By Shmuel Botnick
In his sefer, K’Reiach Sadeh, in a piece on Parashas Kedoshim, Rav Nota Greenblatt gives a unique perspective on the definition of “kedoshim, holy ones.”
He writes: “While in Altona [a district in Hamburg, West Germany], I was zocheh to daven at the graves of the great leaders of previous generations. Rav Yonasan Eibeschutz’s tombstone describes him as ‘Rabbeinu Hakadosh.’
“I thought about this description for a long time. Then I found that it was documented that, while Rav Yonasan Eibeschutz was embroiled in a years-long controversy (with those who accused him of being a follower of Shabsai Tzvi), he never interrupted his daily schedule of shiurim; his learning continued as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
“Perhaps that is the reason he is referred to as ‘Rabbeinu Hakadosh.’ Even as he endured the most painful persecution, he was able to elevate himself above the chaos and disregard it, as if it did not exist.”
Rav Nota shared this insight on several occasions and many had the impression that the quality he described was one that defined his own essence. Being involved in so many projects, on behalf of so many people, his life had plenty of tumultuous moments. But when the door to his study closed behind him, he firmly barred entry to the turbulence of conflict and confusion.
Rav Nota learned for hours on end, the very picture of serenity. He held a level of self-confidence that no one could diminish and, no matter what life sent his way, he was always able to escape to that inner haven.
Reprinted from the Parshas Bo 5784 edition of At the ArtScroll Shabbos Table. Excerpted from the ArtScroll book – “Rav Nota – The Story of Rav Nota Greenblatt.”
