Rabbi Shmuel Rozovsky (1913–1979) was an extraordinary rabbi known as an expert Talmudic lecturer at the Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, Israel. He was counted amongst the great rabbis of his generation.
He was known worldwide for his clarity in explaining complex Talmud topics.
He studied at the local Sha'ar Hatorah Yeshiva and was a student of Reb Shimon Shkop. He also studied with Harav Yisroel Zev Gustman.
In 1935, after his father's death, Reb Shmuel fled to British-ruled Palestine to escape being drafted into the Soviet Red Army. There, he studied at the Lomzha Yeshivah in Petach Tikvah, married the daughter of Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank (Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem), and taught at the Lomzha Yeshiva.
Reb Shmuel Rozovsky strongly emphasized Talmudic skills, personal perfection, and Mussar, as well as the need to study other facets of Torah, including Chumash, with the commentaries of Rashi and Ramban.
He encouraged his students to engage in deep learning and critical thinking, and many of his disciples became leading rabbis and educators.
When he was diagnosed with cancer, he sought out treatment in the United States, spending several months in Boston. Through the many challenges he faced in life, he continued to see his primary focus as a teacher of Torah.
Reb Shmuel Rozovsky focused on imparting Gemara skills, fostering personal growth, teaching Mussar, and delving into different facets of Torah study, including Chumash with Rashi and Ramban's commentaries. His dedication to deep learning and critical thinking inspired numerous students to achieve eminence as rabbis and educators. Even while contending with cancer and having to journey to Boston for treatment, he remained unwavering in his commitment to his vocation as a Torah teacher until the end of his days.
