Like most young Jewish boys growing up in Toronto, I began to attend Hebrew school at about the age of seven. Hebrew school at the local Conservative synagogue was two hours each day after public school from Monday through Thursday and two hours on Sunday mornings. I cannot tell you the number of great street hockey games that were abruptly ended with, "Harvey, get ready for Hebrew school."
Being the youngest of four boys, with only six years between my oldest brother and myself, I was already primed for the Hebrew school experience that awaited me. I had heard from my brothers about the horror stories, the boredom, the teachers with funny accents and of the gum-stuck desks. I had endured many years of "I hate Hebrew school and I'm not going back" from Reuben and Sid. Yes, Hebrew school was something I was really looking forward to.
I remember the first day like it was yesterday. I can still recall the walk from my father's car in the parking lot to the school entrance; the same walk a prisoner must experience as he begins serving his sentence. My sentence was to last until my Bar Mitzvah.
We met the principal, Mr. Frank,* a short bald man with beady eyes and a mole on his left cheek. A sinister smile came over his lips as I was passed over to his mentorship. I was placed in Mrs. Kahanavitch's class. When it came my turn to read, not ever seeing a word of Hebrew, I looked down at the script which just as well could have been Chinese and promptly broke out into tears. This reaction elicited a return visit by Mr. Frank who now put me into Mr. Goodman's class, which was, in my mind, the class for dummies. I stayed there until I somehow was placed into Mr. Ogman's Grade 1 class.
I endured the deathly, daily ritual of learning to read Hebrew. We were expected to fight boredom and always know the spot in order to be able, at any time, to answer the most-oft asked question in the class, "Nightingale, where are we?" And heaven help you if you did not know the place. Then you would be subjected to the corporal punishment of Mr. Ogman's yellow stick; an act that would land him in jail and slap him with a lawsuit if he were to use it on a kid today.
I went to the cupboard where he kept that feared yellow stick and tossed it out of the second story window into the snowy alleyway below.
My greatest achievement in that first grade came one Sunday morning before Mr. Ogman arrived. I went to the cupboard where he kept that feared yellow stick and tossed it out of the second story window into the snowy alleyway below where it was immediately buried in a white coffin of powder, never to be seen again. The look of confusion when he went to retrieve his weapon is something I still cherish. Even more special was the loyalty the class exhibited when he asked where it was – not one person, not even the goody-goody, said a word.
In second grade, I was put into Mr. Jacobson's class. Mr. Jacobson was a sweet, short man who had no control over the kids. He was the opposite of Mr. Ogman. The charade in Mr. Jacobson's class was the request to use the bathroom. "Ani rotzeh latzeit" – I wish to go out [to the bathroom] – was the only Hebrew sentence that every little Jewish child was adept at. It was your ticket to a short reprieve from the sheer boredom where you could wander the halls for the most allowable time that could be construed as really taking care of your needs.
And then came Grade 3, taught by the dreaded Mr. Munk. I had heard the stories of Mr. Munk from my brothers. He was stern. He would take no guff (that's what we used to say in those days) from anyone. Step out of line in Mr. Munk's class and he plays piano on your fingers. Whereas Mr. Ogman was reviled and Mr. Jacobson almost pitied, Mr. Munk was feared.
Mr. Munk did not teach like he was a caretaker of misbehaving kids in a zoo for two hours. He taught like he was going to make an impression on us.
And this is when everything about Hebrew school changed. Mr. Munk was feared all right. He was tall, had a German accent, gold teeth that glistened when he spoke, was very proud and stood erect. But there was something different. In Mr. Munk's class Judaism was not a bore. He taught with passion, love and intensity. He did not teach like he was a caretaker of misbehaving kids in a zoo for two hours. He taught like he was going to make an impression on us. And impress he did.
I came to love and look forward to his classes. I can still hear him tell us that if the Almighty could redeem the Jewish people from Egypt, did we really have to fear the Egyptian armies? I remember learning the Book of Joshua, and even recall him teaching us Rashi. I remember how proud I felt when I was awarded for going to shul (synagogue), or knowing the most answers of an assignment. I still can sing the songs he taught us from Hallel; songs that he said the Israeli soldiers used to sing as they prepared for battle.
Mr. Munk loved being Jewish, was proud of being Jewish, and conveyed that love and pride. He became my first true rebbe [mentor]. Because of him I began to go to shul every week.
This took place when I was 11. I continued attending synagogue well after my Bar Mitzvah. When I was 15 I started to read novels by Chaim Potok, and that inspired me even more to learn about Judaism. Potok painted a picture of learning Torah and living a Jewish life that I knew all my grandparents were keenly aware of, but that I had missed out on. For a hundred generations Jews were living the way Potok was describing and I was not about to let it end with me. I ended up meeting a high school student at an Orthodox shul I began attending who invited me to learn at Ner Yisrael Yeshiva in Toronto. There I hooked up with a couple of young rabbis who taught me until I heard of Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem, where I studied from the summer of '79, received rabbinic ordination, and ended up in Florida where I am presently the director of Aish South Florida.
GOOGLING MR. MUNK
Over the years it had crossed my mind to try to contact Mr. Munk and to tell him what had become of me. I had no idea where he might be, or if he was even still alive. I never really followed through however, until one day I picked up a book translated by an Eliyahu Munk. I read the back flap about the translator and it mentioned that he was living in Israel and had been an educator in Toronto for many years. I was not sure if it was the same man; I never knew his first name – he was always Mr. Munk.
I still did not pursue it until one day, about four months ago, one of my students said that I really should try to track him down. So I went to my favourite source to begin my investigation – Google. I googled Mr. Munk, found the Eliyahu Munk that did the translations and even found an email address for him at his publishing house. I emailed and got a reply back that they would forward my email to Eliyahu Munk.
About two weeks before last Rosh HaShana I received the following email:
Dear Rabbi Nightingale
I was thrilled to hear from you. I am indeed the person you were looking for. During the past 25 years I have been a resident of Jerusalem with my wife. We have been blessed with 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Needless to add, that all of these, as well as our four children, are all in Israel. We just celebrated our 60th anniversary surrounded by them all.
My "literary" career began when I made aliyah, one of the motives being to spread Torah to a larger audience than merely in a classroom of children who did not really look for Torah in the first place in their after-public school hours. I'd love to hear more about you, or better still meet you again on your next trip to Israel.
Sincerely, Eliyahu Munk
I immediately emailed him back and told him what had become of me, and the impact that he had on my life choices and career. He was quite pleased and said that it had made his day, nay his week. He informed me that he would be in Miami in January for a couple of weeks.
BACK ON THE CORNER AGAIN
I pulled up to the Best Western Hotel in Surfside and climbed the steps of the 60's-style, bright yellow motel that had not yet been met with a wrecking ball for a high-rise like those being built around it all over North Beach. Outside of Room 426 an elderly lady sat reading in the sun. I approached, but before I said a word, she looked up at me and asked, "Rabbi Nightingale?"
"Yes, and you must be Mrs. Munk."
She led me into the motel room and Mr. Munk came out looking quite casual in his three-button shirt. After 33 years Mr. Munk was not so tall, not so imposing, and not so stern. We chatted, and exchanged family pictures. We went to lunch at a nearby cafe and talked some more. I told him what I was doing, the types of programs we run, how we conduct the Shabbat learner service and about other innovations Aish HaTorah has created in Jewish education. We talked about the old Hebrew school, how long he had been there, and his teaching career in Israel the past number of years and of his writings and classes.
The conversation turned to Torah and Mr. Munk began to cite halacha (Jewish law), quoting medieval commentaries and verses of Torah. He gave his insights and novel understandings of all kinds of things including the Sin of the Golden Calf.
His face again lit up, his piercing eyes, his mouth curling with words of Torah – it was all identical to those days in Hebrew school so long ago. I sat, once again, enraptured by it.
As I sat there listening to him, a strange thing happened. His words faded into the background. Time had stopped and began retreating backwards. There it was again. His passion, his love, his pride – of Torah, of Judaism, of being Jewish. There it was once again in front of my eyes. That same energy that he had when he stood in front of our Grade 3 class on those cold winter afternoons in Toronto was there again in front of me, 33 years later, in a café in sunny Miami Beach. His face again lit up, his piercing eyes, his mouth curling with words of Torah – it was all identical to those days in Hebrew school so long ago. And I sat, once again, enraptured by it.
His wife indicated that maybe he was going on too long but I said, "No, no, don't you see…?"
I could not hold back the tears. It was too overwhelming… to be a 10-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man all at the same moment.
We left the café, walked back to the motel and said our goodbyes. I told them I would bring my family by on the Sunday before they left, which I did. Before we had gone to lunch they gave me a gift that I put in my car. I opened it after I had pulled away from the motel. It was a pretty glass and metal artwork with Birkat HaBayit - the Blessing for the Home.
Was the gift intentional? Didn't he already know that he had given me that gift? Were it not for Mr. Munk, I would not have the Jewish home I have today. A home with my wife and six children; keeping Shabbat, keeping Kosher, talking about the weekly Torah portion with the kid's Parsha sheets. A home with weekly Shabbat guests that have never or seldom experienced the beauty, wisdom and greatness of being Jewish. A home where I try to pass on the love and passion for Judaism to others, the way that Mr. Munk had passed it onto to me.
*All the names, other than Mr. Munk's, have been changed to protect the innocent.
(52) Naomi, June 22, 2015 6:50 PM
That's my uncle!
(51) Bill G, August 6, 2012 10:47 PM
You Brought Back Memories of Mr Munk!
Thank you Tsvi for this wonderful article. I feel like I could have written it myself, for I too attended B*** E**th and was in Mr. M's class - and how he affected me! Your story brought back warm memories. I have since come upon his books and have also meditated contacting him to thank him for being such a great influence. Perhaps we were in the same class? ! Shalom, B.G.
(50) Daniel Ansah, October 9, 2011 1:54 PM
I Love your work and want to have access to all your work
I COUNT MYSELF TO ENJOY YOUR WORK AND BUILD MY INSIGHT OF GOD. I AM FULFILLED IN READING YOUR WORK.
(49) rena, January 22, 2008 3:34 AM
His amazing translations
In his "1st life", he opened young Jewish hearts to Torah and mitzvot; in his "2nd life" he has opened up various mystical texts to the English reading public; previously unaccessable to them. A truly amazing person.
(48) Anonymous, April 22, 2007 1:01 AM
Rabbi Nightingale's article about Mr. Munk was a great read. Keep up the good work.
(47) eric teitz, April 15, 2007 12:11 PM
very interesting
As a playmate of Eli Munk at age 7 or 8 during his vacation visits to our town,I found the article interesting.I have since renewed our friendship during the last 18 years while partially living in Yerushalayim
(46) ilana, April 14, 2007 11:40 PM
This is the greatest reward a teacher can have
When you teach, you hope to inspire and that is what it is all about - inspiration to go on and make something more of yourself and to build....
(45) Anonymous, April 13, 2007 6:05 PM
Looking for Mr. Munk.; a gem of a story
Reading this story also brought me back to my days in cheder, learning with wise men, whose love for Judaism & Torah motivated and inspired.
Thank you
(44) Joanne Asher, April 13, 2007 10:26 AM
This is so beautiful.Thank you so much for writing it.
(43) yohanan belfon, April 13, 2007 8:46 AM
I also was born in Toronto-it's a small jewish world
This article caught my eye because one of the first books I bought was Dr. Munk's "World of Prayer" in the 70's.
Is Rabbi Nightingale related to the furniture manufacturers?
Was he ever taught by Rabbi Tzvi Mond A"H living in Toronto? Our character is developed to such an extent by the character of our teachers and Rebbes.
(42) ASHER LANG, April 12, 2007 3:50 PM
THIS IS A GREAT STORY
I ENJOYED THIS VERY VERY MUCH.
(41) Elisheva in Brooklyn, April 12, 2007 10:57 AM
Thankyou so much for sharing with us
your experience with Mr.Munk. It was
inspiring and heart-warming.
(40) Anonymous, April 11, 2007 3:27 PM
Thank you...
You really touched me! Thank you...
(39) yosef, April 11, 2007 3:13 AM
i know that man yep he is terrific.
Eliahu Munk spent time in an internment camp with my grandfather in Australia. Recently in my year in Israel i had the good fortune of meeting him he. I have no doubt that this story is true .He mentioned something about being in toronto at some point but i had no idea what impression he had on people.
(38) Audrey Walzer, April 10, 2007 6:50 PM
This is an A+ !!!!
I have always loved being a part of the Jewish Community....be it a school group or social group or team. There is something unique and validating to know you 'belong' and know that everyone else knows it, too.
(37) Anonymous, March 30, 2004 12:00 AM
inspirational
what a wonderful story. truth is better than fiction. as an elementary school major , this teacher shows me the importance of loving and living your faith with students . It does catch on! thank you!
(36) Jennifer, February 19, 2004 12:00 AM
For Beth Carman
Beth, I am exploring the world of orthodox Judaism and so far have been taking many of the same steps that you took. I have some questions for you and would be very appreciative if you could email me so we could talk. Thank you! Jennifer
Jdld19@yahoo.com
*If anyone else believes that they could help me as well, An email would be great. Thanks. :)
(35) tziporah yael, February 19, 2004 12:00 AM
B"H for educators like Mr. Munk
What a beautiful tribute to the man who had such a tremendous impact on your life. My husband's Mr. Munk was his first grade rebbe, Rabbi Wisolsky a"h. This special soul instilled in my husband such a love of yiddishkeit. His students were indeed his "kinderlach",feeling loved and special. I hope that my children have the opportunity to be positively influenced by special educators.
(34) Anonymous, February 19, 2004 12:00 AM
Wonderful Article
This is a wonderful article; I truly enjoyed and was moved by it.
(33) Ari Haviv, February 19, 2004 12:00 AM
there are 2 Eliyahu Munks and more
One is the famous translator Mr. Eliyahu Munk. I have his translation of Aqaydat Yitzchaq which is the commentary of Rabbi Yitzchaq Arama.
There's a Rabbi Eliyahu Munk z'l of England.
Then there's Rabbi Elie Munk Z'l who authored books such as World of Prayer and The Call of the Torah (Artscroll).
(32) frankie, February 18, 2004 12:00 AM
discipline. This is what I learned from this wonderful article . referring to the present day educators, there may be very few Mr. Munks today who dedicate their life to imparting knowledge to their students even when discipline is done the traditional way. very worthy to be emai-led not only to students and teachers but to any person on any walk of life. Thank you.
(31) Beth Carman, February 18, 2004 12:00 AM
Awesome...I loved it....!!!
Thanks,
I too, went to such a boring afterschool Hebrew School program and as a class we drove our teachers completely crazy. The sessions were dull, but somehow I too develeoped a love for Judaism that has stayed with me forever. I never thought that 34 years later that I'd be keeping kosher, Shabbos, snias and wearing a shatyl. This lifestyle that I love was chosen completely by me with no regrets and would never go back to my secular way of life.
Good Shabbos,
(30) B. Perlman, February 17, 2004 12:00 AM
Never too late!
(To Robert Singer and anyone else like him out there)
It is never too late to grow in Torah and mitzvos, and one is never too old.
The classic example is Rabbi Akiva, who started learning torah at age 40 and became a leader of his generation.
But you don't have to be a Rabbi Akiva and it is not necessary to become a leader of your generation, just to grow.
Don't give up! Find classes, study partners, or rabbis in your area to help you. (I'm sure Aish would be happy to help you with that!)
Hatzlocha rabba!
(29) Anonymous, February 17, 2004 12:00 AM
One real teacher!
This was such a beautiful article.
I received this the morning after I had a deep discussion with my son's exceptional teacher who loves her students dearly. We talked about why some people teach when they are not cut out to be teachers. Rabbi Munk was definitely cut out to be a teacher. Kol Hakavod.
(28) sara, February 17, 2004 12:00 AM
beutiful
it was a very touching story it was very beutiful
(27) Joclyn Stern, February 17, 2004 12:00 AM
It is wonderful that you were able to give Hakaros Hatov to your teacher.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.Hopefully there are more Mr. Munks out there teaching in Hebbrew schools & yeshivot & reaching Jewish children.Every teacher should read this tribute.
(26) Mayor Quimby, February 17, 2004 12:00 AM
Rabbi Nightingale's Article
It is stories like this that remind us why when teaching or dealing with anyone especially children, it is so important for us to look at the “big picture” IE to look within ourselves at why we are teaching it and what we hope blossoms from the lesson.
Thank you also for reminding me why listening is such and important part of our religion.
Vote Quimby!
(25) Homer, February 17, 2004 12:00 AM
inspiring
Sir, thank you for this article. You have just awakened some spark in me . There are always a few Mr. Munks that really impact our life . At the time we do not , can not see it . I would love to be remembered as a " Mr. Munk "
(24) chaya mushka, February 17, 2004 12:00 AM
very very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(23) robert singer, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Is it too late for me
My story is very similar in that I was sent to the East Midwood Jewish Center in Flatbush, Brooklyn kicking and screaming. I hated every minute of it. I hated being picked for boy's chorus, I hated being at the slide presentation honering the 13th anneversery of of the state of Israel/ I hated having to learn how to read hebrew (I wish they would have really made me speak the language instead of just being able to mouth the words) I hated learning about all the holidays and everything else I was forced to do from about 7 to 13 years of age. But I thank God that he made sure someone pushed me out of the house and as a result I I have some of the warmest most beautiful memories about my people and my homeland Israel.
But now I am getting ready ro retire from a career in law enforcement and wonder if it would be at all possible to raeally learn about my religion like I should have 40 years ago.
(22) jude, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
wonderfully delightful
I am a female and I loved this story, from the first time I went to Hebrew school I always the loved the stories and I never was bored. How ever my brothers all hated it and would always make excuses to get out of going or skip classes, maybe if Mr. Munk was their teacher they would have grown to love the hebrew words and the love of religion that is missing in their lives today.
(21) Anonymous, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Lovely story!
A beautiful story creating a connection from the past and forwarding it into today.
(20) Sheindel Heisler, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
the sweet memories of Talmud Torah
Thank you for your truly sweet article, Rabbi Nightingale. My Talmud Torah had a Leah Botwinick in New York. I carried Ms. Botwinik's love of Yiddishkeit in my heart my entire life and I wish I knew how to find her, today. Kol Tuv.
(19) Ira Dennis, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank you for the kind introduction to Rabbi Munk!
As I study his book Rabbi Munk will now be more real. He will stand before me and teach me the ways of the Torah through his written word. Thank you for the kind introduction to our Rabbi Munk. Ira Dennis in Texas
(18) Brian Nedvin, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank You
Tears flowed as I read about your tears flowing at the age of 43. How wonderful and blessed an event to have Mr. Munk in your life. May your story inspire me to be the type of teacher for my students that Mr. Munk was for you. Thank you, Rabbi, for sharing this story. In peace, Brian Nedvin
(17) Anonymous, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Dare to plant a seed.
I had the good fortune to have caring, knowledgeable Hebrew School teachers. I thank G-d for the role that these teachers had in my life. If it weren't for them, I might have gone on thinking that Shabbos was the day that I couldn't visit Bubbe and Zayda. I might have harbored all kinds of negative feelings about observing Judaism because I had to wait until Sunday to eat Bubbe's homemade cookies. Happily, our schul did all that it could to replace any negative feelings that I might have harbored with positive ones. Our teachers made shabbos parties for us.(One special teacher even brought his guitar and sang at the parties.) They kept track of the kids who attended junior services. It wasn't too hard to get me to attend those services. The Hebrew School had an outstanding young teacher with a great sense of humor. He made Shabbos services the highlight of my week. Eventually, the schul gave me and my sister scholarships to an overnight camp. There we learned about Shabbos first hand. (We even found out about cholent.)Today, my sisters and I have a religious lifestyle. Had it not been for our Hebrew School, I don't know if our transformation might have taken place or not. (Bubbe and Zayda also had a major role in our lives when it came to Yiddishkeit, but that is a different story.)In closing, all I can say is thank G-d for my Hebrew School. Thank G-d for my teachers. Those in Jewish Education should continue to plant seeds anywhere and everywhere they can.
(16) RiMi Berger, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Wow!
Thank you, that was an incredibly inspirational piece for me and I'm sure for all teachers like myself!!!
(15) Chaya Sarah, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
for Robert Singer-It's NEVER too late!
This moving article inspires us to reach beyond and above the unsavory experiences many of us endured as children in Talmud Torah. Mr. Singer, as long as you are alive you can learn. Now that you are retiring, you've got a GREAT opportunity to take advantage of the many kosher Jewish resources for people of all ages and walks of life, and just about any locale. Partners in Torah (learning with a partner by phone) Aish's Discovery Program and all its other resources, your local Chabad center, et al - these institutions and many others offer myriad exciting learning opportunities. It doesn"t so much matter at which age we begin true Torah learning, only that we continue to learn throughout our lives. We need only look to Rabbi Akiva for this lesson! So hatslacha raba (much success) in your pursuit of true Torah learning. There's no better path in this world!
(14) Yechezkel, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
That's my Rebbe
Since Rabbi Nightengale is the one who truly "pushed me over the edge," I guess I owe a debt of gratitude to Rabbi Munk as well. On behalf of my wife (who hosts at least a dozen of our guests for Shabbat meals every week) and my three children (who are all enrolled and thriving in an Orthodox religious school), thanks Mr. Munk (and thanks Rabbi Nightingale "My Rebbe").
(13) Shlomo, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Passion is infectious
Thank you, and thank you Rev Munk
You bring phenomenal insight to my Shabbat.
I’ve been really enjoying the talks you give during mussaf. I have left each of your classes with a deeper appreciation of Judaism and the valuable treasures I have inherited.
So thanks R. Nightingale and R. Munk - his impact on you and yours on me and many others should earn you both a great seat in Olam haba.
As a small gesture of my family's appreciation of your contributions to humanity and the Jewish people we would like to donate a a Bima to the Aish Center in Hollywood, FL.
Respectfully,
Shlomo>>
(12) Anonymous, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
This story sent thrills through me and brought tears to my eyes. Mr Munk inspired me as well.
(11) susan, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
not too late
I am in my 40's. When I went to hebrew school.I learned the blessing and read hebrew. and script. My family expected me to learn everything at school. Then I learned from my new rabb who was teaching conversion class. also going on the internet. If you want to learn you can and its not too late. I am going to be starting bnai mitvah class not because I never did it because jewish learning is never ending.
(10) Moishe Neuer, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Moving story.
This poignant memoir has the ring of truth.
Well done!
(9) Anonymous, February 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Keep trying!
i teach in a cheder and sometimes i wonder if it is worth it, thank you for reinstilling my hope. we never know how far our actions and influence can go, and what the results are even if we don't know about them!
(8) Meir Migdal, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
The article moved me to tears it was so beautful!
Thank G-d for all the Mr(Rabbi) Munks out there. They are the ones who will stem the tied of intermarriage and hasten the coming of the Messiah.
(7) Anonymous, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
Beautiful
This is so beautiful. I love it when people spread the beauty of Judaism
We should look at Torah as a gift that helps us to live a fullfilling and meaning life
(6) Anonymous, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
very touching
As a society accustomed to instant gratification, it is often difficult for us to see the results of seeds we plant or sparks we ignite, which may not catalyze for decades. Your article gives strength to those who, in ways small and large, are nation-builders of the Jewish people, yet who are often unappreciated or unrecognized.
(5) Michal, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
I cried
This article shows everyone of us how much power one single person has to tikun olam.Thank you so much for this inspiring article! May G-d give us all the possibilty to help others in such a way.
(4) Cynthia, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
Beautiful article. I hope someone is able to inspire my children in this way. I remember may times my father told of his miserable experience in Hebrew school. As a result, he didn't send me and the chain of Judaism was broken but now I'm trying to put it back together again. Thank you for the inspiration.
(3) Anonymous, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
I have a Mr. Munk in my life too
Rabbi Nightingale is truly fortunate to have been reacquainted with Mr. Munk. I too attended a 5 day a week Talmud Torah. I am the only one of my family and of all of the boys in the old neighborhood to become observant. About 6 years ago, when we moved to our current community, Hashaga Pratis led me to the daughter of the person who was my Rebbe for my last 2 years of Talmud Torah. For whatever reason, she ingored my request to be put in touch with her father, who Baruch Hashem was alive and well at the time. Oh how I wish to be reacquainted with my Rebbe and introduce him to my wife and 3 sons. He should have the privilege to shep nachas from 'his children'. Rabbi Nightingale, you are very fortunate.
(2) Anonymous, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
A legend come alive...
Todah rabbah, Rabbi Nightingale, for
bringing to life so eloquently a man
from whose "seforim" I have learned.
What a bracha for both of you, and those
of us who read this article. Hatzlacha
in all your endeavors.
(1) Anonymous, February 15, 2004 12:00 AM
Truly Amazing!
I've always read stories about R' Eliyahu Munk, and his great history, but I never thought I would read something as touching and moving as this. It's amazing how someone can make such an impact on another person. It also teaches us to test things for ourselves and not resolve to like/dislike something the way everyone does. Thank you for sharing this truly amazing story.