Item Description:

From the time of its founding, the yeshiva of Volozhin attracted the cream of the crop of Eastern European Jewry. Under the leadership of the Netziv and Reb Chaim Brisker, the yeshiva reached its peak. With the biographies of the great roshei yeshiva and their prime students, each of whom went on to head a yeshiva of his own, Rabbi Wein shows how the grand tradition set by Volozhin continues to live on.

Individual lectures:

Rabbi Boruch Halevy Epstein - Rabbi Boruch Ha Levy Epstein is best known for the Torah Temimah, his commentary on Chumash, but he lived a life of varied accomplishments. Though he rose to great heights in Torah, he chose to support his family with a career in banking. From his prolific pen to his wry worldview, Rabbi Wein fills in the fascinating facts on one of Eastern Europe’s great luminaries.

Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik - When he was only 27, Reb Chaim Soloveitchik replaced his father-in-law as Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin. With the Netziv, he brought the yeshiva to its height. Rabbi Wein shows how the strengths of this extraordinary pair fit each other like a glove. While the Netziv was steadiness and hard work, Reb Chaim was genius - an innovative thinker who paved a new path for future generations.

Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin - Because of his devotion to the yeshiva, the Netziv’s life story is the story of Volozhin. Rabbi Wein explores the ups and downs of the Netziv’s reign as Rosh Yeshiva, highlighting the two hallmarks of his character: diligence and love of his students.

Rabbi Isser Zalmen Meltzer - At its pinnacle, Volozhin produced towering Torah giants, but Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer overshadowed them all. With touching stories that illustrate the gentle soul behind the brilliant mind, Rabbi Wein shows us the man whose dynasty built Slutzk, Kletzk, and Lakewood.

Rabbi Boruch Ber Leibowitz - Whether it was the war over mussar or World War I, Rabbi Boruch Ber Levovitz clung to Torah no matter what storm was brewing around him. Producing his greatest works while in hiding, and heading his yeshiva amidst world depression, the dedication of this luminary is surpassed only by the stories of his kindness and integrity.

Rabbi Shimon Shkop - Rabbi Wein brings us an insider’s view into the great Rabbi Shimon Shkop – his father learned at the Yeshiva of Grodno. Through a talmid’s eyes, we see a beloved Rosh Yeshiva who forgave his students’ pranks, provided for their needs, and above all, prompted them to grow. Through Rabbi Shkop’s own Shaarei Osher, we see a Torah pioneer, unafraid to walk an original path to change the face of the yeshiva world.