Rabbi Zilberstein Recounts How Torah Study Prevented Hitler's Conquest of Lithuania
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein shared a story at a wedding on Thursday, attributing the prevention of Hitler's conquest of Lithuania to the Torah scholarship of Rabbis Baruch Ber Leibowitz and Shimon Shkop. He heard the story from Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who heard it from Rabbi Chazon Ish. Zilberstein used the anecdote to emphasize the protective power of Torah study and prayed for divine protection for those present.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein stated that Rabbis Baruch Ber Leibowitz and Shimon Shkop prevented Hitler's conquest of Lithuania.
- The story was relayed by Zilberstein, who heard it from Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who heard it from Rabbi Chazon Ish.
- Zilberstein shared the narrative at the wedding of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Druck's daughter.
- He connected the story to the groom's lineage, which includes Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz.
- Zilberstein prayed for divine protection through the merit of righteous scholars.
Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein recounted a story during a wedding celebration last Thursday, stating that the intense Torah scholarship of Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz and Rabbi Shimon Shkop prevented Adolf Hitler from conquering Lithuania during their lifetimes. Zilberstein shared this narrative, which he heard from his brother-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who in turn heard it from Rabbi Chazon Ish.
The occasion was the wedding of the daughter of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Druck, head of the Tiferet Yisrael yeshivas, to Rabbi Yehoshua Malin. Rabbi Zilberstein connected the story to the wedding, noting that the ancestors of the groom, including Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz, were known for their profound dedication to Torah study. He suggested that the presence of such righteous figures at the wedding offered an opportunity for attendees to pray for protection.
"The same Rabbi Baruch Ber, whose diligent Torah study prevented Hitler from conquering Lithuania during his life, I want to tell everyone that it is possible to grasp something from him," Zilberstein stated. He concluded his remarks with a prayer for divine protection through the merit of the righteous, asking that "no one will be able to conquer us."
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Haredi 2
