Rabbi Meir Schuster: Every Jew Counts

One day, when Meir Schuster and his friend were in their early twenties, they had just finished praying at the Western Wall. They watched other young people going to the Wall and being lit up by the experience. And the thought struck both of them at the same time: Why can’t someone connect with all these people and bring them closer to their heritage? They noticed one young backpacker leaning against the wall and crying. They watched as he composed himself, and started walking away from his moving encounter.

That was the moment of epiphany: this fellow had nowhere to go with the feelings that had just emerged. Rabbi Schuster’s friend walked over to the young man, gently tapped him on the shoulder, and said, “Hi, I’m Chaim Kass – I hope we are not bothering you, but it looks like something happened for you there. Can we introduce you to learn some more about Judaism?” This young man's reaction was one of appreciation, and they introduced him to a rabbi with whom he could study a little Torah.

The two young yeshiva students were captivated by this experience, and they started going back every afternoon during their breaks to speak with more young people. They connected with a dozen more people in the first two weeks, inviting some to come to Meir Schuster’s house for a Shabbos meal. Seeing the impact he could make in connection young Jews to their heritage, Meir Schuster took over completely, and he continued doing this for the next 40 years.

Day in, day out, feeling sick, with a sprained ankle, in the hottest weather and the coldest, in the rain and in the snow, wanting to share his love for Judaism with his fellow Jew, Meir Schuster was there. He did this out of pure kindness, receiving no monetary payment.

It was Rabbi Schuster's pure earnestness that found its way into another's heart gently and directly.

People think they need to be a charismatic charmer to be successful at reaching people, but it was Rabbi Schuster's pure earnestness that found its way into another's heart gently and directly. Rabbi Schuster would typically ask both men and women if they wanted to attend a class or come for a Shabbos meal. He would remain in touch with as many individuals he met that he could, sending cards of encouragement that managed to make major impacts - even thousands of miles away. As one friend said, “No one cared more deeply about a soul than Rabbi Meir Schuster.”

In the 1980's, seeing that there were only youth hostels run by Moslems or Christians in the Old City, Reb Meir became determined to create a Jewish youth hostel where young Jewish men and women could stay and learn about Judaism in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. This unlikely speaker then became a fundraiser, establishing the men's and women's Heritage House, and traveling around the world for three months a year.

Then, beginning in 2000, after terrorist attacks in Israel were on the rise and tourism dropped off substantially, Rabbi Schuster established the Shorashim Heritage Centers for young Israelis in several locations throughout Israel. Over 50,000 young Israelis have attended classes at these centers already.

Meir Schuster, in a way, brings to mind the greatest and the most humble leader of the Jewish people, Moses, who was determined to overcome his most glaring weakness of being a shy and awkward speaker in order to fulfill his role for the Jewish people. Meir Schuster’s wife said that she saw how her husband went against all odds to do what he did for years after year.

Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory, said that if Rabbi Meir Schuster, who was by nature an extremely shy individual, could rise above his limitations to reach out to help so many Jewish people reconnect with their heritage, then anyone – no matter how shy or reserved they are – could do it. He is a model who can inspire everyone to pursue their deepest goals, even if they don’t think they have “the right stuff.”

“When he decided to do something, he believed that the Almighty would help him, and he wouldn't give up until the end,” Rebbetzin Schuster said.

Two years ago, Rabbi Schuster began to develop Lewy Body Disease, a rare degenerative disorder whose symptoms are those of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. His wife said that “when he was barely able to even walk anymore, he still wanted to go to England to raise funds for the Heritage House. He is a real fighter. Nothing could stand in his way because every action he did, he did for a Divine purpose.”

As the disease began stealing away his ability to think and remember and communicate, he redoubled his efforts.

Rabbi Michel Twerski describes Rabbi Meir Schuster as “an unpretentious, self-effacing legend of our time. A rare figure of history who has touched so many lives through his profound authenticity.” And he could care less about any recognition for himself.

Today he can no longer be the man beside the beloved Wall. He came to require full-time care from his devoted wife and daughter at home, and is now in a nursing facility connected to a feeding tube.

Rabbi Meir Schuster has never cared about wealth, power, or prestige. He devoted his life to the simplest form of reaching out to ignite another’s inner spark, showing us what one person who really cares about the Jewish people can do.

Visit www.RebMeirSchuster.org, a site lovingly created by Reb Meir's students to honor him.

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Published: March 5, 2011
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Visitor Comments: 14

(14) Esther, March 9, 2011 2:47 AM

I remember

I Rav once told a story about how he went to see his great aunt in the nursing home. He came in with his father, and she was out of her room. A minute later, she comes in and goes "Oh, Yanky, you came. And your beautiful son! Great to see you, but you know what? I have to run. I'm just so busy, B"H, no time. Thank you for coming though. So sorry to cut this short, see you another time." On her way out of the room, she'd see the nurse and go "April darling, good to see you, I gotta run though, have a good day daring." Wherever she went, she never had time for anything. Why? Her whole life she spent running. What she ran after, we don't know, but the running became so much a part of her, that even as a sick elderly lady, she was still running, and still didn't have enough time for anything. I remember coming to the Heritage House, two years ago, and seeing Rabbi Schuster, no longer the energetic man everyone remembers, but an elderly man, sitting talking to the HH men. I came in, and asked for the phone. Rabbi Schuster looked up at me and said "Good evening, have you been to seminary?" I said "Yes, thank you Rabbi." Another time I saw him, he said "Have you been to seminary?" Unfortunately, Rabbi Schuster is not well. One amazing thing is that the Ahavas Yisroel is so much a part of him, that even in this state, he still continues to amaze. That lady made her life into one of running, she had no time for anything, whille the Rabbi made Ahavas Yisroel a very real part of him, that even through illness and degeneration, does not wither. I am very fortunate to have met the Rabbi, albeit very briefly, to have benefitted from the beautiful Heritage House, and wish Rabbi Schuster a refuah shelayma. May there be more like him!

(13) Chana Miriam Zelasko, March 8, 2011 8:37 PM

Thank you, Bracha

Thanks, Bracha, for this beautiful article. Chana Zelasko

(12) mike, March 7, 2011 12:24 PM

The man who never gave up

Rabbi Shuster got the Rabbi who got me. How? Everywhere this fellow went, there was Rabbi Shuster, again! Even on kibbutz, Rabbi Shuster wrote to him!.There was no escape. Finally, my Rabbi (not even frum at that time) surrendered to the inevitable and went with Rabbi Shuster to yeshiva.

(11) Peter Wolf, March 6, 2011 10:21 PM

I was one of those young men

Rabbi Schuster, Bless you. It wasn't you who "nailed" me at the Wall, but I saw you in action. Mine was Ruth in the Jaffa Gate Tourist Office whn I stumbled in after a day and a half of tears, and no kidding, literally wondering how there could physically, possibly be an earthquake that lasted that long. As I wandered Jerusalem, I had quite literally lost my physical equilibrium. I stumbled back in to ask Ruth what the heck this could be about. She sent me to Rabbi Noach. You were one of the guys he kicked out when I arrived. Yes, I saw you in action and I was pretty amazed. I am grateful for what you have in parallel done for others as I was so beautifully served in bringing me back into Judiasm. Now at 54, I all the more salute you! Peter Wolf

(10) Dena Gottlieb, March 6, 2011 9:18 PM

A Special Man

We were honored to be one of those families that hosted the young people that Meir Schuster picked up "off the wall" (as we fondly referred to them). Sometimes the call came on a Wednesday and sometimes even on a Friday, if I recall correctly. I will never forget the quiet, unassuming voice on the other end of the line asking (almost meekly) if we could take 2 guys (or two girls). My parents, Irving z"l and Helen Maisel always had a special place in their hearts for Meir Schuster and they hosted many, many men and women who were searching (or not) for their roots. As a result, many ba'alei teshuva came to be and even some shidduchim! My family is/was proud to be a part of this and have much appreciation for the work that Meir Schuster did tirelessly for so many years. It is really thanks to Rabbi Schuster that we merited to become such an integral part of the ba'al teshuva movement! I was so saddened to hear that he is not well and wish him a refuah shlema and much kochos to his special family!!

(9) Tova Saul, March 6, 2011 8:22 PM

A Legend in His Own Time

I feel sorry for this generation who will never know what it was like to walk in the Old City and see Rabbi Schuster tirelessly striding the stairs to and from the Kotel. He and the Old City were an inseparable concept, and not having him around still "doesn't compute". If we all did a fraction of the amount of his outreach to other Jews, the Jewish world would look much differently.

(8) Debbie, March 6, 2011 7:10 PM

Me and Meir Schuster

Rabbi Schuster came up to me in the Old City in Jerusalem about 25 years ago and asked me if I wanted to go to some classes. The rest, as they say, is history. It wasn't a simple journey, but I found my way back to Judaism and have lived accordingly for the past 20 years. About 5 years ago I was in the Old City on Chol HaMoed, with a friend and my daughter. I saw Rabbi Schuster and whispered to my friend, "You know, I've always wanted to thank Rabbi Schuster for being the first person to bring me into Yiddishkeit." My friend encouraged me to speak to him; I was nervous and embarrassed, etc. I finally took a deep breath and went over to him and said something like, "Rabbi Schuster, I've always wanted to thank you." He turned to me so sweetly, asked me what's my name and where am I from. I got so choked up I could barely answer. But I did manage to squeak out a few words and pretend I was in a conversation with him. When I heard he became ill, I was so grateful I listened to my friend and pushed myself to say thank you to him. Rabbi Schuster, you have many jewels in your crown. You are one of a holy group of people who single-handedly helped save the Jewish People. You helped save my life too. Thank you. Refuah Sheleimah.

(7) shmuel, March 6, 2011 6:48 PM

A truly incredible family

I worked at Rav Schuster's Heritage House in the late 80's. There's a lot I could say about his greatness. He invited me for Shabbos dinner at his house a couple of times. In the summer, he would stay late and make sure that everyone who wanted had a place to go for Shabbos. Afterwards I would follow him home. I was 23 years old and literally could not keep up with him. We would arrive at his house between 10-11pm. His family waited untill then to start their meal! This was a weekly occurence in their home.

(6) Sheri, March 6, 2011 6:18 PM

humble greatness

Rabbi Meir Schuster is one of the greatest Jews and a hidden righteous person. His achievements in helping thousands of young Jews reconnect with what it means to be Jewish are innumerable. I personally benefited from his kindness back in 1989 when he helped me and a few girls move into Neve Yerushalayim by transporting us and our heavy suitcases all stuffed into his Volvo station wagon from the Old City up to Har Nof. I stayed at the Heritage House and even helped out there a few times-it is a terrific place. His quiet , kind, selfless ways and great sense of humor made him so special. His energy was infectious and so positive. May Hashem help him in fighting his illness.

(5) ruth housman, March 6, 2011 5:18 PM

A shining example: A blessed man

I believe that love, this kind of love, conquers all, and that there is an enduring message here. In life we endure. It was said that after the Holocaust why continue? After such devastation? But enduring creation has a double meaning, and somehow, we do not escape the bittersweet in life. But to take the bitter and continuously make it sweet, as did this very righteous and loving man, has got to be the shining example to us all. What lights the menorah. The candle, within. Find the honey, it's there for us all, Share it. As bears do love honey and what we bear, is hard, in life, but what we are gifted is the gift of milk and honey, the bee and its sting. Life is bipolar and I say, we are here to make this story about LOVE. Make it LOVE!

(4) Yonoson, March 6, 2011 5:17 PM

I'm one of his "boys"

I was a "non jew" looking to find g-d -back in 1976 - I was hanging with some jewish friendsback then when an opportunity came to go to Israel on an archiological excavaction - it was 1977 - and my first day in Israel found me at the wall - and there he was - trying to get me off to yeshiva - then I dropped the bomb on him (me - the guy with the beard and yamulka and backpack) wasnt jewish - opps...but I told him I wanted to be one some day - he was so kind - he took my name -said if I wanted to spend shabbos by a family to call him - the next week I did just that - I said " Hi - its Yonoson calling" - he said sure - he remembered me - he would make arrangements for shabbos - I found myself a few days later in Mattersdorf - at the home of Rabbi Yehuda Samet - there were a lot of twists in the story - but today (thanks to Reb Meir and a lot of other kind jews) I have today 10 beautiful jewish children and 10 grandchildren - and wonderful friends in Mattersdorf and around the world - Rabbi Schuster and I kept in touch over the years and I just recently learned of his illness - He is to me - one of the most awesome - sincere - taddikem in the world...I'm heart broken to hear of his challange. I can only daven that Hashem bless him - his family - and in his Schuss ( of which - no one can imagine the magnitude of ) they should find peace. - Yonoson

(3) Adolph Schuster, March 6, 2011 5:15 PM

Since my father died before I was born I am very much impressed by Rabbi Meir Schuster since for all I know he may have been Mispacha. He seems to have been a man of very definiet goals in \his life and accomplised so much. I'm proud to share

(2) David, March 6, 2011 4:04 PM

I remember meeting Meir Schuster twice. Once he approached me next to the Kotel, and once he stopped me in Jerusalem’s central bus station. That was in 1977. Many of my friends of the period had similar experiences. Though I never took up his offer of a Shabbat meal, I thought his dedication exceptional. I wish him good health and peace of mind.

(1) Sharon, March 6, 2011 9:37 AM

He is an inspiration

I have heard of Meir's activities many years ago. Only now do I learn how it all started and how trully selfless he was. I'm sorry to learn of his illness, but when he enters the world to come a red carpet will be waiting for him. I never knew that he was naturally shy. That really inspires me. When we want to reach out unselfishly there are no obstacles.

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Bracha Goetz

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Bracha Goetz studied at Harvard University and the Medical College of Virginia. She is the author of twenty Jewish children's books: http://www.amazon.com/Bracha-Goetz/e/B001KCI086/friendsofaishat. It is possible to reach her at bgoetzster@gmail.com.