There was a Novardoker who ended up in Kletzk. R’ Ahron Kotler Zatzal wanted very much that his son R’ Shneur Zatzal should learn with him as a chavrusa, since he was the biggest Masmid in the Yeshiva. He lived in the USA, and he retired from work at 65. He learned for the next 30 years B’hasmada Rabba until he was Niftar at 93. He lost 3 of his children in his lifetime, and they say that he moved on in life with perfect calm as if nothing happened.
I heard the same type of story about many Novardokers, who moved on as smooth as ever despite losing beloved spouses and dear children, etc. People are calling me with problems, about how to deal with the war in Eretz Yisroel. It causes plenty of worry and stress, especially for those who find out about the gruesome facts and all the cruelty of Hamas, Rachana Litzlan. I don’t advise getting involved in finding out all the morbid details, unless there is a Tachlis of davening harder for them.
In the name of a Chashuva Rov – finding out and viewing some atrocities is Assur Le’Halacha (absolutely forbidden) and if a person causes himself unnecessary traumas, he can be considered a: מְׁ אַ בֵ ד עַ צְׁ מוֹ לְׁ דַ עַ ת person who intentionally takes his own life, Chas V'shalom. R' Gershon Liebman Zatzal saw much worse atrocities during the 5 years he was under the Nazis. He was constantly giving away his own meager food supply in order to save others. Yet, his Simcha level was incredible!
After years in Novardok, he knew how to balance his Middos properly. All those who have a hard time dealing with the casualties in Eretz Yisroel, should think of R' Gershon Zatzal who had much more Ahavas Yisroel than all of us. (He was constantly risking his life to save others during the Holocaust). Yet, his Simcha level was even higher than usual! (told by R' Gurwitz Zatzal).
There is a Novardok story which I heard first hand from R’ Yitzchok Orlansky Zatzal, who was present when he saw how the Novardokers reacted to a horrific pogrom that took place with their own Talmidim. I was advised not to publicize it, since our Olam won’t understand it. In a nutshell: Although they had much more Ahavas Yisroel, yet, their entire lives were not based on their situation, i.e., if it was a success or failure. Their entire focus in life was on how to respond to Nisyonos, like RSRH Zatzal mentions about the Avos.
