At 6:30 in the morning, the sun had already risen over the Meah Shearim neighborhood in Jerusalem. The early risers were returning from the sunrise Minyan, while others remained asleep and would attend a later Minyan. It was at this time, that Rav Elyashiv ZT”L prepared to begin Shacharis, awaiting the assembly of a Minyan in his residence. Finding a Minyan at this time proved challenging since many people had already participated in an earlier Shacharis or had yet to wake up and would be davening later.
Every day, six...seven...eight... people would slowly straggle in. Invariably, as they got close to the required ten, one or two attendees would announce their inability to wait any longer and that they had to leave – in short, every day was a struggle to get a Minyan.
This prompted concern from Rav Elyashiv’s neighbor, who also served as Gabbai of the Tiferes Bachurim Shul. Recognizing the value of the Rav’s time, he resolved to address the situation by establishing a Kollel of young scholars dedicated to learning from 6:00 to 6:30 AM directly beneath the Rav's apartment. Upon completion, the group would proceed upstairs to the Rav’s apartment for Shacharis, ensuring a timely Minyan for Rav Elyashiv each day.
The Gabbai committed to raising the funds needed for the scholars’ monthly stipends. However, with so many other competing charities seeking donations, obtaining financial support became more and more challenging. One day, he happened to meet the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem. An idea struck him—why not ask the official to secure funding for the Kollel?
Remarkably, the Deputy Mayor responded positively to the suggestion and replied, "I'll try to arrange something." The following day, as the Deputy Mayor worked at his desk, he began thinking about how to tackle the funding issue. He mused, "Where could we find funding resources for a Kollel? Maybe the Ministry of Culture and Religion could help. So much government money is spent on projects that lack real value, while this initiative has genuine merit. Is there anything better than supporting a group of young scholars who pray daily alongside the esteemed Rav Elyashiv?"
A month later, Rav Elyashiv received correspondence from the Jerusalem municipality indicating approval for financial assistance, including an initial check to cover most of the Kollel’s monthly expenses. Upon reviewing the letter and its enclosed check, Rav Elyashiv expressed strong objection, immediately instructing the Gabbai to return the check without delay. He stated unequivocally that public funds should not be used to support his personal Minyan.
