Inspiring: Viral Story Leads to Rosh Yeshiva’s Son Putting on Tefillin

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Rabbi Shmuel Reichman shared the following incredible story of how a Rosh Yeshiva’s sensitivity & humility led to his son putting on Tefillin.

“Last week, there was a Mir Yeshivah Shabbos in Cleveland, where a couple of the Roshei Yeshiva came out for a Shabbos of inspiration. There also happened to be a Russian ba’alas Teshuva in the Cleveland community whose son was learning in the Mir.

She really wanted to be connected to this special Shabbos. So on Friday night, she went to one of the shuls where one of the Roshei Yeshiva was speaking and waited until he finished. She then went over to him and said the following: “I just wanted to let you know that my son is learning in the Mir Yeshiva, and he’s the first member of our family in 150 years to put on Tefillin.”

The Rosh Yeshiva responded with the most powerful line: “Your son is the first person in your family to put on tefillin in 150 year? Can you please give me a bracha (blessing)? My son doesn’t put on tefillin. Can you give me a bracha that my son should start putting on tefillin?

First, take a moment to understand the vulnerability and humility of this Rosh Yeshiva to share this openly. Yes, the situation is probably more complicated than any of us understand. And yes, many will jump to conclusions as to the nature of this situation. But there’s one thing we can all agree upon: Most leaders hide their struggles and anything that makes them look weak. But this Rosh Yeshiva had only one thought: I love my son. I want him to feel close to Hashem, connected, and get back in touch with who he really is.

Somehow, this Rosh Yeshiva’s son heard about this story in Cleveland. And his response was priceless.”

Watch the incredible video below of the initial viral story of the Rosh Yeshiva, and the video ends with the son of the Rosh Yeshiva putting on Tefillin.

“This is such a powerful story. It’s never too late. Never. Not for us. Not for our loved ones. Not for anyone. Never give up on that someone that seemed to slip away. Whether it’s spiritually, emotionally, physically, or anything for that matter, never give up on them. And if you need to hear this, let these words sink deep into the chambers of your heart. Never give up on yourself. The best is yet to come.”



1 COMMENT

  1. When I saw this video last week I thought that the Rosh Yeshivah probably could have said that his son is the first to NOT put on T’fillin in 3,000 years. To the point though, the brutal honesty and humility from him is certainly admirable. For those who have kids struggling in life and Torah observance, it’s refreshing to hear from someone who we can all look up to, be such a loving and hopeful father and unpretentious leader. His “off the cuff” remark has already had a huge effect, both on his son and all who heard this story.
    הזורעים בדמעה, ברינה יקצורו.

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