Emuna Daily

A newly enrolled student at Lakewood’s Beis Medresh Gevoah was overwhelmed by the Rosh Yeshiva Reb Aharon Kotler’s rapid-fire delivery of highly complex material in his weekly lecture. When he complained to his previous Rosh Yeshiva who had suggested that he go to Lakewood, the Rosh Yeshiva said, “even if you fail to understand him, it pays to go to his shiurim, if just to look at his face.” ~ The Torah Personality

I remember that if there was a Monday or Thursday without Rav Elyashiv being honored as sandak (at a bris), which was very rare, we would say the longer form of Tachanun beginning with V’Hu Rachum.  This tefillah must be said while standing and with intense kavanah.  I never once saw the Rav sit for this tefillah.  Even at the age of 101, he stood like a servant before his Master.  This, it is known, is a very powerful prayer.  We beg Hashem for compassion and illustrate our helplessness by comparing ourselves to sheep that are totally dependent upon the guidance and protection of their shepherd.  During this tefillah, the atmosphere was very intense, with everyone present crying out for Heavenly mercy.  As soon as someone finished, he would take his seat and began saying Tachanun.  Within minutes everyone was sitting – except for one person, who was still standing swaying softly as he poured out his heart, asking for mercy for all of Klal Yisrael.  This was none other than Rav Elyashiv.  ~ The Gadol Hador