- 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 androsh yeshiva of Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah-Grodno, a private,Talmud ical institution inKew Gardens ,Queens ,New York , [ [http://www.50states.com/college/detail/ny/197692.htm 50states.com] ] containing ahigh school , Beis Midrash, andKollel . He studied inMir yeshiva (Poland) and taught in
MirYeshiva 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 theYeshiva world to be one of the greatestGedolim (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 originalHebrew , 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'sMadison 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] ]References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.