Rabbi Shmuel Yehuda Levin–of blessed memory

Chicago’s Jewish community suffered a shocking and devastating loss on July 16th with the sudden passing of a great Torah scholar, leader, teacher, and man of the spirit: Rabbi Shmuel Yehuda Levin. Rabbi Levin, who was but 63, served as the Rosh HaYeshiva –Dean of Telshe Yeshiva Chicago–and the Rabbinic Advisor of Agudath Israel of Illinois.

The famed 18th Century Italian Rabbinic scholar and Kabbalist, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, begins his classic work Path of the Just by prefacing that there’s a foundation and root of piety to service of G-d. Every individual must build upon these foundations and roots to fulfill his responsibility to make a Jewish difference in the world. Roots grow naturally, while foundations need to be built. A scion of two great rabbinic families, Rabbi Levin had exceptional roots from birth. At the same time, he built his own foundations and achieved much greatness.

As to his roots, his illustrious father was the late Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levin, the founding Rosh HaYeshiva of Telshe Yeshiva Chicago and a renowned and beloved Chicago communal leader, and his grandfather was the late Rabbi Eliezer Levin, the Chief Rabbi of Detroit. In addition, his late mother, Rebbitzen Esther Levin, was a daughter and granddaughter of great Rabbinic personalities.

These roots surely gave Rabbi Levin a head start. Yet greatness is never inherited, it is achieved.

He was always a diligent, focused, and brilliant student, quickly absorbing the knowledge and morals of the Torah. After many years of immersion in Talmudic learning in the great academies of America and Israel, he returned in the 1990s to Chicago to assume the position of senior lecturer at Telshe. Upon the passing of his father in 2018, he assumed the position of Rosh HaYeshiva.

Rabbi Levin was a sought-after figure and beloved Rebbe to his thousands of students, each of whom he treated like his very own child. He was always available to give support and guidance, but more impressively he was in regular touch with his students and others to inquire about their well-being and to provide inspiration and encouragement. He was involved in the lives of his students and their personal and family struggles, and he continued his relationship with them well into their adulthood and beyond the Yeshiva walls.  

He dealt with every challenge and situation thoroughly, never superficially or by rote. For example, a national infertility expert commented that every time Rabbi Levin was involved in a case assisting a student with fertility issues, it was never just a referral. He took the time to familiarize himself with the details both medically and with regard to Jewish law to be able to properly guide the family. 

The deep relationships that he forged explains the wave of grief and tears that has gripped so many since his passing. His communal and international influence was just starting to be felt, and there are generations who will not merit to be his students. This is why his passing is such a genuine tragedy on so many levels. 

The only comfort is knowing that he fulfilled his mission to stay true to his roots and build to make our world a more elevated and better place. He may no longer be with us, but the impact of his Torah teachings, and his refined character and deeds, will continue on–and will act as a model for all of us, for years to come.   

Rabbi Yaacov Robinson is the Menahel (Director) of the Midwest Agudah Vaad Harabbanim (Rabbinical Council).