Parting from the Man of Kindness and Revolutionary of the Torah Book: Rabbi Pinchas Reuven zt"l

His soul is bound to his soul:

Parting from the Man of Kindness and Revolutionary of the Torah Book – Rabbi Pinchas Reuven zt"l

With deep sorrow and a sense of loss, the world of Torah and Chassidus escorted Rabbi Pinchas Reuven zt"l to his eternal rest. He was a man of spirit, one who raised the yoke of Torah and merited to be the connecting force in historical moments that are engraved in the annals of the baal teshuvah (returnee to Judaism) world.

Rabbi Pinchas, who was known for his eternal smile and broad heart, was not just a "mezakeh harabim" (one who brings merit to the masses) in the usual sense of the word; he was an architect of unity. In his final conversations, with a voice trembling with emotion, he would speak about the great privilege that fell to his lot – to organize the wondrous meeting between two spiritual giants, Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l and Rabbi Berland shlit"a.

"A Meeting of Two Angels"

About 27 years ago, in the beis midrash (study hall) of Maran Rabbi Ovadia, a scene took place that Rabbi Pinchas described as a "meeting of two angels." He recalled how the two showered love and praises upon one another. "We saw Rabbi Ovadia pouring immense love upon Rabbi Berland," Rabbi Pinchas recounted.

At the conclusion of that meeting, just a moment before Rabbi Berland left the room, Maran Rabbi Ovadia grabbed Rabbi Pinchas's hand and told him a sentence that has accompanied him ever since: "Escort him, this is a holy man." Maran even added the verse regarding him: "He brought many back from sin."

The Roar in Yad Eliyahu: "There are no wicked people in Israel!"

The warm and direct connection with Rabbi Berland gave birth to one of the largest and most influential gatherings the Charedi and traditional public has ever known – the preparation rally for the Giving of the Torah at the Yad Eliyahu Stadium in the year 5760 (2000).

Rabbi Pinchas, with true self-sacrifice, organized this massive event where he stood on the stage next to the Rav. He recalled the sweeping sermon of Rabbi Berland about Ruth the Moabite, and the sentence that is engraved to this day in the hearts of tens of thousands: "There are no wicked people in Israel!" This roar of the Rav, which expressed the immense limud zechus (judging favorably) upon every Jew, was the very essence of Rabbi Pinchas himself – a man who saw only good in every person.

A Revolutionary of Torah and Kindness

Beyond organizing gatherings, Rabbi Pinchas zt"l created a true revolution in the world of Torah books through "Karna Shel Torah." He fought to lower the prices of books so that every family, even those of limited means, could bring the light of Torah into their home. He refused titles and honors, and always requested: "Do not call me Rabbi, my name is Pinchas."

With his passing, we have lost a precious Jew who was connected in heart and soul to the tzaddikim of the generation, a man whose life was dedicated to bringing merit to the masses and drawing hearts closer to our Father in Heaven.

May his merit protect us and all of Israel, and may he be a heavenly advocate for Rabbi Berland shlit"a and for all Breslov Chassidim whom he loved so much.

May his soul be bound in the bond of life (T.N.Z.B.H.).