Tonight marks the second Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski ZT”L.
Rabbi Twerski was a world-renowned lecturer and author, who has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals for over 50 years.
The world-renowned brilliant psychiatrist was author to approximately 90 books, and has given lectures around the globe. He was Niftar last year at 90 years old.
In this exclusive video, his grandchild, Hatzolah CJ Administrator R’ Motty Twerski talks about what his grandfather meant to him and to Klal Yisroel.
My Grandfather was brilliant, a master orator, and a massive Talmid Chochom. He loved people and respected all walks of life. Everyone in return reciprocated that love. He was very approachable, and people enjoyed being in his presence. He made everyone feel so special.
Brilliant, yet unassuming, busy yet caring, and full of love for everyone.
His contributions to the world at large are way beyond what any one individual could dream of achieving. As a psychiatrist, he helped thousands of people through their difficulties. Whether it was an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or anything else, he did his work with love and with that special non-judgmental approach to everyone. There are so many people, Jews and non-Jews alike, who owe their lives and families to his patience and willingness to help.
My grandfather could have been very wealthy but refused to take money from patients. In 1995, I spent Succos in Eretz Yisroel with my grandparents A”H. A family friend from Pittsburgh came over to visit. He asked my grandfather why he doesn’t go into private practice where he can make a lot of money? My grandfather’s response was “the people who are coming to see me already have a burden and I’m not looking to add any to that”. The guy said, I have a deal for you. You be the doctor and hire me for the CFO and we’ll split the income. My grandfather looked him in the eyes and said “if you can do such a thing, I don’t want to know you”. Money wasn’t even on the radar.
Two years ago, the world lost a giant, countless individuals and families lost their father, their Rabbi, their friend, their live-saving messenger from Hashem.
Losing a famous relative has proven to be an interesting experience. We feel our own grief that is personal and we know that the world is grieving as well. The world rightly claims a role in our private reflection. Their grief validates ours and simultaneously highlights the enormity of our loss. We are keenly aware that not only we, but the world, is bereft. Indeed, since the passing of my grandfather, we have all lost our treasure.
יהי זכרו ברוך
See below also ‘a tribute from his people’ from the Meaningful People Podcast.