A Story About the Immense Asceticism of the Rav

A special testimony from an elder of the Breslov Chassidim about the immense asceticism of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, who never went to take food for himself, but only ate if it was brought to his shtender (study stand).

A Story About the Immense Asceticism of the Rav: He Never Went to Take Food

The wondrous figure of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a is interwoven with miraculous stories of extraordinary asceticism and holiness. One of these fascinating stories, which sheds light on his exalted conduct, was told by the pious Rav, Rabbi Moshe Schorr shlit"a, one of the crown jewels and elders of the Breslov Chassidim.

He Never Entered the Dining Room

Rabbi Schorr shares his memories from the past, when Morinu HaRav shlit"a spent his time within the walls of the Breslov Yeshiva. He describes a wondrous conduct of complete detachment from the matters of this world, particularly regarding eating and drinking.

According to him, in those days, Morinu HaRav shlit"a never entered the yeshiva's dining room to take a portion for himself. All his focus was devoted solely to Torah and serving Hashem, without any concern for his physical body.

The rule was simple and incomprehensible: "If they brought him food - he ate, and if not - he simply did not eat." He never asked, demanded, or searched for food to satisfy his hunger.

Holy Conduct Even in Kollel Volozhin

This rare conduct was not a passing phase, but a true way of life. A similar testimony is also brought in the book "Lehavos Esh" (Flames of Fire), which documents the early years of the Rav.

The book recounts the period when Morinu HaRav shlit"a was diligently studying in Kollel Volozhin. There too, the same immense asceticism regarding food was evident. If a meal was placed on the shtender (study stand) where he learned, he would eat. But if they did not bring it to him, he simply continued his studies and did not eat at all.

This story illustrates the extent to which the body of Morinu HaRav shlit"a was completely subjugated to his soul. His eating was not for the sake of desire or physical need, but solely to sustain the body in order to continue his holy service and diligence in Torah.

An Amazing Story About the Asceticism of the Rav: The Testimony of the Rebbetzin

Over the years, the students and close followers of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a have witnessed rare and wondrous acts of asceticism. The Rav shlit"a lives in this world, yet it is evident that he is completely detached from worldly matters and material pleasures. His entire essence and time are dedicated to Torah, serving Hashem, and holiness.

Testimony from Inside the Home

One of the grandsons of Morinu HaRav shlit"a shared a special and moving testimony that he heard directly from his grandmother, the righteous Rebbetzin tchiya (may she live). This testimony sheds light on the Rav's trait of making do with little and his absolute distancing from matters of eating and drinking, even within the walls of his own home.

The Rebbetzin shared an amazing revelation with her grandson about their shared daily routine over decades. "Forty years have already passed since our wedding," the Rebbetzin described in amazement, "and still, I have never seen the Rav open the refrigerator himself."

An Angel of Hashem of Hosts

This wondrous fact illustrates more than anything the immense spiritual level of the tzaddik. A regular person approaches the refrigerator many times a day out of habit or need, but for the Rav shlit"a, physical food occupies no place in his thoughts or daily schedule. His entire life is holy to Hashem Yisbarach, as he conducts himself literally like an angel, without any unnecessary connection to the needs of the body.

A Story: The Gaon and Tzaddik, Among the Elder Torah Giants and Poskim of the Generation - Rabbi Shimon Baadani zt"l

A few weeks ago, the aforementioned tzaddik came to visit Morinu HaRav shlit"a (this visit has already been publicized). However, it is necessary to note an important detail: the aforementioned tzaddik made a special, strenuous effort to come from Bnei Brak. They wanted to give him something to eat before he traveled, but he did not want to eat because he was rushing to travel to greet the tzaddik of our generation shlit"a. He literally arrived fasting at the home of Morinu HaRav shlit"a.

From Issue 82 — Parashas Pekudei

From the series "A Tzaddik Rules in the Fear of God" — "Shapir Amar Nachmani" publications