Rabbi Aryeh Bina Remembered for Humility and Respect
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Professor Aviad Hacohen commemorated Rabbi Aryeh Bina, founder of Nativ Meir Yeshiva, on the 32nd anniversary of his death. Hacohen shared stories highlighting Rabbi Bina's profound humility, his insistence on respecting all individuals, and his educational method of personal example. A key anecdote involved Rabbi Bina stopping a Purim show when students mocked a kitchen worker, emphasizing that she was not to be laughed at. The rabbi also demonstrated his commitment to order and his strong stance against disruptive behavior.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Aryeh Bina, founder of Nativ Meir Yeshiva, was remembered for his humility and respect for all.
- He stopped a Purim show when students mocked a kitchen worker, stating she was not to be laughed at.
- Professor Aviad Hacohen shared stories of Rabbi Bina's personal example and strong moral guidance.
- Rabbi Bina also emphasized order, personally tidying hallways and study hall furniture.
- He once strongly condemned students disturbing a nearby maternity ward's patients.
On the 32nd anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Aryeh Bina, founder of the Nativ Meir Yeshiva, Professor Aviad Hacohen recalled the rabbi's character, emphasizing his deep respect for all individuals and his educational approach through personal example. Hacohen, who studied under Rabbi Bina, described him as a man of few words but profound impact, whose moral and educational stature spoke volumes.
One notable incident occurred during a Purim celebration at the yeshiva. While Rabbi Bina possessed a good sense of humor and did not object to students impersonating rabbis, he intervened decisively when students began mocking a kitchen worker. Rabbi Bina stopped the performance, delivering a talk on the importance of respecting the woman, stating, "You can laugh at me, no problem. Her, you cannot laugh at."
Hacohen also highlighted Rabbi Bina's humility and dedication to maintaining order. He recounted instances of the rabbi personally picking up litter in the hallways and ensuring that stands and benches in the study hall were neatly aligned, demonstrating that even small actions carried significant messages.
Rabbi Bina was also known for his strong admonishments when necessary. Hacohen recalled the rabbi vehemently condemning students who disturbed the rest of women recovering in a nearby maternity ward, comparing their actions to throwing a grenade in a pub to emphasize the severity of their disruption.
Further illustrating Rabbi Bina's philosophy of integrating Torah with practical life, Hacohen shared a story of the rabbi, who also worked as a farmer, meeting parents seeking him out. The parents initially mistook him for a laborer, only to realize he was their son's teacher after he changed into his rabbinical attire, embodying his belief that Torah and labor were not just a slogan but a lived reality.