“We’re Here for a Reason”
From the Life of Rabbi Binyamin Moshe Dinovitz, zt”l
If anyone in our community epitomizes old-school Baltimore, it has to be Rabbi Binyamin Moshe Dinovitz, zt”l, who was born and raised and spent his entire life in the city. Born in 1920, Rabbi Dinovitz spoke only Yiddish for the first five years of his life. That’s what his immigrant parents spoke, of course, and so did all the children on the streets of East Baltimore. It was only when he started school that he learned the “foreign language,” English.
He had a normal upbringing for the times, but Rabbi Dinovitz took a different path from that of many of his contemporaries. It was a period of American Jewish history that was marked by wholesale defection from Yiddishkeit. The European rebbeim, not understanding the intellectual and cultural ambiance in which the children were growing up, were unable to capture their imagination. Most of Rabbi Dinovitz’s first-generation American classmates eagerly cast their lot with the professional and personal opportunities that this country represented. Yet Rabbi Dinovitz decided, early in life, to remain true to our mesorah (tradition) and our G-d.
What made him swim against the stream? “I don’t really know,” says his son Rabbi Peretz Dinovitz. “But my father always spoke very highly of his father. My grandfather never missed a minyan, but he would never force his son to go. Instead, he would call him by name and say, `I’m going to shul now.’ And since my father didn’t want his father to go alone, he went with him.
“My father taught us in the same way – by example,” he continues. “As we were growing up, he always used to say about Yiddishkeit, `Ta’amu ure’u ki tov Hashem,’ taste it and you’ll see how beautiful it is.’ He used to get very upset when people would say, “Ess iz shver tzu zein a Yid – It’s hard to be a Jew.’ To the contrary, he said, it’s a privilege.”
Like all the Jewish young men of that generation, Rabbi Dinovitz went to a high school called City College. He was unusual there in always wearing his yarmulke. In fact, his high school yearbook, which had one sentence summarizing each graduate, stated about him, “Benjamin Dinovitz always wears a skullcap.” It was not always easy, as some boys, presumably feeling guilty for not wearing theirs, made fun of him. Yet he didn’t let it bother him.
One fortunate element in Rabbi Dinovitz’s development was the presence in Baltimore of Rabbi Ruderman’s new yeshiva, Ner Israel. Entering the yeshiva in 1938, he was one of Rabbi Ruderman’s early students. He received semicha from Harav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, and married Miss Gitel Scheinerman of New York. Her family was close to R. Yaakov Yosef Herman, zt”l, (of All for the Boss fame), whose son-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Pinchos Sheinberg, founder and rosh yeshiva of Torah Ore, was their mesader kedushin.
Rabbi Dinovitz spent his whole life in Baltimore. “He always said, `You don’t have to go to Europe or Eretz Yisrael. If a person really wants to learn, he can learn anywhere,’” says Rav Peretz.
Rabbi Dinovitz gave bar mitzva lessons in Baltimore. He not only taught the boys how to read and daven but also tried to get them to be close to Hashem. He was regularly sent by Rabbi Ruderman to small communities like Charleston, South Carolina, to conduct Yamim Noraim services. People heard about him, and when a position opened up downtown, it was offered to him and he took it. This first shteller (pulpit) was called Anshei Sholom, on Poplar Grove.
Later, he was asked to be the rabbi of Ohel Yakov. The downtown congregation soon moved to its present location on Glen and Winner. Those were years of growth, both physically – as funds were raised and the present building built – and spiritually. In those days, when there were few Orthodox shuls, and most of Northwest Baltimore was populated by Jews who were far from shomrei Shabbos, it was the hard job of a rabbi to guide them to more observance. The Dinovitzes did a lot of what we now call kiruv, as Rabbi Dinovitz lovingly helped people over a long period of time to understand and take on one small mitzva after another. Many people in Baltimore attribute their becoming frum to him – and sometimes it happened quickly. For example, one man decided on the spot to become shomer Shabbos after hearing one of Rabbi Dinovitz’s sermons.
The stories about Rabbi Dinovitz are many and are just now coming to light. The common element of them all seems to be hatzneh haleches, that quality of modesty which, in modern Jewish life, is sometimes honored more in the breach than in the observance. As Rabbi Dovid Katz said at the shloshim, many are the rabbis who are eloquent orators – and we need and appreciate them – but Rabbi Dinovitz was a rabbi who made a real difference in people’s personal lives. He was there always to serve. Rabbi Katz told the story of his own father’s petira, and how Rabbi Dinovitz made sure to come to the Katz home the day after shiva. Sitting with the almana (widow) and the children, he used his personal influence with Sol Levinson to get the funeral bill cut in half.
Rav Peretz says, “My father had a tremendous amount of patience. He was especially sensitive to almanos, and always made time for them. I remember once, when he was talking on the phone to an elderly almana until midnight. The next morning he went to neitz (dawn) minyan. As soon as he stepped in the house, she called again. I answered the phone and said, `My father is not available.’ He said, `I am available,’ and he talked to her until noon. I asked him, `Ta, how can you do it?’ and he answered me, `If you have ahavas Yisrael, how can you not do it! This was his motto for life: Be there for everyone else. He didn’t want anyone to know about it. It was enough that Hashem knew about it.”
Rav Peretz tells this story: “Many years ago, a very powerful man was doing something my father felt was wrong. He called him up and, in a kind yet powerful manner, gave him mussar. `It’s wrong, you know it’s wrong, and you still have time to stop. Hashem sees everything.’ The person was mekabel (listened). Later, someone said to my father, `You were speaking to so-and-so? Do you know how powerful he is?’ To which my father answered, `No one is more powerful than Hashem.’”
A very different kind of incident occurred when the Dinovitzes first moved to Bland Avenue. A huge St. Bernard dog was overturning all the garbage cans on the block, and a group of non-religious but respectful neighbors came to ask, “Rabbi, can we poison the dog?” Rabbi Dinovitz asked if the dog was dangerous. When he learned that he was not, he said, “Don’t you understand? The dog is hungry. I’ll go out and help clean up the mess, and maybe we can find a way to feed the dog.” Says Rav Peretz, “It was always about kindness to everyone, even a dog.
“Once we had on ore’ach (guest) who would insult my parents. Every Shabbos, he ate at our table and told my father, `Nobody likes your sermons, you speak too long,’ etc. It really bothered me, and I protested that it’s not kibud av for me to sit there and listen to that. My father said, `Sit and be quiet. Kibud av is to do what your father says. This man is obviously not well. If you say something to him, he won’t go to shul, he won’t daven, and he won’t have a Shabbos meal. And that’s more important. What he says doesn’t bother me.’
“There was never a dull moment growing up my house,” says Rav Peretz. “I learned so much about hanhagos (conduct) for life from my father. He taught us, this is what we have to do. We’re here for a reason.”
If These Walls Could Talk
Lessons from the Life of Rabbi Binyamin Moshe Dinovitz, zt”l
by Brian Caplan
The knock was a familiar sound for the young brothers, Yankie and Peretz Dinovitz, as it was not uncommon to find a stranger at their parents’ door seeking a warm meal, a listening ear, or a night’s respite from the emptiness in their lives, whether physical or spiritual.
It was the 1960s, a decade when hippies and transients were a common sight in one’s daily travels. But not on Bland Avenue, which was considered a safe haven from these seemingly threatening individuals.
On this particular day, however, the presence on the other side of the doorway was larger than life and frightening in appearance. It was a middle aged man and his equally imposing female companion in bedraggled clothing. When Rabbi Dinovitz saw his young sons frozen in fear, he quickly approached the doorway to intercede. “May I help you?” Rabbi Dinovitz inquired. “Ben, you remember me? I taught you how to ride a bike. We went to `sheeva’ together.” Rabbi Dinovitz acknowledged his words with a nod. “I’m hungry, I need to eat something.”
Rabbi Dinovitz discreetly glanced over the man’s shoulder and noticed his dilapidated station wagon with a mattress inside. “Are you, by any chance, living in that car?”
“Yes, why does it matter?” the stranger replied defensively. Rabbi Dinovitz responded with his typical love for every human being, “Get your things and come inside; you’ll live with us until you can get back on your feet.”
As the man and his friend went back to the car to gather their belongings, Yankie was scared. “Tattie, I didn’t know you knew how to ride a bike.”
“I don’t,” said his father.
“Did you go to yeshiva with that guy?”
“I don’t think so,” Rabbi Dinovitz responded confidently. “But I think I may have known his father from a long time ago.”
“Tatty, are you really going to let him move in with us?”
“Yankie, these people are homeless, and Hashem sent them to our door for a reason. We must do what we can to help them.”
The strangers moved in, and Rabbi Dinovitz took the man to shul with him every day and taught him how to put on tefilin and daven. They received the world-renowned hospitality and comfort of the Dinovitzes’ home and expressed appreciation to whatever degree they were capable of.
After a year – that’s right, a year – the man approached Rabbi Dinovitz and announced that he decided it was time to seek gainful employment and move out, but would need a reliable vehicle in order to do so. Having no financial resources, he had learned that the Hebrew Free Loan would assist him with the funds necessary, provided he had a credible cosigner. Rabbi Dinovitz responded without hesitation. The loan was procured, and the automobile was purchased. The couple moved out within three weeks, never to return and, unfortunately, never to make a loan payment.
For a very long time, until the loan was paid off, Rabbi Dinovitz sent off his personal checks each week. Rabbi Dinovitz was struggling to meet his own family’s needs out of the meager income from his shul and the bar mitzva lessons for which he charged minimally.
About 15 years later in California, Yankie, now a rebbi with a black belt degree in martial arts, recognized that same strange man from afar. With a sense of vigilantism, Yankie immediately phoned his father. “Tatty, I found him!”
“Found who?”
“Remember that guy who stiffed you for the loan, and you had to pay it off for years?”
“Which one?” Rabbi Dinovitz responded, not surprisingly.
“The guy who lived with us for a year, and then you cosigned his loan for the car, and then he left town three weeks later.”
With the strongest authoritativeness in his voice, Rabbi Dinovitz commanded Yankie to turn around and go in the opposite direction. “That man was obviously not well and is most probably still not. If he, chas veshalom, senses that you recognize him, he will be terribly embarrassed. Yankie, I forbid you to let him see you, and if you do go over to him, you will be over (violate) the d’oraisa of kibud av (filial respect)!”
With that, Yankie turned on his heels and walked away, having learned, once again, the beauty of Hashem’s Torah and the greatness of his father.
Yankie saw that man several more times during his years in California, and each time, he remembered his father’s lesson that strength of middos is more difficult to exhibit yet more rewarding than the display of physical strength.
* * *
After suffering for many years from fallen arches, Rabbi Dinovitz was at his wit’s end. The pain was severely impacting his ability to go about his daily routine. To his relief, someone suggested he see a certain woman who was known to make custom orthopedic shoes. The woman was a widow and paid meticulous care to each pair of shoes she created, as it was her sole income (pun intended). The shoes were very expensive and took at least three weeks to complete, once payment in full was received.
Rabbi Dinovitz waited until he had the money saved up and went with his son Peretz to have the molds for the shoes made. He paid the full price and spent the next few weeks in anticipation of the final product, which promised to greatly reduce his constant pain.
The day came to pick up his shoes. His son Peretz excitedly drove him to the kind widow’s house. The woman requested that he try the shoes on there to make sure they fit, but Rabbi Dinovitz did not want to bother with the hassle involved in removing his current, ill-fitting shoes.
When they arrived home, Peretz tried and tried unsuccessfully to fit the new shoes on their father. They simply were fashioned wrong. Seeing the disappointment on his father’s face, Peretz offered the logical solution. “Tomorrow, we will take the shoes back and get a refund for your money.”
With a sternness that stemmed from great moral sensitivity, Rabbi Dinovitz stopped him in his tracks. “Absolutely not. That widow spent three weeks devoted to making these shoes and this is her only source of revenue. I cannot allow her to lose out. I’ve managed until now, and with Hashem’s help I will continue to do so. I will not return these shoes.” And so, to this day, those shoes, still brand new, sit in Rabbi Dinovitz’s home, stored away with many other testaments to his quiet righteousness.
* * *
In Cleveland, in 1978, Yaakov S., a yeshiva bachur, was in the bais medrash when an ani (poor person) approached him with a certificate validating his unfortunate circumstances. After Yaakov gave the grateful recipient a one dollar bill and wished him well, a fellow student came over to him with important information. “Did you read that man’s certificate? It was signed by a chashuv rav from Montreal, but it was dated 1958. It’s 20 years old!” Yaakov shook his head, “What should I do about it? I only gave him a dollar?”
Not long after, Yaakov was visiting Rabbi and Mrs. Dinovitz when he noticed the same ani in their house requesting charity. Taking advantage of a private moment with Rabbi Dinovitz, Yaakov made sure to alert him to the ani’s outdated certificate. With the sensitivity and ahavas Yisrael typical of Rabbi Dinovitz, he replied sympathetically, “That’s terrible! This man has been destitute for over 20 years! We must help him.”
* * *
Too often we don’t know what we have until we have lost it. Rabbi Binyamin Moshe Dinovitz left an indelible impression on so many tzelmai ehlokim. He will be sorely missed.
If These Walls Could Talk is a book being compiled about the quiet acts of strength and wisdom in the lifelong avodas Hashem of Rabbi Binyamin Moshe Dinovitz, zt”l. If you have stories to contribute, please submit them to brian@weinbergacademy.org.
Rabbi Binyamin Moshe Dinovitz, zt”l
by Rabbi Moshe Shuvalsky
Rabbi Binyamin Moshe Dinovitz, zt”l, among the prominent rabbonim of Balitmore, Maryland, ascended on High and entered Eternity on 21 Marcheshvan, 5769, November 19, 2008. His passing left a deep void in the Baltimore Jewish community, in particular, and among his countless disciples, friends, and acquaintances throughout America and Eretz Yisrael, in general.
In Baltimore, Rabbi Binyamin Dinovitz was among the earlier students of the great Rosh Hayeshiva and Gaon Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, zt”l, the world-famous founder of yeshivas Ner Israel Rabbinical College. Rabbi Dinovitz was a recipient of semicha (rabbinic ordination) by the internationally renowned posek hador (halachic decisor of the generation) and Gaon Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, zt”l.
More than 50 years ago, when Rabbi Binyamin Dinovitz entered the bond of matrimony with his Rebbetzin, Gitel Scheinerman Dinovitz, may she be well and enjoy many years of life replete with happiness, the noted Gaon Rabbi Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg, shlit”a, was the mesader kedushin (marriage performer), when he was already Rosh Hayeshiva of Torah Ore Yeshiva.
For a duration of a few years, Rabbi Dinovitz was identified with the faculty of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim-Talmudical Academy of Baltimore, teaching Talmud and Bible, while he was the beloved Rov of Anshei Sholom Congregation Baltimore.
More than 50 years ago, when the leaders of the Baltimore Ohel Yakov Congregation contemplated transplanting their building, which was on Aisquith and Gay Streets in the downtown section, to the uptown neighborhood, on Glen and Winner Avenues, Rabbi Binyamin Dinovitz accepted the call to serve as Mora De’asra and Rabbi. From a humble beginning in a small cottage, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Dinovitz persuaded the officers to let them inaugurate a campaign to build an adequate place suitable for a house of worship. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Dinovitz spearheaded the campaign and worked tirelessly as the directors of the fundraising. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Dinovitz built the magnificent edifice housing the sanctuary for prayers, the bais hamidrash for learning Torah, and the auditorium for special functions.
Within the portals of the bais hamidrash, many pirkei mishnayos and dapim (folios) of gemara were studied, and many Talmudic siyumim (completions) were held.
Rabbi Dinovitz was exuberantly successful in influencing members and acquaintances to become shomrei Shabbos. He was an outstanding baal chesed, excelling in performance of kindness to his fellow person. The performance of hachnasas orchim, being hospitable to strange guests, by the Rabbi and Rebbetzin was amazing.
Rabbi Dinovitz was recognized as a dean of the Baltimore rabbinate, and was careful not to speak lashon hara, gossip, about people. He loved to do favors for people. He was endowed as a good baal masbir, able to explain intricate Talmudic passages and subjects. He was accomplished in the area of sacred music, and therefore he was an excellent baal tefila and a good chazan.
Rabbi Dinovitz was an interesting and eloquent speaker. He was a “nistar” – he had hidden virtuous traits. Rabbi Dinovitz was responsible for arranging for the Munkatch Rosh Yeshiva and Saltzburg Rav, the Gaon Rabbi Yitzchok Sternhel, zt”l, author of three volumes on halachic subjects, Kochvei Yitzchok, and founder of Yeshiva Shearis Hapleita, now Yeshiva Kochov Yitzchok Torah Institute.
Eulogies were given by the following: The Gaon Rabbi Moshe Scheinerman, nephew, author of three treatises on Talmudic halacha and chairman of the eulogizers, a leading rav of Brooklyn, N.Y.; the Gaon Rabbi Aharon Feldman, Rosh Hayeshiva of Ner Yisroel and author of a halachic work on Zero’im; Rabbi Yoel Feldman, past menahel of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim-Talmudical Academy and friend of the niftar; Rabbi Moshe Shuvalsky, mechutan and chavrusa; Rabbi Yakov Paysach Dinovitz, son; Rabbi Peretz Dinovitz, son, who performed rabbinic functions during his father’s illness, and is successor as Rabbi and Mora d’asra of Ohel Yakov Congregation; and Reb Dov Elyahu Dinovitz, grandson.
Among the many rabbinic celebrities in attendance at the funeral to give the kavod ha’achron (final respect) to the niftar included representatives of the Torah institutions: Hagaon Rabbi Sheftel Meir Neuberger, President/Menahel Yeshivas Ner Israel Rabbinical College; Hagaon Rabbi Beryl Weisbord, Menahel Ruchani (spiritual dean); Hagaon Rabbi Shraga Neuberger, Rosh Yeshiva; Rabbi Yehuda Lefkovitz, President Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim-Talmudical Academy of Baltimore; Hagaon Rabbi Tzvi Dov Slanger, Rosh Hayeshiva Bais Hamidrash and Mesivta d’Baltimore; Hagaon Rabbi Tsvi Teichman of Beis Hamedrash Ohel Moshe; Rabbi Ari Flamm, Executive Director Bais Yaakov School for Girls; Rabbi Gershon Flamm, Administrative Director Yeshiva Kochov Yitzchok-Torah Institute; Rabbi Jacob A. Max, more than 50 years prominent city Rabbi and founding Rabbi of Liberty Jewish Center, yeshiva classmate of the niftar.
At the shiva house, among the many rabbinic leaders expressing condolences were Rabbi Hillel Klavan, for many years President of the Greater Washington Vaad Harabbonim and yeshiva classmate of Rabbi Dinovitz; Rabbi Chaim Orange, identified with the administration of Yeshiva Torah Ore flew in from Jerusalem to express condolences.
Survivors include Rebbetzin Gitel Scheinerman Dinovitz, wife; sons Rabbi Yakov Paysach Dinovitz and Rabbi Peretz Dinovitz, who performed the rabbinic functions during the illness of his father and is the successor as Rabbi Mora De’asra of Ohel Yakov Congregation. Included among the grandchildren are Rabbi Hillel Dinovitz, fellow of the Lakewood Kollel in Yerushalayim; Rabbi Shmuel Yehuda Leib Dinovitz of the Mirrer Yeshiva Kollel of Yerusahlayim; Rabbi Aharon Tzvi Dinovitz and Yisroel Meir Yosef Dinovitz, learning in Jerusalem yeshivos, among others in the United States.
