An Amazing Story: Rabbi Berland's Toil in Torah Until Total Exhaustion and 4 More Stories

A special testimony regarding the daily schedule of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, who dedicates all his time to Torah study until literal exhaustion, with only a few hours of rest.

An Amazing Story: Rabbi Berland's Toil in Torah Until Total Exhaustion

It is well-known and famous among anyone who has merited to spend time in the presence of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a that his daily schedule is above the laws of nature. The tzaddik's toil in Torah knows no bounds, and he dedicates his entire being to holy study, day and night, without interruption.

Only a Few Hours of Rest a Day

Generally, the only time Morinu HaRav shlit"a rests during the entire twenty-four-hour cycle amounts to a mere two to three hours before noon. This wondrous fact is not merely a rumor.

One of the guards at the home of the Rav shlit"a testified that he personally checked this and tracked the Rav's daily schedule. He clearly confirmed that these are the only hours of rest the tzaddik takes during the entire day. Beyond these few hours, the Rav is completely immersed in serving Hashem and leading the community.

Studying Until Total Exhaustion

Yet even during those few hours of rest, the Rav shlit"a does not cease his learning. When he enters his room to rest a little, he always takes a book with him. He sits and learns, immersing himself in the holy letters of the Torah, and studies continuously until sleep overcomes him.

Many times, when people enter his room, they witness an amazing and inspiring sight: The book is resting on the face of the Rav shlit"a. This means that the tzaddik learned from the book until the very last moment, until he no longer had even the minimal strength required to place the book down on the table.

This story illustrates in the most tangible way the fulfillment of the verse, "If you walk in My statutes—that you shall toil in Torah." The Torah toil of Morinu HaRav shlit"a reaches the point of literal self-sacrifice and total exhaustion, serving as a beacon of inspiration and strengthening for every Jew who desires to draw closer to the light of the Torah.

A Story About Rabbi Berland's Wondrous Meticulousness in Washing Hands

One of the students relates the holy and pure practices of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, which are evident in every single moment of his daily schedule. It is known that the Rav is meticulous regarding holiness and purity on a level that is difficult to describe, and this is expressed even during his few moments of rest.

Meticulousness in Purity at All Times

When the Rav shlit"a goes to take a short rest during the day, he does not compromise on any halachic detail. The Rav always makes sure to prepare a vessel for washing hands ("negel vasser") next to his bed in advance, even when it is only for a brief daytime nap. This strictness testifies to his desire to be ready and prepared for the service of Hashem at any given moment, without any compromises.

Strengthening Himself Like a Lion

Immediately following that short rest, the Rav's spiritual heroism becomes evident. The tzaddik strengthens himself like a lion, rises with immense alacrity, and washes his hands, in order to immediately continue his holy work without any delay. This practice serves as a sign and a wonder to all who see it, illustrating how every moment of his life is dedicated to serving the Creator in purity, holiness, and wondrous zeal.

An Amazing Story About the Time Management and Torah Toil of Rabbi Berland shlit"a

Utilizing Every Moment

This story reveals a little about the immense toil in Torah and the fear of wasting time from Torah study (bitul Torah) of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a. Whoever merits to draw close to the tzaddik sees tangibly how he utilizes every single second of his life for the study of the holy Torah, with an immense perfection that is difficult to describe in words.

The Testimony of the Groom

The son-in-law of the Rav shlit"a, may his light shine, shared a special testimony that illustrates this perfectly. Once, he saw the Rav shlit"a coming out of his room. In one hand, the Rav held the washing cup for netilas yadayim (ritual hand washing) to pour the water into the sink.

However, what amazed the son-in-law was what the Rav was doing with his other hand. In his other hand, the Rav held an open book, pressed right up to his face. Since the Rav had not yet managed to put on his glasses, he had to bring the book close to his eyes in order to read it.

Thus, even during the simple walk to pour out the washing water, the Rav was already immersed and engaged in the holy Torah without interruption. This short story teaches us an illuminating lesson about the importance of every second in life, and about the burning love for Torah within the tzaddik.

A Story of Compassion: The Quiet Steps of Rabbi Berland shlit"a

Our holy Rebbe, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov zy"a, may his merit protect us all, amen, once said: "Kings and ministers can send their children to learn *derech eretz* (proper conduct) from me." This statement takes on a tangible and moving meaning when observing the conduct of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a. One of the Rav's sons-in-law spoke about the Rav's conduct of immense compassion and sensitivity toward everyone around him, and especially toward his family members and household, may their light shine.

Resting in the Rav's Home

He shared one of the stories that illustrates this well. Once, he wanted to rest a little in the home of the Rav shlit"a and lay down in a room. While he was resting, he suddenly noticed the door of the room opening very slowly, with great caution, so as not to make any noise.

The Rav shlit"a entered the room, apparently to take a certain book he needed. He walked in exemplary silence and with immense care, so that the sound of his footsteps would not be heard at all. All this was for one simple purpose: not to wake his sleeping son-in-law and to protect his rest.

The Sensitivity of a Tzaddik

Before leaving the room, the Rav did not settle for just walking quietly. He went over and lowered the blinds, so that his son-in-law could sleep peacefully without the sunlight disturbing him. Afterward, he left and closed the door behind him gently and in absolute silence.

It is amazing to see how the tzaddik, who is indeed attached in his thoughts to the supernal worlds, does not forget his flock for a moment. He leads them with compassion, with love, and with attention to the smallest details of derech eretz and interpersonal relationships.

Story: The Tzaddik Awakens What is Needed with Immense Compassion

Another individual also related that the Rav shlit"a awakened him with the utmost gentleness and pleasantness regarding the practice of preparing water for netilas yadayim even

when sleeping in the middle of the day.

From Issue 80 — Parashas Acharei Mos-Kedoshim

From the series "A Tzaddik Rules in the Fear of God" — "Shafir Amar Nachmani" Publications