A newly released Hebrew biography of the Ribnitzer Rebbe zt”l has stirred widespread discussion in the Torah and chassidishe world, particularly following an exchange with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch during a recent visit by the book’s editor.

The sefer, originally authored in English by Nachman Seltzer and now published in Hebrew, chronicles the life of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, who passed away some 30 years ago and was renowned for his mesirus nefesh under communist rule, as well as for the many yeshuos and mofsim attributed to him both during his lifetime and afterward.

Last week, the Hebrew edition’s editor, Shlomo Kook, visited Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch to present him with a copy of the newly released volume and receive his bracha.

At the start of their conversation, the rosh yeshiva recalled that he had personally known the Ribnitzer Rebbe during his years in the United States. As he flipped through the pages, he paused over one of the accounts describing a mofes, reacting with visible amazement and saying, “Wonders of wonders.”

During the discussion, Shlomo Kook posed a direct question about whether such abilities still exist today: “Is there a reality of a koach to perform mofsim in the hands of גדולי התורה?”

The rosh yeshiva responded immediately: “There is such a רוח הקודש. There is such a thing. The Ramban writes that there is a certain sense that it will be so.”

Shlomo Kook then asked: “In every generation there is such a thing?”

Rav Hirsch replied: “Yes, yes.”

Kook continued: “Even in this generation?”

Rav Hirsch answered: “Yes.”

Kook then asked pointedly: “Does the rosh yeshiva have it?”

At that, Rav Hirsch laughed.

Kook added: “That’s what people say.”

The rosh yeshiva, smiling, responded: “That’s what they say?”

{Matzav.com}