Rav Shach knocked on the door. The parents opened it and were astonished to see the head of the Ponevezh yeshiva standing before them.
Without lengthy introductions he said warmly:
“I happened to be in the area and heard that your daughter became engaged to this young man. I told myself I could not pass by without wishing you mazal tov and telling you about the great fortune that has come to your family.
This young man is like family to me. He is an exceptional individual, filled with Torah and fear of Heaven. He studies diligently and has a very promising future. Not everyone merits such a diamond.”
Rav Shach continued speaking until he saw the parents’ faces soften and their joy begin to return. Only then did he take his leave with blessings and warm wishes.
Later, when Rav Shach received the wedding invitation, he showed it to Rabbi Ben Tzion with quiet satisfaction.
Rabbi Ben Tzion would end the story with a humble reflection:
“Today that young man is already a grandfather. He has no idea what Rav Shach once did for him.”
In his modesty, Rabbi Ben Tzion never mentioned that he too had played a crucial role in that great act of kindness.
Rabbi Shalom Ben Tzion Felman (5694–5775) later became a renowned posek of halacha, the rabbi of the Nachalat Moshe community in Bnei Brak, and the author of the halachic series Shalmei Todah.
Reprinted from the current website of Hidabroot - from the book Without a Name.
Rabbi Shalom Arush
Photo by Marko Dashev
