Rabbi Shares Memories of Rabbi

On the thirtieth day following his passing, the Rabbi shared recollections of the Rabbi, a prominent figure in outreach for the Breslov Hasidic movement. The Rabbi recounted moments and stories from their connection, spanning from Tel Aviv to festivals, and covering themes of guarding one's tongue and surprising advice received when seeking a spouse.

One of the Rabbi's impactful sayings the Rabbi remembered was, "For every spoonful of morality, one needs a plate of strengthening." the Rabbi defined true admonishment as proving to someone that they are good, capable, loved by God, and possess a pure soul, especially when they doubt these qualities themselves. "To prove to a person that they are better than they think of themselves," the Rabbi explained.

Despite his emphasis on encouragement, the Rabbi was also strict about guarding one's tongue. When conversations veered towards disputes between rabbis or differing opinions, he would physically cover his mouth, stating he was not responsible for the entire world or the country, and therefore would not judge others' actions. His focus was on personal good deeds.

The Rabbi also had a unique perspective on baalei teshuva (returnees to religious observance). He preferred that they retain their original vibrancy and joy, rather than becoming somber. "I want him to remain colorful even after he returns to repentance," the Rabbi reportedly said, wishing them to keep their natural smile and happiness, avoiding a black-and-white transformation.

The relationship began with a shared dream to establish a Torah center in Tel Aviv. The Rabbi approached the Rabbi after hearing him express this desire, offering the availability of students and a location. The Rabbi agreed to come, initiating a long-standing connection.

When the Rabbi sought a blessing to find a wife observing the Rabbi's habit of closing one eye while recounting a story, advised him, "You want to find your wife? Always close one eye, and you will find your wife." the Rabbi interpreted this as advice to temper one's critical eye and focus on the good, a principle applicable to life in general.

In another instance, when discussing the design of the Tel Aviv center, the Rabbi encouraged the Rabbi to prioritize his own feelings over personal preference when it came to seating arrangements, teaching him to follow tradition but not to erase his own identity. During a festival with a difficult spiritual atmosphere and missionaries present, the Rabbi and his wife stayed to distribute books to youth, prioritizing spiritual rescue. He also demonstrated his adherence to tradition by briefly leaving a prayer service when the bimah's arrangement might have been misconstrued as a deviation from custom.

The Rabbi also noted the Rabbi's strong practice of "kumat chatzot" (rising at midnight for prayer and Tikkun Chatzot). The Rabbi encouraged prayer and repentance at this hour, urging participation in rectifying the world rather than merely observing its problems. The Rabbi concluded that the Rabbi's teachings emphasized focusing on people's inherent goodness and strengthening them, rather than solely pointing out flaws.