Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Rabinowitz, zt”l, better known as the Yid Ha’kadosh, of Peshischa, was known to be a genius as a young child. He was a brilliant student, but he was also able to explain and clarify things to his friends so that they would understand them as well.
Once, when the Rebbe at Cheder taught a certain topic, young Yaakov Yitzchok caught on immediately, but the rest of his friends did not. The Rebbe explained it over and over again, but it did not help. Finally, he gave up and asked Yaakov Yitzchok to try. Yaakov Yitzchok did a masterful job explaining it, and everyone understood the material fully.
The Rebbe praised Yaakov Yitzchok profusely, and implied that the other boys were not very intelligent. The boys felt hurt and resentful from this. One boy, Yeshaya, burst into bitter tears and could not be consoled. When Yaakov Yitzchok saw his friend’s reaction, he felt so bad that he became ill. He soon recovered and returned to Cheder, but he seemed like a different child. No longer was he the class genius. In fact, he seemed to have trouble keeping up with the others.
At the same time, Yeshaya suddenly became a star student. Everyone was amazed at his deep understanding of even the most difficult subjects. By the time Yeshaya celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, he was known as a great Iluy, a genius.
Rav Aryeh Leib Charif, zt”l, the Rosh Yeshivah of Pshevorsk, invited him to learn at his Yeshivah. To everyone’s surprise, Yeshaya agreed on the condition that his friend Yaakov Yitzchok join him as well. Yeshaya continued to excel at the Yeshivah.
Once, the Rosh Yeshivah announced before all the Bachurim in the Yeshivah that he was sure Yeshaya would illuminate the entire world with his Torah. In response, Yeshaya leapt to his feet and cried out, “Everything I know is thanks to my friend Yaakov Yitzchok!” He then related how Yaakov Yitzchok had approached him on the day of the incident in their youth, and begged for his forgiveness for having caused him embarrassment and distress. Ever since that day, Yeshaya said, Yaakov Yitzchok had been learning with him in secret, helping him become famous as an Iluy, while he let others think that he himself was really not bright!
Reprinted from the Parshas Toldos 5786 email of Rabbi Yehuda Winzelberg’s Torah U’Tefilah.
