Of Phil and Dovid: EPISODE #1 – the 15-Item List of What You Needed to Learn in Mir, Poland

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com

Ninety years ago, a deep friendship formed between Phil and Dovid.  They were both American Yeshiva students in America in the 1930’s.  They had both studied under Rav Dovid Leibowitz zt”l, then the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah V’Daas and soon to open his own Yeshiva – the Rabbinical Seminary of America, Chofetz Chaim.

Dovid travelled across the Atlantic and began his studies in the Mir Yeshiva in Poland.  Phil stayed in America. They exchanged letters.

It was Monday, April 11^th, 1938.  Dovid and his friend, Avrohom Chaim Pincus (future father of Rav Shimshon Pincus zt”l), had just received a letter from Phil – He was coming to join his friends at the Mir Yeshiva in Poland!  They were overjoyed and began dancing!

Just the day before, their good friend, Rav Shachne Zohn (future father of Rabbi Elchonon Zohn shlita – a leading force in the Chevra Kadisha in the United States), had gotten married to Liba Gulevsky in Mir.  The Bnei HaYeshiva, apparently, had danced until dawn.

Elated by the news that “Philip is coming to D’Mir!”, Dovid sat down and wrote “Phil”  exactly what he needed to get along in the Mir Yeshiva in Poland.  The list Dovid gave, was calculated for a two year stay.  Below we find an excerpt of that letter:

“Well now, down to the facts.  I do not know how long you are contemplating staying here, but this is the necessary information.  Travelling is simple:  buy a ticket immediately to Bialistok – it is advisable to travel on the Cunard White Star Line, for their boats are big and more convenient – they will take care of you the whole way until Warsaw.  Stay on the same train all the way to Horodzei, where a bus awaits you to D’Mir.

Bring along:

1. At least a dozen shirts
2. About 9 pairs of summer underwear
3. 4-6 pairs of winter underwear.
4. Between 11 to 2 dozen high socks
5. A few suits (the old ones are also good)
6. 2 or 3 hats (even the old ones)
7. Ties (but not very loud ones)
8. A dozen Turkish towels
9. A dozen cakes of soap
10. 2 bath wash rags
11. A big pillow and heavy quilt
12. 2 to 3 pillow cases
13. 1 to 2 quilt covers
14. 3 to 4 bed sheets
15. Any small articles you might come by – which will come into good use.”

Dovid added, “Even if you plan to stay for less time, it is always advisable to take the above amount.  It can’t hurt.

It is very advisable that you should leave immediately, as early as possible.  The Zman starts Rosh Chodesh Iyar (YH:  May 1^st and 2^nd, 1938 – less than 3 weeks after the letter), and it is always good to start at the beginning of the Z’man.  The earlier the better.  Don’t think long; leave immediately.”

Oh, one more thing.  “Dovid” was the future father of Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Dean and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah.

More to follow – b’Ezras Hashem.

The Mir Yeshiva in Poland was one of the greatest Torah institution in all of Jewish European history.  It produced world class Gedolim.  In the 1930’s, many American Jews studied there.  This author was close to a number of Alter-Mirrers.  There are now none left.  The Mir in Poland was truly the “Golden Age of Yeshiva Study.”  This history is now slowly fading away.

The author is attempting to produce a video series entitled, “The Grandeur of the Mir Yeshiva in Poland.”  Anyone wishing to assist in this endeavor, please contact the author at [email protected].