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| Rabbi Berel Wein, ZTL (JNS ) |
His ability to transmit Jewish history in the most engaging
and accessible way was a delight to behold. I devoured many of his writings,
particularly his works on Jewish history. In all the opinion pieces of his that
I read, I don’t recall ever disagreeing with him. It was always comforting to
see a man of such stature take positions similar to mine - views not
necessarily in line with the strict ‘party line’ of his colleagues on the right
(Which he nevertheless had great respect for.) Not that he ever knew of me or
my views. But sometimes, his outlook mirrored mine, which diverged from those
of his peers to the right.
To cite just one example: In his book, Triumph of
Survival, he did not hesitate to praise Theodor Herzl for founding Zionism,
which eventually led to the creation of the State of Israel. That surely did
not endear him to his colleagues, who had nothing but harsh words of
condemnation for Herzl. Yet Rabbi Wein spoke the truth as he saw it, without
fear or apology.
There were many such instances. He never shied away from
telling it like it was. His views were based on a deep understanding of Torah,
history, and what God demands from His people. Criticism did not faze him. He
used his vast knowledge of Torah and his finely tuned common sense to arrive at
his conclusions.
Rabbi Wein was never mevatel daas—he did not negate
his own thinking on matters of public concern, unlike the popular practice
among his peers to the right of always deferring to ‘the Gedolim’ - rabbis considered the greatest of the generation.
That is what I admired most about him.
He was both a profound Torah scholar and an independent thinker - two essential
ingredients in the pursuit of truth. Truth, after all, does not mean abnegating
one’s inteligence; it requires using God’s gifts of intellect and knowledge.
This was Rabbi Wein’s modus operandi. It guided his every move and
contributed to his success in the wide variety of endeavors he pursued and was
successful at.
In a strange way (or perhaps not so strange), his views
legitimized many of the views I held. Positions seen as controversial by the
right, yet quite similar to his.
Perhaps this kinship came from our somewhat common
educational background. We both attended the same Yeshiva (HTC), albeit in
different eras. His preceded mine by about 13 years. But like him, I too was
privileged to experience great European Talmidei Chachamim - rabbinic
scholars whose personalities were shaped in legendary Yeshivos like Slabodka,
Kletsk, Telshe, and Mir. Though Rabbi Wein’s connection was closer in time to
theirs, I also benefited from the presence of the great rabbinic scholars who
had either survived the Holocaust or had immigrated here before it. And who
carried their legacy forward. (Some of whom overlapped both Rabbi Wein’s time
and mine.)
Perhaps experiencing their teaching and personal example
gave both of us a glimpse into a vanished world no longer accessible to today’s
yeshiva student. Those great European rabbis are gone, and their legacies have
too often been co-opted and reshaped to fit the contemporary culture of the
right.
In the aftermath of his passing, it was heartening to see
the outpouring of eulogies from across the spectrum, even from the right. They
praised him for his honesty and iconoclasm while recognizing that he was
entirely L’shma. Motivated only by the purest intentions. Many in the
Charedi media paid him tribute, despite knowing full well that his views often
clashed with theirs.
This is why I waited to write my own tribute to him. I wanted
to see how he would be treated by those he so ofent disagreed with. I’m happy
to report that it was with the greatest respect.
I do not know if there is anyone like him today. I doubt
there is anyone who could disagree with the strongly held positions of the
right and still retain their respect. Nowadays, dissent so often places one Chutz
La’machaneh - outside the camp of Torah, as they define it. For me, it was
comforting to know that someone like Rabbi Wein stood - perhaps unknowingly - in
my corner. I fear there is no one who can truly fill his shoes.
His wise counsel will be missed by all who had any
connection with him, whether directly or indirectly through his writings.
Yehi Zichro Baruch - may his memory be for a
blessing.
