R' Simcha Wasserman Zatzal had a Chinuch from Novardok. He was Mamash a Gadol B'torah who knew everything, and the more Chashuva BMG Talmidim were in awe of his Gadlus in Torah. He went from city to city to start Mosdos, and he spoke perfect English. The most modern professional Americans felt comfortable with him. He was a Tzaddik and Anav.
He was full of Menucha and Simcha, and was Moser Nefesh for Zikkui HaRabbim. He gave the most brilliant Shmuessin, in his warm, soft voice. I once discussed Ka'as (anger) with him, and he humbly said that he wishes he could do better in that area. I wanted to make a telephone call, and I needed change. He ran to get me all the change I needed, despite him being a: ָז ֵקן older person and I was a young Yungerman.
He liked R’ Avigdor Miller Zatzal, since he understood the new generation, and he didn’t live in an “ivory tower” like others who didn’t do much for the Klal since they didn’t relate to the new Dor. Novardok was very sensitive to understanding the new generation and giving them what worked for their level. He was a Tzadik Yesod Olam, with every good Midda you can imagine. Yet, he came across almost like as if he had been born in the USA, since he lowered himself to help many American Baalei Teshuva. He did wonders in Kiruv. ןֵגָי וֹתוּכְז וּניֵלָﬠ, ןֵמָא May his merit protect over us, Amen.
He built many Yeshivos called Ohr Elchonon, in memory of his father, R' Elchonon Wasserman Zatzal, together with R' Moshe Chodosh Zatzal, who was also a brilliant Talmid Chochom and Baal Mussar from Chevron (son of R' Meir Chodosh Zatzal). Here we had Novardok and Slabodka working together; both were heavily involved in Zikkui HaRabbim. R' Moshe put out a beautiful Sefer with the Shmuessin of R' Yisroel Yaakov Lubchansky Zatzal, the illustrious son-in-law of the Alter of Novardok.
I asked him: “What is a Slabodka Talmid getting involved in Gedolei Novardok?” He told me: “What’s the difference? He was a major Adam Gadol, and that’s all that counts"!
I heard a story about R' Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi Zatzal. He spoke in front of 1000 Bachurim, and kept repeating again and again: “I am the Rash'kebe'hag!” They didn’t understand what he wanted, until he said: “I want everyone to say about himself: “I am a Rash'kebe'hag!” This Tzadik had the Slabodka Derech perhaps more than anyone else.
He was a big: ִנ ְס ָתּ ר (hidden Tzadik) and the greatest Talmidei Chevron had tremendous respect for him. He was rare indeed in that he lived a true Derech, which is priceless and he was: ֶא ֶמ ֶשׁ ת ְבּ ֶא ֶמת truth of truth. Most people, even Bnei Aliya, may Shteig plenty, but they are never Zoche to bring out all their dormant Kochos because they had no Rebbe who can guide them.
Of course, in our Dor, we have no right to criticize anyone. But a: ְי ַק ַה ר ְמ ִציאוּת (rare phenomenon) like this person is still worth studying. His unusual Ahavas HaTorah, his sense of humor, his Shimush Talmidei Chachomim (their style of learning, plus their actions), his unusual Simcha, his Chi'yus (life) and: ֶמ ֶרץ drive, his Mesirus Nefesh for Zikkui HaRabbim (including making trips all over the world), his Middos and Ahavas Yisroel, his not looking for Kavod, etc.
