Seven Words From the Steipler That Changed Everything

At the end of every week, the renowned Rabbi Ben Zion Felman of blessed memory followed a demanding schedule of Torah classes in several different locations. Despite the intensity, he approached every lesson with deep commitment and enthusiasm, determined to share Torah with as many people as possible.

On Thursday night he taught in Tel Aviv. On Friday morning he gave a class toavreichimon Rashi Street, and immediately afterward he continued on to teach at the Machnovka yeshiva at the request of the Rebbe. Before the Friday night prayer he delivered another class at Beit Yechiel. Then, after the Shabbat meal, he taught a fifth class on the weekly Torah portion at Or HaChaim. All five classes took place within just twenty four hours.

A Tireless Commitment to Teaching Torah

Rabbi Felman delivered each class with passion and depth, investing all his strength and energy. By Friday night after the meal he was often completely exhausted, yet he always found the strength to continue. With remarkable dedication, he pushed himself to go out and teach the public.

Sometimes he would lie down for a brief five minute rest after the meal before heading out to the class. At other times he would pause along the way and sit on a bench to regain a little strength. No matter how tired he was, he never canceled.

A Difficult Decision

As the years passed, Rabbi Felman began to feel his strength declining. Eventually he concluded that he could no longer manage the burden of the fifth class at Or HaChaim. After careful thought, he felt he had no choice but to stop.

He informed Rabbi Rafael Hillel of blessed memory that he no longer had the strength to continue, and that week the regular class did not take place.

When the usual time for the Friday night class arrived, Rabbi Felman remained at home, hoping to finally rest. But rest did not come.

An Unexpected Emergency

That night one of his children suddenly became ill. The situation quickly appeared serious, and a doctor who was called to the house warned that there might be a danger to life. The child needed to be taken to the hospital immediately.

Rabbi Felman accompanied his son to the hospital, and in such circumstances there was obviously no possibility of rest.

Careful and thoughtful in all his actions, Rabbi Felman reflected quietly on the way to the hospital. He asked himself what might have happened that week to bring about such a frightening situation.

After thinking deeply, he suddenly realized what might be connected. The class at Or HaChaim had been canceled, and this entire episode was unfolding at exactly the time when the class would normally have taken place. To him, it felt like a message from Heaven that canceling the class had been a mistake. Despite the difficulty, he resolved that he would resume the class and never cancel it again.

A Strong Resolution

On Shabbat morning the child’s condition improved somewhat, and Rabbi Felman was able to return home. As soon as he arrived, he said:

"Hashem decreed that I would be occupied on Friday night. Better to be occupied giving a class than to be occupied with doctors and hospitals".

He immediately sent one of his sons to Rabbi Rafael Hillel with a message that the following week he would resume the class as he had done for years.

Rabbi Hillel did not know what had happened and did not understand the urgency. Why send a message on Shabbat morning in the middle of the meal? Why not wait until after Shabbat?

But Rabbi Felman understood the power of theyetzer hara. He knew that when a good decision is postponed, it can easily be delayed indefinitely. He refused to wait even a single day.

Confirmation from the Steipler

On Sunday Rabbi Felman went to visit the great sage Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, known as the Steipler, to request a blessing for his young son, who was still in the hospital.

Before giving a blessing, the Steipler asked him a surprising question:

"Did you cancel something this week that benefits the public?"

Rabbi Felman was astonished. The Steipler had no way of knowing about the canceled class. Yet the question went straight to the heart of the matter.

Rabbi Felman replied that he had indeed canceled his regular class at Or HaChaim that week.

The Steipler immediately responded:

"Go back and give the class. You do not cancel something that brings merit to the community".

With Heaven’s kindness, within a day or two the child recovered completely.

The Power of Torah That Benefits Others

Rabbi Felman’s experience demonstrates the tremendous value of Torah that benefits the public. Teaching Torah is not only a personal responsibility but also a source of merit and protection for the entire community.

His unwavering commitment reminds us that even when something feels difficult, the spiritual impact of helping others grow in Torah can be immeasurable. Sometimes the greatest blessings come through the effort we invest in strengthening others.