HaGaon HaRav Aharon Walkin zt”l represented the true spirit of Queens, stemming from his upbringing. Rav Walkin was one to never mince words and always said things straight, as they were relishing in Hashem’s sacred Torah. Rav Walkin presided as the rosh yeshivah of the Chazaq Beis Midrash Bais Nosson Meir and the rosh kollel of Kollel Zichron Moshe V’Leah, both in Queens, where his genuine warmth was felt, and was the rav of Khal Bais Aharon in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he officially resided. Rav Walkin’s infectious smile helped one ease into learning. It was the Rosh Yeshiva’s passion to help his disciples, from students to professionals, devote their assigned times to the Torah. His profound involvement with the advancement of our community is interconnected with his own life experiences, which paint a colorful picture of American Jewry.