These words are being written as the family of the founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Bais HaMedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore, Rav Zvi Dov Slanger, zecher tzadik livracha, is getting up from shiva. The sudden loss of this vibrant leader has cast a pall on the city and shocked those close to him.

I shall attempt in this article to relate some stories, some of which were told during shiva, others from my personal experience, to present a picture of the Rosh Yeshiva. I acutely recognize that whatever I write will fall well short of the kavod that Rav Slanger deserves, but I will do my best.

Ahh, Pickwick Apartments. As young newlyweds, my wife Leslie and I rented a two-bedroom apartment on Elray Drive. It had a large kitchen, a washer-dryer, and a beautiful walk-in closet.

Our initial monthly rent, in the spring of 1974, was $190. As time passed we were blessed with two beautiful daughters, and the second bedroom had ample space for them. The monthly rent had increased to $210.

The landlord took care of any repairs. There was no grass to cut, no property taxes to pay, and when a neighbor complained about our sukkah, we were given two weeks to take it down.