The Mirrer Mashgiach, Horav Yechezkel Levinstein, zl, was known as a person who approached mitzvah performance with enthusiasm and exuberance. His vitality and vigor did not wane even as he advanced in age. He truly embodied the pasuk in Tehillim 92, “A righteous man will flourish like a date palm…They will be fruitful in old age, vigorous and fresh they will be.” Each of his tefillos, prayers, were the result of a unique rejuvenation. Each mussar lecture was a new experience. To listen to him was to share in the re-invigoration of his spirit. No aspect of his spiritual ritual could be termed complacent.
One of Horav Levinstein’s students related that as he was taking leave of him, the Mashgiach said, “Tell our students that the Torah’s imperative, “you shall choose life,” is a directive which is never- ending. We are to diligently choose life, constantly seeking ways for self- improvement. The greatest danger in one’s spiritual development is stagnation. One either grows constantly, or he falls behind. On the road to spiritual ascension, inertia is tantamount to failure.
