Address to Rabbi Keermaier on Leadership and Jewish Learning

The document is a philosophical address, likely by Elie Wiesel, to Rabbi Keermaier on the occasion of his induction into a leadership role. It begins by interpreting the Pirkei Avot passage "Assé lekha rav u'kné leha khaver" (Make for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend), exploring the complex relationship between a student (hassid) and a teacher (Rebbe). The author reflects on the nature of a true Rav, referencing the compassionate yet suffering Hasidic masters of Wizsnitz. The text then broadens to discuss the current era of global distrust and the unique challenges facing the Jewish people. Citing the destruction of the Temples and centuries of persecution, the author posits that Jewish survival is a mystery sustained by the unwavering commitment to learning the Torah. An anecdote about advising the Dalai Lama on survival in exile underscores this point: the Jews carried the Torah from Jerusalem, and this love of learning preserved their memory and soul. The address concludes by directly encouraging Rabbi Keermaier, emphasizing that his own learning will be central to his new leadership position.