The phone rang in the house of Reb Shlomo Hoffman, a renowned psychologist. “Who could be calling now, during bedikas chametz late at night?” thought Reb Shlomo to himself. His surprise was therefore great when the caller introduced himself as the venerated Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevezh, Rav Shach!
Rav Shach told him that one of his talmidim desperately needed some help, and asked if he could come speak to him right now. Reb Shlomo accepted despite the crazy timing. Rav Shach then said, “Ok, so I will accompany my talmid to Yerushalayim.” Reb Shlomo told Rav Shach, “The Rosh Yeshiva doesn’t have to make the long trip from Bnei Brak. Don’t worry, I will take care of him.” Rav Shach profusely thanked him and hung up the phone.
The talmid came to Reb Shlomo and had a long talk with him that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. When they finished, Reb Shlomo told the talmid, “Ok, I will now call a taxi for you.” The young man replied, “Oh no, there is no need. The Rosh Yeshiva is waiting for me downstairs!”
Exasperated, Reb Shlomo ran downstairs, only to find Rav Shach standing in a corner, deeply engrossed in a sefer. “Rebbe,” he turned to Rav Shach, “didn’t you trust me when I told you not to bother coming down to Yerushalayim?”
“Of course I trusted you, Reb Shlomo,” Rav Shach replied, “but wouldn’t you also accompany your son to such an appointment? Every talmid is like a son to me!”
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 83.
