Rabbi Sternbuch Recounts Rabbi Schneider's Tearful Birthday Prayers

Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a prominent halachic decisor, is spending a period of rest in Netanya following the intense High Holidays period. He is staying in a 25th-floor apartment overlooking the sea, where he dedicates most of his day to Torah study, away from his usual work in Jerusalem. A select group of Sanz Hasidic students joins him daily for prayers and spiritual inspiration.

This week, the Rebbe of Sanz visited Rabbi Sternbuch to mark the latter's 74th birthday. During the visit, Rabbi Sternbuch shared a moving anecdote about his own teacher, Rabbi Moshe Schneider, the late Rosh Yeshiva of 'Toras Emes' in London. Rabbi Sternbuch recounted that Rabbi Schneider would weep profusely on his birthdays, engaging in fervent prayers.

"A birthday is a sublime day," Rabbi Sternbuch stated, recalling the intense prayers. "My teacher and rabbi, the Gaon Rabbi Moshe Schneider, may his memory be blessed, would cry tears of triple intensity on his birthday, increasing his prayers before the Creator of all worlds. We were awakened by these tears," he added emotionally.

The Rebbe of Sanz responded with Hasidic wit, remarking, "Indeed, those who have nothing to cry about, they cry..." Following the uplifting conversation, Rabbi Sternbuch bestowed his blessings upon the Rebbe for a long life and good years. The Rebbe reciprocated with warm wishes for Rabbi Sternbuch to continue leading his community in good health and with elevated spirit for many years to come. They parted with mutual blessings.