The Talmud (Taanit 7a) compares Torah to water: just as water leaves a high place and flows to a lower place, similarly the Torah only establishes itself in one who is humble. The Jewish nation just lost a paragon of humility in the late Torah genius, Rabbi Dovid Feinstein, who died last Friday at age 91.
Rabbi Feinstein was one of the leading authorities on Jewish law in the world and a member of the Council of Torah Scholars of Agudath Israel of America. When questions arose regarding end of life issues, few were willing to apply the halacha, Jewish law, and rule on such sensitive cases. Who knew enough to determine what was appropriate? Rav Dovid knew what he knew. While he was an introvert by nature, he would confidently rule on halachic queries from all ends of the earth.
Rabbi Feinstein took his responsibility to rule on Jewish law very seriously. An incredibly self-disciplined person, he was constantly studying. At the many weddings he was invited to, the Rabbi would sit and learn. In his study, he would sit and learn. In his office, he would sit and learn. He became who he was through decades of toil in the understanding of the intricacies of the Talmud. It was this dedication to study that made his accessibility so meaningful.
A Kind Neighbor
The Lower East Side was home to Rav Dovid for the last 83 years. It is here that his loss is palpably felt.
Rav Dovid patronized the local establishments. Every week, he used to shop for groceries at the local Kosher market, and he would eat breakfast in the Kosher pizza shop every morning. While he was there, anyone and everyone was welcome to come sit at his table to join him. Many took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions about the application of Jewish law, or for advice in a personal matter. He was available and accessible to anyone who sought his opinion, and he didn't force his opinion on anyone who didn't care to ask for it.
On Simchat Torah, the Rosh HaYeshiva used to sit in the center of the lively dancing, holding a Sefer Torah. One year, when we were about four years old, one of his granddaughters and I thought of playing "don't get trampled," and we joined the circle of men dancing, running in and out of the circle. Suffice it to say that it was dangerous for us, as well as for the adults trying not to trip over us.
The Rosh HaYeshiva noticed our game, smiled warmly, and invited us to come sit with him in the center of the circle.
Rabbi Shlomo Fishelis, a grandson of the late Rabbi, mentioned in his eulogy that his grandfather was "a good sport." He shared that the Rosh HaYeshiva would pose for photographs with anyone who asked for them, and he would retake the photograph as many times as necessary until the petitioner was happy.
When Artscroll was struggling to survive, Rav Dovid loaned his life savings to their founders, his students, to keep it afloat. A Jewish newspaper once asked prominent people which three dinner guests for Friday night would they want to have. Many listed great personalities in Tanach, Talmud or from today. Rav Dovid replied he would have three poor people who need a meal.
Not Interested in Honor
Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem (MTJ), where Rav Dovid served as Rosh Yeshiva, remained an unassuming stop on the F train in Lower Manhattan, despite being the home of such towering Talmudic scholars. Jews from all walks of life, including those with limited background in Jewish learning, made their way to MTJ. No one at MTJ batted an eyelash. Many of the towering Talmudic scholars offered to study together with them. The Rosh HaYeshiva created an environment where people came to study Torah, and any external trappings were irrelevant.
Rav Shach once said about Rav Dovid's illustrious father, Rav Moshe Feinstein, "His greatness was in his simplicity." Rav Dovid lived up to his noble heritage.
The world has lost a Torah giant. We will miss his great leadership and insightful wisdom, as well as his warmth and accessibility.
(8) Maria Dodoc, November 22, 2020 12:29 PM
Thank You!
(7) Tzivia Meth, November 16, 2020 3:51 AM
Beautiful, Inspiring article
What an inspiring tribute! I particularly appreciate the personal Simchas Torah reminiscence, and the story about three poor people. May the zechuyos of R' Dovid be a merit for all of us!
(6) Y.m., November 15, 2020 2:55 AM
What a great article by my niece who's family had the zechus to be so close with the Feinstein family! Chazak vematz Dassy!
SUPERB ARTICLE BY MY SUPERB NIECE! CHAZAK VEMATZ!
(5) Benyamin, November 13, 2020 2:59 PM
Rabbi
The comment he made about the 3 dinner guests was so sweet and a testament to his good nature. Something Abraham would have said.
(4) Anonymous, November 13, 2020 11:41 AM
A tribute to a Torah giant I did not know
It sounds like Rav Moshe Feinstein followed Lord Rabbi Sacks saying seriously -- that is, we should strive to engrave our principles in the hearts of our children so they will be carried on l'dor v'dor. Rav Dovid Feinstein (z l'b) seems to have carried on that tradition to make his mark on countless numbers of people who learned from him and who followed his advise on Halakhic issues. May his neshumah have an aliyah and his memory comfort all those who knew him and who stand with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
(3) Anonymous, November 13, 2020 1:55 AM
Reb Dovid ZT"L was a genius. A gaon. Constantly serving God. I saw for over a decade, as Baal Teshuvah, non-stop service of God by Reb Dovid. Astonishing humility, and astonishing holiness. His eyes were filled with such genius that it was almost hard to fathom. He would give me blessings with the patience of a saint. I saw him in his office, and when he prayed for me I actually felt the prayer ascend from his heart. It was almost terrifying at times to be in the presence of someone who had so much awe of G-D. So much holiness. So much kedushah, yet he never said a bad word about me even though I was not the easiest 'customer' if anything he bore my trials with the patience of someone focused on serving God constantly. And I felt genuine love from him when I sought his help. The Shekinah walked with him it felt, there was some kind of tremendous energy of God that emanated from him. His humility was almost unfathomable, as well as his composure and ability to appear serene. It came from an astonishing level of faith, and settled Daas, knowledge, from years and years of toil in study. He was a giant of a giant of giant of a man who carried himself very very lowly, so lowly, that it was almost like he was nothing. In fact he would say 'I'm a nobody!' when he metwould lecture. I was sometimes a critic of him, but in truth I had great awe-filled admiration for him, such that I felt instinctively I should bow to his presence where the. Shekinah dwelled in a way that was so much more powerful than almost anyone else I had met except maybe the Skverer Rebbe, and the Nikolsburg Rebbe Shlit"a who exuded a much more joyous chassidic 'vibe' or Presence, -- each Tzaddik and Gaon has their own energy, and presence, anyway HaGaon HaChocham --- the honorifics don't do him justice, Reb Dovid ZT"L's wisdom was remarkable in its clarity and simplicity as well again his humility, God is in charge, not us, it's that simple. And The Rosh Yeshiva ZT"L ZT"L made that crystal clear. :-)
(2) MARVIN SILVERSTEIN, November 12, 2020 5:22 PM
world peace needed NOW---???
Our entire human conduct is composed both love and hate. both good and evil etc. How can our JEWISH faith affect the banishment of all such hate for this Hashem's human life ? Greed among all [ JEWISH ALSO ] humans is accepted as NORMAL. CORRECT ?? The gentiles point to the SUPER RICH JEWISH members that CONTROL WORLD MARKETS / MONEY ETC.
I pray to HASHEM [ all my 88 years ] and result is NO HOPE.!
(1) Anonymous, November 11, 2020 8:25 PM
Rabbi Feinstein was an outstanding, humble person
Reb Dovid, as we called him, was so scholarly, knowledgeable and wise, yet humble beyond belief. He ran away from honor, did not dress in rabbinic garb and never wanted anyone to serve him if he could do it himself. He was so genuine and nothing was beneath him. He treated everyone as equals. He was straightforward and had no shtick whatsoever.
He was a dear friend of my father's, first as yeshiva students in MTJ and afterwards as neighbors in the Lower East Side. When my father passed away at a young age, he took a special interest in my brother who was still a teenager, always there for him whenever he needed advice and wisely guided him with many crucial issues throughout the past many decades. His passing is a great personal loss as well as a tragic loss for the Jewish people at an insane time when we need more guidance than ever.