Rav Shaul Alter: “Karov Hashem L’nishberei Lev—Not Grandchildren of Great People, Not Wealthy Individuals, and Not Politicians”

Rav Shaul Alter: “Karov Hashem L’nishberei Lev—Not Grandchildren of Great People, Not Wealthy Individuals, and Not Politicians”

An emotional scene unfolded in Haifa as Rav Shaul Alter, Rosh Yeshivas Pnei Menachem, paid a nichum aveilim visit to one of his talmidim, Rav Yisrael Stern, who is sitting shivah following the passing of his wife, Mrs. Elisheva Stern, a”h, daughter of Rav Eliezer Menachem Braun, z”l. During the visit, the grieving husband shared the final moments he spent with his wife, recalling her deep devotion to Birchos HaShachar. “Every day she would call me so I could answer amen to her Birchos HaShachar,” he said. “On her final day, we recited Birchos HaShachar together, and then we said Shema Yisrael together.” Deeply moved, Rav Shaul offered words of emunah and consolation to the bereaved family. “We must continue thanking Hashem until our very last breath. The Healer of the brokenhearted—only He can bind up their sorrow. What can a human being possibly say? What words are there?” he said. Rav Shaul then reflected on the unique closeness to Hashem experienced by those whose hearts have been broken, citing the verse, “Karov Hashem l’nishberei lev—Hashem is close to the brokenhearted.” “You don’t feel it,” he said, “but the brokenhearted are truly the ones closest to Him. ‘Karov Hashem l’nishberei lev‘—we have to make use of that.” He added that this special closeness is not determined by pedigree, wealth, status, or public prominence. “Karov Hashem l’nishberei lev—not grandchildren of great people, not wealthy individuals, not those with distinguished lineage, and not politicians,” Rav Shaul said. His words were delivered in an atmosphere of profound grief, while offering the family comfort, faith, and encouragement to draw strength from their closeness to Hashem during their time of mourning. {Matzav.com}