“משה איש האלקים”

To understand what a lofty neshama Reb Moshe’le possessed, his parents, Maran Reb Aharon and Rebbetzin Chaya Devora, bore children who passed away young. When Rebbetzin Chaya Devorah asked her revered father-in-law, the Frierdiger Rav zt’’l, “So many people come to you for tefillos and blessings, and your son, Reb Aharon, you can’t help?” 

The Frierdiger Rav answered: “What should I do that my son wants to bring down such holy neshamas that can’t tolerate עולם הזה – this world?”

Reb Moshe’le was raised in such a holy home. He had a sharp mind and exceptional middos, and he exceeded the expectations of his parents and Melamdim.

When the Frierdiger Rav was in Munkach during WWI, he studied daily with his grandson Reb Moshe’le.

Reb Moshele had a weak constitution and was often sickly, yet he used all his strength to learn for endless hours.  The Frierdiger Rav expressed, “Moshe’le has my nature. He can sit in one place and learn for hours!”

Reb Moshe’s strong relationship with his grandfather was reflected in his observance of Halacha and minhagim.  He once purchased a new pair of shoes and wanted to wear them for the first time on Shabbos – לכבוד שבת קודש.  The Frierdiger Rav told him that wearing new shoes for the first time on Shabbos is inappropriate, since the first time wearing shoes presses on the feet and is uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s not an עונג שבת – “Wear them first on Friday, and then on Shabbos,” advised his grandfather. 

Reb Moshe’le was renowned for his sharp mind.  When he sat by his father, Maran Reb Aharon’s tish, it appeared as if he was napping while his father was saying ‘Torah.’ But when the chassidim reviewed the Divrei Torah, Reb Moshe’le repeated each word and explained what his father said.

One Erev Shabbos, Reb Moshe was unable to immerse in the Mikvah.  During the Friday night Tish, when chassidim were pushing to wish Maran Reb Aharon of Belz “Git Shabbos,” Reb Moshe exclaimed: “מקוה ישראל ה’” when standing amongst Yidden one can Toivel – immerse himself just like in a mikvah. And Reb Moshe bent down as if he were immersing himself in a Mikvah.

Reb Moshe’le conducted his life beyond worldly realms. Everyone used to marvel at his levels of Kedusha in Torah, avodah, and Gemilas Chassadim.  He was known as “משה איש האלקים”, as R’ Avraham Dov Ringel z’’l eloquently described Reb Moshe’le:

“רבי משה’לע איז געווען אן “אמתע’ר צדיק א שטיק טאטע – He was a true tzaddik, just like his father.” 

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