The English update issue 164 164 | Page 33

Feature Photo credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com When he finishes, there is a tap on his shoulder. It is Rabbi Schuster, asking him, “Do you have the time?” continued from page 16 and they started going back every afternoon during their breaks from yeshiva to speak with more young men. They encountered about 15 young men in the first two weeks, bringing some back to Reb Meir’s house for a Shabbos seuda. At first it was Reb Chaim doing the talking, but then Reb Meir started taking over. He began to do it very well, as if this was natural for him. After those two weeks, Reb Meir took over completely, and he continued his vigil at the Kotel for the next 40 years. Day in, day out, feeling sick, with a sprained ankle, in the hottest weather and the coldest, in the rain and in the snow, as a pure chesed, receiving no monetary payment, he was there. Being soaking wet for hours was of no importance to Reb Meir because he was searching with the utmost determination for any neshamas he could possibly tap that were ripe for finding fulfillment. The Secret of His Success As one of his “recruits” put it: “He did all this for 40 years – not with a silver tongue – but by being real. And ‘real’ trumps a silver tongue every time.” People think they need to be a charismatic charmer to be successful at reaching people, but it was Reb Meir’s pure earnestness that found its way into another’s heart, gently and directly. Reb Meir would typically ask both men and women if they wanted to attend a class or come for a Shabbos meal. He would often wait after class for the person or come back the next day to get their feedback. He would travel on several buses to help someone collect their things so that it would be easier for them to return for more studies. He would remain in touch with as many individuals as he could, sending cards of encouragement that managed to make major impacts even thousands of miles away. As one who was “pursued” by Reb Meir for years and years said, “No one cared more deeply about a soul than Reb Meir Schuster.” Reb Meir, in a way, brings to mind Moshe Rabeinu, who was determined to overcome his most glaring weakness of being a shy and awkward speaker in order to fulfill his role for the Jewish people. His wife said that Reb Meir’s most over-riding characteristic was his unwavering belief in syata d’Shmaya - the unimaginable assistance that is possible from the Soul of Souls. She saw how her husband went against all odds to do what he did. Rav Noach Weinberg, of blessed memory, agreed, saying that if Reb Meir could do kiruv, then anyone – no matter how shy or reserved – could do kiruv. As such, he was a model that inspired a generation of others who didn’t think they had “the right stuff ” to pursue kiruv. Rebbetzin Schuster also said, “When he decided to do something, he did it ‘ad ha sof.’ He wouldn’t give up until the end. When he was barely able to even walk anymore, he still wanted to go to England to raise funds for the Heritage House , and nothing could stand in his way because every action he did, he did l’shem Shamyaim. And he never got involved in any kind of politics.” The souls who descend into this world spend most of their time on Feb 28, 2014 33