A special meeting took place this week in Netanya when the Sanzer Rebbe visited Rav Moshe Sternbuch, who is spending several days resting in the coastal city following the demanding month of Tishrei. The visit, held in an apartment overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, was marked by warm brachos and a memorable exchange about the spiritual significance of a person’s birthday.

Rav Sternbuch traveled to Netanya after an exceptionally busy Yom Tov season, during which he devoted himself to the tefillos and avodah of the Yomim Noraim and Sukkos, culminating in the simcha of Simchas Torah. Throughout the month, he also received tens of thousands of visitors from around the world who came to seek his bracha for the new year.

The senior posek is staying in a residence on the 25th floor of a building along the Netanya shoreline, where he has been able to spend time away from the demands of his regular schedule in Yerushalayim. Despite the change of surroundings, Rav Sternbuch continues to devote much of his day to learning Torah.

From the apartment’s balcony, the Mediterranean Sea stretches into the distance, providing a peaceful setting for the brief period of rest.

A select group of bochurim from the Sanz chassidus has been privileged to participate in the daily tefillos at Rav Sternbuch’s temporary residence, an opportunity that has provided them with an unusual chance to daven in the presence of the revered posek.

During the week, the Sanzer Rebbe arrived for a personal visit with Rav Sternbuch in honor of the Rebbe’s 74th birthday.

The meeting included an uplifting conversation in which Rav Sternbuch recalled the conduct of his own rebbi, Rav Moshe Schneider zt”l, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Toras Emes in London.

When the Sanzer Rebbe requested a bracha for long life and many good years, Rav Sternbuch reflected on the special significance of a birthday and shared a powerful memory from his younger years.

“A birthday is an exalted day. My teacher and rebbi, the gaon Rav Moshe Schneider zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Toras Emes in London, would weep bitterly on his birthday, offering many tefillos before the Creator of the universe. Those tears awakened us,” Rav Sternbuch recalled emotionally.

The Sanzer Rebbe responded with a characteristic chassidishe observation, adding a touch of warmth to the conversation.

“Indeed, those who have nothing to cry about are the ones who cry…” the Rebbe remarked.

Following their exchange, Rav Sternbuch bestowed heartfelt brachos upon the Sanzer Rebbe, wishing him continued hatzlacha and many years of leadership.

The Rebbe reciprocated with warm brachos of his own, wishing Rav Sternbuch many more years of good health and strength to continue guiding Klal Yisroel and leading his holy kehillah.

{Matzav.com}