Here's the side matter that accompanied this picture:
This is what I mean by inspirational. Rav Nosson Tzvi was a regular American boy who came to learn at the Mir after spending his childhood in Chicago. He became the Rosh Yeshiva of the largest Yeshiva in the WORLD, with over 6000 students. The Rosh Yeshiva is the epitome of a role model for everyone on how to aspire to greatness, even with the most distressing physical limitations. He NEVER missed a Shachris at the Yeshiva! His 68 short years on Earth impacted hundreds of thousands of people. And he wasn't a Gaon at age 5. He was an "ordinary" bochur who became an extraordinary Rosh Yeshiva. Believe in yourself! Gedolim are made, not born
The yearbook shot was published on S's blog last year.
Notes:
- He was class president. So the leadership skills appeared early.
- He played baseball. I wonder if he ever missed it, or thought it might be nice if his students could play, too.
- The aphorism he chose is perfect for someone who went from a modest start to lead the biggest yeshiva in the world. It's from a poem by Tennyson that says character trumps yichus. Here it is in full:
From you blue heavens above us bent, The gardener Adam and his wife
Smile at the claims of long descent. Howe’er it be, it seems to me
‘Tis only noble to be good. Kind hearts are more than coronets,
And simple faith than Norman blood.-
No comments:
Post a Comment