As an angry, scared, and lonely 14-year-old I stood on a cold corner of Ave M in Brooklyn NY. Chatting with my friends, I described my new challenges as I had just run away from home. I didn’t quite understand why some of my friends were conversing with a bearded rabbi looking figure. He then approached me with a warm smile and said “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you’ve just run away from home. Is there something you need? A place to stay. A meal? A metro-card? A few dollars?” I looked at him suspiciously and decided to challenge his kind intentions. I curtly responded “no, I’d like to learn with you”. He didn’t flinch, agreed, and asked me when I’d like to meet. I considered when would be his most valuable personal time and responded, “Shabbos afternoon”. I figured he’d most likely prefer to spend time with his family at that hour. We agreed on a time and parted ways. I decided I’d make him regret his kind offer by dressing as informally and offensively as possible when I went to meet him. Again, he didn’t flinch as I met him in his home. We then walked to his local shul where I stood out like a sore thumb to say the least. We learnt for a few hours and then talked for many more. The following week I tried to make my appearance even more challenging but again I failed to garner the response I was seeking. Week after week this went on until weeks turned into months and before I knew it we had finished a Mesechta (tractate of Talmud) and made a Siyum (formal celebration). It was the first time in a decade I had felt accomplished in my Yiddishkiet (Jewish observance).
Rabbi Silberman followed up with me for years after I left Brooklyn. He called me often while I studied in yeshiva in Israel and made sure my every need was being met.
A long decade after the story described above, I had the honor of serving side by side with Rabbi Silberman as an employee in Our Place. Most of the success I had in that role was due to me modeling Rabbi Silberman’s approach from those many years ago. In addition, knowing unequivocally that he was a Yashar (individual of outstanding moral quality) I asked him to serve as an Eid (witness) to my marriage.
Rabbi Silberman you changed the trajectory of my life for the better. You gave me a positive example of what Yiddishkiet can produce. You were made from a “special roll” that Hashem reserves for his finest creations. I will always be grateful and will forever miss you terribly.
Goodbye my Rebbe.
Anonymous