Rabbi Zeitlin

Class on break for a while
The Wisdom of Rabbi B.C. Shloime Twerski ZT"L
Rabbi B. C. Shlomo Twerski ZT"L, from the line of the Hornisteipler Rebbes, was born in Crakow in 1923 and settled in Denver in the 1950's where he taught until his death on Simchat Torah, 1981. Unique in his generation, along with his four brothers, he combined a secular university education with an encyclopedic knowledge of Talmud, Chassidut and Kaballah. Challenged with serious health issues his entire, short life, he developed an empathy and humanity that made him the most profound teacher I ever encountered. A pioneer in openness and an acknowledged Torah master, he was equally at home teaching beginners as well as experts. He was one of the first chassidische rebbes to openly teach to men and women together. He saw to it that not only his son, but also his daughters received both thorough Torah educations as well as university educations.

A branch of and based on Chernobler Chassidut, founded by Menachem Nachum Twersky, author of Meor Einayim, the Hornisteipler tradition emphasizes emotional and psychological balance and health. It is honest, clear and plain-speaking. Reb Shloime zt"l taught that Torah is a prescription for mental health. He also taught that each neshama is unique and that Torah can never be "one size fits all", but must be crafted to each individual.

Although he was a prolific teacher, only a slim volume of his teaching, Malchut Shlomo, recently published by a grandson, remains. We will learn his weekly parsha teaching if there is one. If not, we'll look at another of his teachings. Most of the selections are short, but densely packed with wisdom and understanding. Knowledge of Hebrew is always a plus, but it's not necessary in order to benefit from the Rabbi z"l's wisdom.

The class is currently on break. When it resumes, the class will meet weekly at my Bet Midrash, 5508 35th Ave NE, Suite 205, Seattle, in the north end. The day and time will be announced. Tuition is on a sliding scale with a suggested minimum of $15 per class, payable in advance for five-week subscriptions. This will be an ongoing class.

Please call me at 206 524 9740 or email me at hlzeitlin@comcast.net. Be sure to check back for updates.