In a world where dependence, loyalty and consistency are sadly rare, my father-in-law personified those noble traits. When he gave advice, it was clear that he was speaking from his heart.
To my father-in-law a word was a word. He sought to redeem his many charitable pledges as soon as possible. He sat down after Havdalah after Shabbos and Yom Tov and wrote checks for any tzedakah he pledged over He was generous and often gave sizeable amounts to tzedakah without fanfare. He was one of the founders of his community in Lakewood and invested greatly in its growth.
In his younger years he worked extremely hard doing menial jobs to provide for his family. In his later years he sought to learn more, though it was challenging for him. He served as an inspiration for members of his family who became more Torah observant because of him. He was fiercely proud of his family and their devotion to Torah and avodas Hashem. His greatest pride was our growth, happiness, and accomplishments.
He would have loved this website. It’s appropriate that it’s dedicated in his memory.
In addition to having a profound impact upon my life, this website was Rabbi Wein’s idea. He suggested that I gather all my writings and resources onto one website. He quoted the pasuk in Koheles (11:1), “Shlach lachmecha al p’nei hamayim – Cast your bread upon the waters, after many days you will find it.” He explained that once the divrei Torah are “out there”, one never knows how many people can be influenced and can benefit from them.
Rabbi Wein was the living embodiment of that message. Although I, and tens of thousands of others throughout the world, miss him dearly, he left us a rich legacy because he “cast his bread upon the waters”. He left behind a plethora of his teachings and poignant life lessons in his books, audio recordings, video lectures, and beyond.
May his memory continue to be for a blessing.
