Rabbi Dan Segal Breaks Decades-Long Vow of Silence During Visit

Rabbi Dan Segal, a prominent Haredi spiritual leader, broke a decades-long vow of silence during the month of Elul, a period of spiritual introspection preceding the High Holy Days. For many years, Rabbi Segal has observed a "fast of speech" during Elul, refraining from speaking about anything other than Torah matters.

However, during the most recent Elul, Rabbi Segal visited Rabbi Duki Greenwald, a noted philanthropist and founder of early rescue organizations in Israel, including Hatzalah Israel in Jerusalem. Greenwald, who passed away on the first day of Sukkot, was known for his dedication to saving lives and his open heart to those in need. He was a beloved figure in the Breslov Hasidic community and beyond.

During the visit, Greenwald, despite being ill, urged Rabbi Segal not to speak, reminding him of his Elul vow. This interaction prompted Rabbi Segal to break his long-standing commitment to silence. The article notes that Greenwald had recently experienced profound personal tragedy with the death of his wife at age 47, leaving behind seven children. Despite this, he continued to raise his children devotedly and recently dedicated a Torah scroll in her memory. His passing came just a month before his son's wedding.