April 21, 2024

The Crimson Compassion: Rav Shmuel's Impeccable Compassion

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Season 7

Have you ever witnessed an act of kindness so subtle yet profound that it stayed with you forever? That's exactly what we unravel in our latest episode, featuring the story of Rav Shmuel Kamenetzky and his fiery red tie on the solemn day of Yom Kippur. True wisdom often manifests in the smallest gestures, and we're sharing an extraordinary example that left an entire congregation in awe, as Rav Shmuel turned a simple fashion choice into an unforgettable lesson in compassion and humility.

As we recount this touching narrative, you'll understand how a revered sage's response to a young student's query about Yom Kippur attire became a powerful symbol of inclusivity. This episode isn't just about the colors we wear; it's a profound reflection of the impact our actions can have on those around us. With Rav Shmuel's story at heart, we explore the broader implications of sensitivity and support within our communities, inviting you to be inspired to make a difference, big or small, in the lives of others.

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Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com



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It's incredible that we share the world with this sage, this holy Talmud Chacham, that may be part angel.

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Just listen here to how the great Rav Shmuel Kamenetzky acted just three years ago on the holiday of Yom Kippur.

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The story is too good not to share immediately.

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I heard it from my first tater Chavrusa, who heard it from a friend who was actually in the base medrash of Philadelphia at the time.

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He told me that it was odd that Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, he walked into Yom Kippur davening and all of the gentlemen, the married ones, were clothed in white, their kittles adorning them, some with the white yarmulkes from the yucky minhug, but white, a minhug to wear on Yom Kippur.

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But it was odd because the great Rosh Yeshiva of Philadelphia, rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, he was wearing a fire engine bright red tie.

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An interesting choice.

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It definitely raised some eyebrows.

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It definitely doesn't seem on brand with what the Rosh Hashiva normally wore on Yom Kippur and, just like any other great story, there needs to be one of those rather rambunctious bachrim or attendants of the Rosh Hashiva that asks the great sage why he acted a certain way so brazenly but respectfully.

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One person after Yom Kippur was over asked the Rosh Hashiva why is it that you wore, that the Rosh Hashiva wore a red tie on Yom Kippur was over, asked the Rosh Hashiva, why is it that you wore that the Rosh Hashiva wore a red tie on Yom Kippur?

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Shmuel said well, there was a bacher who came over to me, arab Yom Kippur, and asked if, even though it is a minag, kind of a quasi halacha, to wear white on Yom Kippur, he didn't really have the necessary funds to buy a new tie and the only tie he owned he got from his parents when he came to yeshiva it was a red tie, is it okay?

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The bacher asked Rav Shmuel if he wears a red tie.

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The Rosh Hashiva answered the question and told him of course, it's just a minute, I guess.

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However, he answered him but yeah, red is fine For the Rosh Hashiva, sensing that maybe the boy will feel a little bit still self-conscious about it, waltzed in to the base medrash in Philadelphia, also adorning this glorious red tie, to make sure that the bachar shouldn't feel out of place.

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The attention to be turned to the Rosh Hashiva, people overlooking the tie, not even caring.

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Perhaps it was now cool and in to wear the red tie, because that's what the Rosh Hashiva does.

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But see the wisdom and the chachma that the sages, that the great ones, take in caring about others.

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Such a powerful story, let us take it practically and use our own wisdom to see how to alleviate others' pain and really care for our fellow Jews.