The Humble Giant: A Grandson Remembers Rabbi Rafael Levin

More than two decades after the passing of Rabbi Rafael Levin zt”l, his memory and teachings continue to inspire countless people who encountered his extraordinary humility, kindness, and devotion to others.

Rabbi Rafael Levin, son of the famed tzaddik Rabbi Aryeh Levin zt”l, became known not only as a great Torah scholar, but as someone who dedicated enormous amounts of time and emotional energy to helping people, listening to their pain, and praying for their salvation.

His grandson, Aryeh Borshtein, who was especially close to him, once shared personal memories that offered a rare glimpse into the character and daily life of the beloved rabbi.

“He Never Saw Himself as Important”

“What defined Grandpa most was his humility and connection to people,” Borshtein recalled. “He never kept attendants around him and never thought of himself as important. Even though he was truly great, he never viewed himself that way.”

Borshtein noted that while Rabbi Rafael may not have physically resembled his famous father, Rabbi Aryeh Levin, in his behavior and compassion he unquestionably carried forward his father’s path.

Like his father before him, Rabbi Rafael devoted himself to visiting the sick, encouraging prisoners, comforting the brokenhearted, and helping anyone who came to him seeking guidance or blessings.

Hours of Prayer for Complete Strangers

Over the years, many people brought Rabbi Rafael names for prayer and requests for blessings.

Some wondered whether he could truly pray personally for the enormous number of people who approached him.

According to Borshtein, one man secretly decided to find out.

“He followed Grandpa and secretly filmed through the synagogue window,” Borshtein said. “Later he saw my grandfather standing by the Aron Kodesh for hours saying Tehillim and mentioning every single name individually.”

Rabbi Rafael also encouraged people to return and share good news with him.

“He always said, ‘Good news can be shared at any hour of the day,’” his grandson recalled. “People would come at all hours to tell him about salvations, and he was always genuinely happy for them.”

Giving Up Sleep for Others

Borshtein admitted he still does not fully understand how his grandfather found enough time for everyone.

“Mostly, he gave up his own sleep,” he explained.

Even on Shabbat, when Rabbi Rafael loved singing the zemirot from beginning to end, visitors would constantly arrive seeking advice, blessings, or comfort.

Rather than sending people away, he would postpone the songs until later in the day, sometimes continuing them late into Saturday night after everyone else had gone home.

During the month of Elul, his dedication became even more striking. After hours spent helping visitors and singing zemirot, he would sleep briefly and immediately rise again for Selichot prayers.

The Goral HaGra and Remarkable Stories

Rabbi Rafael Levin was also known as one of the few rabbis who still preserved the tradition of performing the Goral HaGra, an ancient method involving opening a Tanach and drawing guidance from the verses that appeared.

According to his grandson, Rabbi Rafael used it only in especially difficult situations.

One such case involved an older single man who was hesitant to marry a woman because of her appearance. The verse that appeared through the Goral HaGra strongly suggested that he should not focus on superficial imperfections, encouraging him to proceed with the match.

Borshtein also described a special amulet that had passed down through generations of great rabbis and was believed to serve as a segulah for easy childbirth. Couples throughout Jerusalem would borrow it before heading to the hospital.

When the amulet was eventually lost, family members panicked. But Rabbi Rafael responded calmly.

“The amulet had completed its mission,” he said simply. “Its time had ended.”

A Grandfather Full of Warmth

Beyond his spiritual greatness, Borshtein remembered his grandfather primarily as a loving and attentive grandfather.

Rabbi Rafael would keep chocolates in his cabinet for visitors and grandchildren alike, carefully saving candy wrappers for Aryeh after learning he was collecting them for a promotion.

But some of the most meaningful lessons came through quiet personal moments.

Borshtein recalled once secretly checking the amount on a large donation check that someone had given his grandfather. When Rabbi Rafael noticed, Aryeh expected anger.

Instead, his grandfather gently told him:

“I spent my life working on two traits: anger and curiosity. It took years of work to overcome them. I suggest you begin working on your curiosity already now.”

A Legacy That Continues

Years after Rabbi Rafael Levin’s passing, his family says the lessons he taught still shape their lives every day.

For those who knew him, his greatness was found not only in Torah scholarship or public reputation, but in the quiet consistency of his humility, patience, prayer, and endless care for other Jews.

“As far as we’re concerned,” Borshtein said, “he left us a lifetime of messages. It’s now our responsibility to live by them.”