It is with the greatest trepidation, and I hope for an important purpose, that I’d like to share a thought on one specific issue. I knew (to the extent one can know someone) Rabbi Ozer Yeshaya HaKohen Glickman, z”l, for 40 years. In the early years, we learned together regularly and though he was certainly far more able than I, he generously gave of his time and knowledge.

We did discuss many Torah U’Madda issues over the years and I don’t think he would be happy being held up as a unicorn even though his blending of both worlds was the reason he felt he was asked by the yeshiva to be “on the road” so much. I believe he felt that anyone could do what he did at their own level. When “the Hurley-Burley’s done” the question the yeshiva needs to ask itself is have they encouraged (or perhaps should they? My uninformed sense is that RIETS looks at the separate mountain approach as a vision—a la Rav Soloveitchik’s famous metaphor) broad lives (a la Rav Hutner’s metaphor) in any of their best and brightest? Do they regularly seek out role models of that nature or only exceptional examples in specific accomplishments (e.g., a big talmid chacham or a big financial success, but not a balancer)? Balancing priorities is a big challenge in life, if one wants to honor R’OYG, z”l. In my opinion, one might start with some cheshbon hanefesh—looking at his balance and its message for us (no two of us will likely reach the same conclusions but that’s what is to be expected; it’s the process not the results).

Another way to honor his memory would be to think of something he would say to his shiur along the lines of, “If you want to show kavod to me, don’t stand when I come in but be prepared for my shiur.” Are we preparing properly?

Yehi zichro baruch.

Joel Rich (or as R’OYG, z”l, would say “The Vilna of Essex County”)

West Orange