Listen: Rabbi Shalom Tzadok

Rabbi Shalom Tzadok shlit"a, head of the Ayish and Ariel settlements in the Shomron, in a strengthening interview after his visit to Morinu HaGaon HaTzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a. "The law regarding the Shehecheyanu blessing (recited upon seeing someone after a long absence) requires that it comes from the depths of the heart and not just outwardly; therefore, I recited the blessing immediately when I saw Rabbi Berland. I rejoiced to see the Rav in all his splendor, his appearance, his strength, and his might," Rabbi Tzadok shlit"a opens his words.

"The Rav spoke words of Torah and ignited [the soul]; I was inspired by him. I told Rabbi Berland shlit"a clear words: that one need not be surprised nor impressed by all the enemies who spread evil slander against him. I said, 'You are not the first one they are persecuting; such things have happened before.' Chazal (Our Sages) say that specifically in the area where a great person excels, that is where they seek to turn the bowl upside down and claim he is exactly the opposite."

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"We saw with Moshe Rabbeinu that the Torah testifies about him, 'The man Moshe was more humble than any person on the face of the earth,' and yet his haters dared to say to him, 'The entire congregation is holy... why do you raise yourselves above the congregation of Hashem?' Is this how one speaks to Moshe Rabbeinu? Furthermore, Moshe Rabbeinu was the most modest person who separated himself from all worldly matters to speak with the Living God, yet they still cast aspersions on him, [as it says] 'And they gazed after Moshe' (implying suspicion of immorality)."

"Therefore, I said to Rabbi Berland, specifically because you are successful and conquer hearts to follow you—tens of thousands follow you with eyes shut tight (blind faith) and you succeed in bringing them close to their Father in Heaven and to our Holy Torah—this is the reason they persecute you. You have nothing to fear; be strong and go in this path, Hashem will make your way successful."

[caption id="attachment_7650" align="alignnone" width="744"] Rabbi Shalom Tzadok delivering a sermon[/caption]

"The Rav was with me in the room at the Kfar Chasidim Yeshiva for 4 years, until the chuppah (wedding). I was at his engagement and his wedding; the Av Beis Din (Head of the Rabbinical Court) of Haifa, Rabbi Rosenthal, also appeared there. Rabbi Rosenthal praised them profusely and said that the Berland family must be praised for producing two Torah scholars. Afterwards, many Gedolei Yisrael (Torah leaders) praised him, among them Rabbi Meshorer who was then the Av Beis Din in Petah Tikva."

"I remember the exceptional service of Hashem of Rabbi Berland shlit"a in the Yeshiva; his diligence (hasmadah) was legendary. From the morning, he would wake up early and go in holiness and purity to prayer. Praying with dveikus (attachment to God) with a raised voice, and afterwards learning all day until the end of the night; he was the last one to return to the room. And so it was the next day, repeating itself."

[caption id="attachment_7469" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Morinu HaGaon HaTzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a blessing a visitor during the reception of the public in the hotel where he is staying[/caption]

"No worry was seen on the Rav despite everything he has gone through; the joy of Torah illuminates his face. He is entirely immersed in Torah; he has a wide table full of books, and he radiates upon everyone who comes—it is a delight to see him. I told him that all the suffering he is undergoing is an atonement for the Nation of Israel; anyone who is seen to have success with the public—they do everything to torpedo his success."

The words of Rabbi Shalom Tzadok courtesy of the Breslov Line 02-800-8-800, from the USA 1-845-640-0007, from Europe 4420-380-7-3333