10 Inspiring Insights from Rabbi Shteinman

Facing Challenges? You’ll Be Rewarded More
Rabbi Shteinman once told one of his students: “People often ask for blessings for an easy life, with easy livelihood and easy parenting. But I tell them,” the rabbi continued, “if it’s not easy, you’ll be rewarded more.”

“Who Can Resist Temptations Today?!” Wonders Rabbi Shteinman
Rabbi Shteinman’s understanding approach to modern challenges is illustrated by this story: When parents ask whether to proceed with a shidduch involving a girl whose brother has strayed, he responds, “In the past, Jews lived in protected towns without today’s temptations. If a child strayed, perhaps the parents were at fault. But today, even a well-raised child can be exposed to harmful influences. Can anyone withstand that?” he asks. “Are you sure you could endure such a test?” Rabbi Shteinman adds: “I knew someone who treated their children harshly—that is blameworthy. But today, if a good home is still exposed to temptations, we cannot blame the parents. You may proceed with the shidduch.”

The Benefit of Longevity: More Mitzvot
“On one hand, there is merit in living a long life in order to perform more mitzvot,” Rabbi Shteinman says. “But then you must account for every second. I always wonder—what is better: a long life with more to account for, or a shorter life with less accountability?”

Enduring Pain Without Transgressing Shabbat
In his old age, Rabbi Shteinman suffered from finger pain. During the week, he would move his fingers to ease the discomfort. On Shabbat, however, he endured the pain, fearing that such movement might be considered forbidden exercise.

What Moves Rabbi Shteinman? The Laws of the Priests
His grandson shares: “There is a Tosafot in Bava Batra that deeply moves the rabbi. It discusses bringing offerings joyfully, imagining the Priests in the Temple. He is often moved to tears when thinking about it.”

“We Did Our Part; the Rest Is Up to Hashem and the Yeshiva Students”
Before the draft law was passed, Rabbi Shteinman devoted himself to intense Torah study and advised Yahadut HaTorah representatives on strategy. His grandson recounts, “He would wake up in the middle of the night with a new idea for a Knesset member.” When the law passed, Rabbi Shteinman said, “We did our best. Now it is up to Hashem and the yeshiva students to strengthen their learning.”

One Does Not Know What Is Truly Best for Them
Rabbi Shteinman told his grandson, “People come to me asking for blessings for a home. How do they know that is truly best for them? I bless them for what they genuinely need.”

No Greatness in Being ‘Leader of the Generation’
A man once asked for a blessing to become a “leader of the generation.” Rabbi Shteinman replied, “There is no merit in being a leader if the generation is not learned. Strive instead to be a scholar.”

Why Pray for Sweetness in Torah—Isn’t It Already Sweet?
When asked for a blessing for sweetness in Torah, Rabbi Shteinman responded, “Do you need a blessing for sugar to be sweet?” He explained, “Pray for understanding. If you do not feel the sweetness of Torah, something is lacking.”

Strengthen Faith and Trust in Hashem
When Rabbi David Abuchatzeira asked what the special mitzvah of our generation is, Rabbi Shteinman answered: “Strengthen faith and trust in Hashem—not in flesh and blood.”