For the week ending 31 January 2009 / 6 Shevat 5769
A Giant Sense of Responsibility
It was one of those hot, humid summers in Bnei Brak before the days of air conditioning in every home. An effort was made by a Jew close to the rosh hayeshiva of Yeshivat Ponevez, Rav Shach, zatzal, to utilize the break in the yeshiva schedule to relocate to Jerusalem where the Rav could enjoy the pleasant climate.
Arrangements had even been made for him to stay in an apartment near a yeshiva so that he would be able to continue his practice of praying with a yeshiva-type minyan.
Despite all the efforts to persuade him, Rav Shach gently turned down the offer.
"People in Bnei Brak are always coming to my home," he explained, "in the hope of gaining my help. I think they are mistaken in assuming that I can solve their problems but they think so. Should I leave for Jerusalem they will come to my home and find the door locked. How can I leave when so many people need me?"
