: “This outcome I foresaw during my immersion in the mikveh when contemplating the matter.
“However, I still could not take responsibility for safeguarding the young man‘s purity in his shemiras einayim during his travels and within Tel Aviv, a place known for its challenging atmosphere and rife immodesty, Rachmana litzlan.”
Only then was it clear why this question was deemed a “difficult matter.”
My teacher, Rav Neta Freund zt”l, once shared the following about Rav Shlomke’s renowned hospitality. His home was open to everyone, serving as a haven for the poor and downtrodden, many of whom lived in destitution in Yerushalayim at the time. Rav Shlomke personally tended to their needs, offering food, comfort, and dignity.
The Rebbe’s humility was so profound that he refused to claim any special honors for himself. When dining with guests, he would never sit at the head of the table as most heads of households would. Instead, he would take the first available seat, showing no concern for appearances.
His boundless compassion extended even to animals. Stray animals instinctively sensed his gentle nature and would gather at his doorstep, where he personally fed and watered them, fulfilling the pasuk (Tehillim 145:9), טוֹב יְהוָה לַכֹּל וְרַחֲמָיו עַל כָּל מַעֲשָׂיו - His mercies are upon all His works, as the Gemara teaches (Bava
