Rav Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter, well-known as the Sfas Emes, was an other-worldly Torah luminary. He was a Chasidic Rabbi and Av Beis Din. Born in 1847 (5608) as Yehudah Leib, affectionately known as Leybl in his youth, he faced early hardships after losing his parents at a young age. Despite these challenges, he became one of the era's most brilliant Torah scholars, imparting wisdom to students and beyond.
He was brimming with Torah knowledge and fear of heaven. He was known to be meticulous about properly using time and constantly preached the importance of Torah study.
Even as a leader of thousands, he remained a constant Torah learner. Once, he voiced, "How can one give a proper answer if they do not have all four parts of the Shulchan Aruch memorized?"
During Shavuos Night, at his table, he said, "`Hu Yiftach Lebainu besoroso,' signifies the power of Torah. The gateway to embracing Torah lies within the Torah itself." His profound words kindled inspiration in the hearts of thousands that night.
Approaching him, two brothers expressed their joint venture in a new factory. "A business partnership can also be a partnership in ruchniyus," he imparted. "Both of you must study a daf of Gemara daily together. Through this, your partnership will thrive."
Often, he expressed his admiration for business people. "I envy the daf of Gemora that merchants study on Shabbos. Amidst their weekday busyness, finding time for learning becomes a challenge. Yet, on Shabbos Kodesh, when they delve into the Gemora, their enthusiasm is unparalleled."