Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein Reveals Secret Behind His Intact Teeth and Emphasizes Guarding Speech
A significant event took place at the home of Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein, a member of the Council of Torah Sages and rabbi of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood, marking the opening of a new branch of the "Chafetz Chaim Be'iyun" study group at the "Chanichei HaYeshuvot - Kerem Yisrael" synagogue in Kiryat Herzog. The branch is led by Rabbi Eliezer Rot, Rabbi Zilberstein's son-in-law. The gathering included prominent Torah figures such as Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Edelstein, head of the kollelim network, Rabbi Itamar Garboz, head of the Aruchot Torah yeshiva, and Rabbi Yisrael Menachem Alter, son of the Gur Rebbe and head of the Beit Nechemia yeshiva in Bnei Brak.
The event opened with Rabbi Eliezer Rot recounting a story told by Rabbi Yitzchak Galer about a Haredi dentist, Dr. Zohar Asur, who treated Rabbi Zilberstein. Dr. Asur noticed that despite Rabbi Zilberstein's age, all his teeth were intact and asked how this was possible. Rabbi Zilberstein reportedly answered that his teeth never "spoke lashon hara" (evil speech). Rabbi Rot then personally asked Rabbi Zilberstein if this was true and how it could be, to which Rabbi Zilberstein replied that if one truly loves every Jew, speaking lashon hara is impossible.
Rabbi Zilberstein then delivered the main address, sharing a childhood story from Bendin, Poland, about Rabbi Chanoch Tzvi HaKohen Levin, the town's rabbi. When a Hasid praying there discovered his dowry money stolen and fainted multiple times, Rabbi Levin declared he would bless the thief if the money was returned, but curse him if not. The money was returned, and Rabbi Levin blessed the thief without ever cursing a Jew, emphasizing love and focusing on positive traits rather than faults. Rabbi Zilberstein used this story to illustrate the importance of guarding one's speech, judging others favorably, and highlighting their positive actions.
Rabbi Yisrael Menachem Alter, son of the Gur Rebbe, also spoke, revealing that his grandfather, the "Imrei Emes" of Gur, urged his followers to study the works of the Chafetz Chaim and guard their speech, testifying that these teachings positively influenced him.
The event concluded with prayers for mercy and success in Torah study, and a blessing from Rabbi Zilberstein for protection against dangers, particularly from Arabs, expressing hope that Jews will prevail over their enemies.