Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv
The "Alter of Kelm"- born 5584 (1824) - died 8 Av 5658 (1898) - Of the three leading students of R' Yisrael Salanter...
R' Simcha Zissel Ziv – The Alter of Kelm
(1824 – 1898) Of the three leading students of R' Yisrael Salanter, founder of the mussar movement, R' Simcha Zissel was the one who R' Yisrael expected to carry on the movement. R' Simcha Zissel devoted his entire adult life to R' Yisrael's teachings. Though he never held any official position — when he was offered the rabbinate of St. Petersburg, he recommended his friend R' Yitzchak Blazer instead — his students included many of the mussar greats of the next generation: R' Nosson Zvi Finkel of Slobodka, R' Yosef Yoizel Horowitz of Novhardok, R' Aharon Bakst, R' Reuven Dessler (whose son authored the classic Michtav M'Eliyahu), R' Nachum Ziv, and R' Hirsch Broida.
The historian, R' Dov Katz, summarized R' Simcha Zissel's approach to mussar / character improvement as consisting of three guiding principles: (1) one should become emotionally involved in his studies, whether joyful or sad; (2) one should ask himself after everything he learns, "What did I think before, and what do I know differently now?"; and (3) one's study should always include stripping away the veneer and getting to the essence of the topic.
R' Simcha Zissel taught that the whole world is a classroom where one can learn to improve his character and increase his belief in G-d. Such study was not limited to books or to Torah sources. Of course, worthwhile lessons do not come merely from observation. Rather, intense reflection is required. Also, one must realize that this study never ends. This is why Torah scholars are called, "talmidei chachamim" / "students of wise men." R' Simcha Zissel used to quote Socrates, who said that true wisdom is knowing that one doesn't know.
R' Simcha Zissel was very sickly his whole life. Therefore, much of his teaching was through letters that he wrote to his students, rather than in person. (He also encouraged his followers to establish groups to strengthen each other and review his teachings.) Only a small portion of his written legacy has been published (Based on Tnuat Hamussar).
Tell us what you think!
Thank you for your comment!
It will be published after approval by the Editor.