Meet Harav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, famously called "The Alter," a significant leader of Orthodox Judaism in Eastern Europe and an extraordinary Torah educator. He founded the renowned Slabodka yeshiva and had a powerful impact on his students, many of whom became major leaders in the Torah world.
Despite being a private person, The Alter personally supervised the entire student body of the yeshiva. His philosophy revolved around the "Greatness of Man" concept and emphasized the importance of ethics and character development. He dedicated most of his time to his students, returning home only for Jewish holidays.
Rav Nosson Tzvil had an exceptional talent for identifying potential leaders among European teenagers with scholarly abilities and leadership qualities. He brought these talented individuals back to Slobodka, where he molded them into exceptional individuals. He also closely monitored his students' behavior and made decisions about their living arrangements based on their strengths and weaknesses.
Neatness and cleanliness were paramount to The Alter, who wanted his alums to reshape the stereotype of impoverished yeshiva students. Some accused them of being dandies due to their impeccable appearance.
Additionally, The Alter sent teams of his prized pupils to areas that needed a boost in religious observance and Torah learning. One such pupil was his son, Rav Eliezer Yehudah Finkel, who eventually became the head of Mir yeshiva in Jerusalem.
Through his guidance, many renowned individuals emerged as heads of Lithuanian-style yeshivas in the US and Israel during the 20th century, with continued growth in the 21st century. Some outstanding students include Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, Rabbi Aharon Kotler of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey, Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, Rabbi Yechezkel Sarna, Rabbi Isaac Sher.
Despite not writing any books or essays, he shared his wisdom through published ethical discourses known as "Ohr HaTzafun" or "The Hidden Light." The title is a play on words with the initials spelling his name - Hirsh-Tzvi-Finkel-Nota - reflecting his enigmatic persona.