The noble path of our teacher, the righteous Rav Zundel Kroizer zt”l, author of Or HaChamah, was to draw the children of Klal Yisrael close to the love and diligence learning of Torah through affection and warmth. As an esteemed educator in numerous institutions and holy yeshivos, he merited to raise many talmidim, influencing them with kindness, closeness, and a radiant countenance, treating each talmid as though he were his child.
With the Divine wisdom embedded within him, he understood the soul of each talmid and always found a wise and uplifting way to inspire him. He helped talmidim recognize their talents and appreciate their strengths. Through his perpetual joy and beautiful humility, he succeeded in encouraging and uplifting every student. Even the weakest child would feel, in his presence, like one of the best and brightest.
Rav Kroizer made it his mission and purpose to elevate and honor his talmidim, instilling a sense of pride and dignity so they would feel (as in Divrei Hayamim II 17:6): And his heart was raised in the ways of Hashem.
In the report cards he wrote for his talmidim, whom he treated as his own children, he would always find ways to include words of praise and honor, often supported by verses from the Torah or teachings of Chazal. For example, if a student named Moshe Aharon succeeded in an exam, he would write something similar to, ...as Moshe and Aharon counted, according to the word of Hashem (Bamidbar 4:37).
Faithful to his approach, Rav Kroizer rejoiced greatly at a clever insight or an impressive novelty he heard, even from a young student. He would exclaim with delight: “This is a strong sevora (logical argument), reminiscent of the Nesivos!” or “This innovation is fitting for Rav Akiva Eiger!” From then on, he would affectionately call such talmidim by nicknames like “Our Nesivos” or “What does our Rabbi Akiva Eiger say?” with a kind smile lighting up his holy face.
Often, when he heard wondrous thoughts or interpretations from his talmidim, he valued and cherished them so much that he would include their insights in his own writings, mentioning their names to fulfill the teaching (Megillah 15a): “Whoever says something in the name of the one who said it brings redemption to the world.” For this reason, his holy sefarim are replete with brilliant questions and insights he heard from his talmidim, attributed to the children who conveyed these teachings to him, as it is said (Taanis 7a): “And from my talmidim [I learned] more than from all of them.”
Once, a young man who had fallen into the harsh snares of the evil inclination, Rachmana litzlan, came to Rav Zundel Kroizer zt”l, seeking encouragement. Rav Zundel infused him with renewed life, speaking to him with his pure and refined language. He spent considerable time offering kind words and heartfelt encouragement, expressing warmth and closeness until he succeeded in “convincing” the young man and instilling in his heart how dear and close he was to the Almighty. He likened the situation to a father with only one beloved son, and no matter how that son behaves, he never wavers in his love for him.
Rav Zundel was not content with just offering words of support. He went further and took a cherished pen from his collection of writings and lovingly presented it as a gift to the young man. While handing it over, he explained: “You should be aware that this pen is very precious to me. It is the quill I used for many hours to painstakingly compose my Or HaChamah. Now, as a sign of my love and esteem for you, seeing how you bravely fight life‘s battles and refuse to despair, chas veshalom, I am giving you this precious pen. Use it to record every time you overcome the evil inclination and stand firm in your trials.”
The young man left Rav Zundel‘s home as if transformed into a new person. He began recognizing his inner worth and genuinely believed he was cherished and favored before the Almighty and His righteous servants. This newfound perspective gave him the strength to rise like a lion and cast off heavy burdens of sin, sadness, and regret. He embarked on a new path with that pen, recording each triumph over his inclination. He rose quickly to great heights in Torah and avodah, bringing immense nachas ruach to his Creator.
