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| Rav Chaim Kanievsky, ZTL at his home in Bnei Brak (Arutz Sheva) |
His genius in Torah subjects was recognized even by those outside of his particular sphere of influence. This was because of the publication of a huge number of Seforim – books on Torah subjects. Perhaps his most famous work was Derech Emunah on the subject of Halachos HaTeluyos Ba’Aretz (laws pertaining to agriculture in the holy land). He was known for his mastery of Torah SheBal Peh (Oral laws of the Torah) as well as his Teshuvos (responsa)) to perhaps hundreds of thousands of personal Shailos (difficult Halachic questions) asked of him throughout his life. Always answering them in writing.
His door was always open to anyone that came to him regardless of the reasons. Tens of thousands of people came to him just for a Bracha for some personal need. I had the privilege of meeting him that way during my late grandson Reuven’s illness.
It is not too difficult to see where he got that genius. His father, R’ Yaakov (The Steipler Gaon) was also recognized for his genius, humility, and modesty. In this case the apple did not fall far from the tree. His Yichus, also, included the Chazon Ish (uncle) and R’ Elyashiv (father in law). But his main Yichus was ‘Atzmo’ - his own. He surely earned and deserved his accolades via his copious Teshuvos, many Seforim, humility, modesty, common sense, and openness to everyone. I wonder how many people know that he also ‘served in Israel's War of Independence’?
He called them as he saw them. Fearing no one regardless of their station in life. He feared only God. In one of his more famous declarations he told the Charedi world that the true heir to R’ Shach (who was considered the undisputed Gadol HaDor of his time) – was Rav Aharon Leib Steinman, ZTL. He saw in R’ Steinmann the necessary qualities of leadership. Which includes many of the same qualities he (R’ Chaim) had. For these two great leaders it was all about the determination to do what’s right in the eyes of God.
R’ Kanievsky did not mince words when harshly criticizing a rabbinic leader who chose to ignore R’ Steinman’s leadership and set up his own fiefdom.
That said, I did not agree with everything he said. Not that I had any standing to do that. It’s just that I instead agreed with the views of my own rabbinic leaders. But it did not alter my profound respect and admiration for him. And it surely did not move me to reject him in open rebellion and start a a new movement. Which has thus far caused one Chilul HaShem after another.
The funeral is scheduled for Sunday. It will surely be massive. I only hope no one gets hurt. That possibility always exists when there is great crush of people crowding the streets. At one such funeral of a great rabbinic leader, someone actually got crushed to death. I hope enough precautions are taken to prevent that.
BDE - Blessed is the True Judge.