Zelik Epstein

Zelik Epstein, also known as Zelig Epstein (full name Aharon Zelig Epstein), (b. 1913), is a prominent [William B. Helmreich. "The World of the Yeshiva: An Intimate Portrait of Orthodox Jewry" New York: Free Press, 1982, page xix] Orthodox rabbi and rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah-Grodno, a private, Talmudical institution in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York, [ [http://www.50states.com/college/detail/ny/197692.htm 50states.com] ] containing a high school, Beis Midrash, and Kollel. He studied in Mir yeshiva (Poland)
Mir and taught in Yeshiva Torah Vodaas prior to becoming rosh yeshiva at Shaar HaTorah.

Despite maintaining a relatively low profile, [For example, Rabbi Epstein has never joined the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, despite numerous invitations.] Rabbi Epstein is considered in the Yeshiva world to be one of the greatest Gedolim (Torah giants) of the generation. Indeed, he is known to have been a close confidant of several Gedolim of the previous generation, including Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky ["See" "Reb Yaakov" by Yonasan Rosenblum, p. 146 (Mesorah Publications, 1993).] and Rabbi Elazar Shach.

Rabbi Epstein is married to a granddaughter of Rabbi Shimon Shkop, who was rosh yeshiva of the original Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah-Grodno. His son, Rabbi Kalman Epstein, a highly respected scholar in his own right, gives the highest level Shiur in the Yeshiva. The younger Rabbi Epstein also assists his father in running the Yeshiva due to the latter's advanced age.

Rabbi Epstein has supported Rabbi Nathan Kamenetsky and his book Making of a Godol, stating in a letter to Rabbi Yosef Shalom Eliashiv that "in my opinion there is no justification whatsoever to ban the aforementioned book." [Translated from the original Hebrew, with emphasis in original. "See" Making of a Godol, section entitled "Torah sages who support the book."] In addition, he did not participate in the controversial bans on Rabbi Natan Slifkin's books and on Lipa Schmeltzer's Madison Square Garden concert (which was to have taken place in March 2008).

Rabbi Epstein serves together with many other prominent Roshei Yeshiva on the rabbinical board of "Kesher", a shidduch initiative. [ [http://www.kesherconnection.com/kesherrabbinicalpage.html Kesher Shidduch Initiative] ]

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