Queens is once again zocheh to host HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Kolodetsky shlita this Shabbos, parshas Ki Seitzei. A son-in-law of the late Sar HaTorah, Maran HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, Rav Kolodetsky has become a beacon of Torah and chizuk for klal Yisrael. Each gathering in our community is remembered not merely for the words shared, but for the k’dushah and inspiration that linger long afterward.
The program begins on Erev Shabbos with chizuk in local yeshivos, including Queens Cheder, Yeshiva Ketana of Queens, Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion, and Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe, with additional stops to be finalized. On Friday night, Rav Kolodetsky will daven Maariv at Hashevaynu, followed by a spirited oneg Shabbos at the Idels residence, 73-20 136th Street, Kew Gardens Hills, at 10:30 p.m. Shabbos morning will open with Shacharis k’vasikin at Congregation Tov, followed by divrei chizuk at Congregation Charm Circle, and Bais Yosef D’Ulem. Finally, on Motza’ei Shabbos, the gadol will return to the Idels residence for a special kabbalas kahal.
Since the p’tirah of Rav Chaim, Rav Kolodetsky has become the address for countless Yidden seeking brachos and y’shuos. Rebbetzin Leah Kolodetsky has often repeated that her saintly father referred to her husband as “the Chofetz Chaim” of this generation – testimony to his level of greatness and to a heart that carries others’ burdens with rare purity.
Rav Kolodetsky also shoulders responsibility for Rav Chaim’s vast network of kollelim, which has flourished under his leadership to include over 1,000 yungerleit. This ensures that the Sar HaTorah’s legacy continues to prosper.
Those close to Rav Kolodetsky describe a life of true m’sirus nefesh for klal Yisrael. He is known to fast every single day of the year except on Shabbos, a practice that underscores his dedication to holiness. In his travels, he accepts nothing more than an economy seat, refusing upgrades or comforts that others try to offer, demonstrating his humility and unwillingness to burden others for his own benefit. Notably, Rav Kolodetsky does not take a penny for himself, living with simplicity and ensuring that every contribution goes directly to strengthen Torah. Since the October 7 attacks perpetrated by Hamas terrorists, the Rav has not slept in a regular bed. For months, he lay on the floor, and after illness, on a thin plank placed over a bed frame.
As Rebbetzin Leah explained to hostage families: “How can we sleep comfortably when we have no idea how and where the hostages are sleeping?” Even past the age of 70, the Rav persists in this act of solidarity. His nightly discomfort is a quiet expression of compassion for the suffering of klal Yisrael.
Stories of Rav Kolodetsky’s brachos abound. These are not “miracles on demand,” but examples of a tzadik whose heartfelt t’filah flows from compassion and devotion. Often, the salvation came when Yidden displayed m’sirus nefesh to strengthen Torah and support the Rav’s kollelim.
One tri-state young couple, broken after years without children, approached the Torah sage. The husband was prepared to give far beyond his means in support of Torah, demonstrating profound m’sirus nefesh. Rav Kolodetsky at first hesitated to offer an assurance, but seeing their sincerity and sacrifice, he was moved to respond. In a rare moment, the Rav offered his promise that within the year they will have a child – and within the year, a child was born.
In New Jersey, another anguished father, whose daughter had been in shidduchim for seven years, pleaded for guidance. He undertook to increase his commitment to Torah and support for kollelim. At first, Rav Kolodetsky declined to give a definitive assurance, but the father pressed further, explaining with urgency that he longed to see his daughter engaged before Chanukah. Seeing the father’s sincerity and willingness to show self-sacrifice, the Rav assured him that he will see his daughter engaged. Incredibly, just days before Chanukah, the daughter became engaged.
In yet another local case, a parent burdened with three unmarried daughters sought a brachah. Rav Kolodetsky initially hesitated, but after being pressed and witnessing the sincerity of the plea, he assured the father that all three would find their zivugim within the year. Astoundingly, two daughters became engaged in Elul, and the third just days before Rosh HaShanah, fulfilling the assurance exactly as promised.
A particularly moving moment, connected to Queens, involved a family whose granddaughter, at 19 months of age, was unable to walk. The child could only sit up in her crib, and even top therapists feared she might never walk independently. After a heartfelt brachah from Rav Kolodetsky, the very next day the family received a message with a video of the little girl taking her first steps. The astonished relatives, overwhelmed with tears of joy, witnessed how the tzadik’s t’filos brought newfound hope into their home.
At times, Rav Kolodetsky redirects requests away from immediate results and toward ruchniyus. One striking case involved a man from Queens facing a serious legal matter. Rather than give a direct assurance, Rav Kolodetsky shifted the discussion to chinuch, probing where the children were being educated. When he discovered that they were enrolled in non-Torah schools, the Rav strongly urged transferring them to proper yeshivos. He explained that hishtadlus in ruchniyus must accompany t’filah, and he went as far as to put in writing that if they immediately switch their child to a yeshivah, the government will completely drop all charges. Sadly, the family did not follow through, and the consequences in court were severe – a reminder of the weight Rav Kolodetsky places on Torah education as the key to blessing.
These are not distant stories; they are intertwined with families right here in Queens, who have personally experienced the power of the Rav’s t’filos.
The greatness of Rav Kolodetsky does not lie in dramatic headlines but in the quiet constancy of a tzadik who gives his life to klal Yisrael. His brachos are not magic; they are the heartfelt t’filos of one who feels another Jew’s pain as his own.
The timing of Rav Kolodetsky’s arrival, in the days leading into the Yamim Nora’im, is itself a gift to our Queens kehillah. It prepares us to enter these awesome days with strengthened t’filah, greater emunah, and achdus.
On a personal note, I have had the z’chus to speak with, drive, and assist Rav Kolodetsky on previous occasions in New York. These writings reflect what I have both heard and personally witnessed. The Rav’s humility, warmth, and genuine care leave an indelible mark on every Yid who comes into his orbit.
As Rav Kolodetsky returns once more, Queens Jewry is invited to gather in unison and be uplifted by the presence of a tzadik in our midst. May this Shabbos bring renewed strength as we approach Rosh Hashanah – with deeper thought in davening, greater emunah, and lasting chizuk for families and talmidim across our community.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
