The Chofetz Chaim zt”l sent his son-in-law, Reb Hershel Levinson zt”l, to Reb Chaim Brisker zt”l, to request whom he should appoint as the Rosh Yeshiva in Radin. Reb Chaim Brisker advised that they appoint Reb Moshe Ladinsky zt”l, because he was a massive talmud chacham.
Reb Moshe Ladinsky served as their Rosh Yeshiva for about twenty years, and the students loved him. However, the spirit of the day changed, and the popular style of learning became what is known as “the Brisker derech.” This new and ingenious approach was sweeping the yeshiva world, it was the talk of the time, and the students of the Radin Yeshiva didn’t want to be left out.
The Chofetz Chaim therefore invited Reb Naftali Trop to join the yeshiva and serve as the Rosh Yeshiva. Reb Naftali was an expert in this new approach to study, and inevitably, he became the primary Rosh Yeshiva. As a result, Reb Moshe Ladinsky lost his prestige.
The Chofetz Chaim spoke to Reb Moshe Ladinsky and explained that he had no choice. The bachurim wanted the Brisker derech, and if he didn’t hire Reb Naftali, the bachurim would leave the yeshiva.
Reb Moshe Ladinsky replied, “If it is better for the students, then by all means, you did the right thing!”
The Chofetz Chaim was overwhelmed by Reb Moshe’s answer. After so many years of devotion to the yeshiva, he didn’t take it as an insult that someone took his place.
The Chofetz Chaim told him, “The merit of your vitur, understanding that Hashem runs a perfect world, will protect you. You will outlive us.”
Indeed, Reb Naftali Trop was niftar in 1919, where the Chofetz Chaim lived till 1923. But R’ Moshe lived till 1929. The merit of his vatranus granted him a long life. (Torah Wellsprings, - Ki Savo 9)
