In the Footsteps of Greatness (Don Jarashow)

Welcome to the In the Footsteps of Greatness podcast! In this first episode, we share the story of Reb Zusha of Anipoli, setting the tone for the journey ahead. His life reminds us that true greatness isn’t about imitating others but about discovering and embracing the greatness within ourselves. Join us as we explore inspiring stories of remarkable individuals, uncovering lessons on humility, faith, and personal growth to help you unlock your unique potential and walk your own path to greatness. Start your journey now.

When a young boy accidentally extinguished the Tolner Rebbe’s menorah, the room went silent. But the Rebbe’s response was unexpected. Instead of scolding, he thanked the boy, turning the moment into a lesson about effort and Hashem’s will. This Chanukah, we learn that the process—our efforts and kindness—matter more than the results.

The Kelm Yeshiva taught that greatness lies in every step of a mitzvah, not just the final result. Rav Simcha Zissel Brodie demonstrated this through his humble dedication to even the smallest tasks. This Chanukah, the menorah’s lights remind us that the preparation, effort, and process are just as holy as the glowing flames.

Music: Warm Memories - Emotional Inspiring Piano by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Arrested by Soviet police and exiled to Siberia, Rav Baruch Ber’s talmidim sang with unwavering faith, unaware their deportation would become their salvation. Discover their inspiring story of bitachon and hidden miracles.

Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

Harav Chaim Halberstam, the Sanzer Rav, endured the devastating loss of his young son and made the unusual decision to hold the levaya before Shacharis. What profound message did he reveal through this choice? Discover how the Divrei Chaim found gratitude and faith in the face of unimaginable pain.

The Bobover Rebbe saw greatness in Moshe, even when Moshe seemed far removed from holiness. He looked past the struggles and external failings, recognizing the pure, untarnished soul within. In this time of Shovavim, we’re reminded that no matter where we stand or how far we’ve strayed, the ground beneath us is holy. Remove the barriers, reconnect to your essence, and take the next step toward becoming the real you.

Barefoot in the icy wilderness of Siberia, Rav Chatzkel Abramsky faced impossible odds. Deprived of warmth and strength, he turned to Hashem with unwavering faith—and defied the limits of human endurance.

A ship of survivors nears freedom, but one bachur chooses learning over the greatest sight of his life. Why? Tune in to discover a lesson in focus and what truly matters.

A baker was disheartened—before the war, people scrutinized every loaf, but now, in the midst of war, his business was thriving in a way he had never seen. Confused, he turned to the Chofetz Chaim, who revealed a powerful truth about human nature and the way we view our blessings.

Criticism can feel like arrows, but Rav Shach saw it as a badge of honor. When a young rabbi complained about backlash, Rav Shach showed him a drawer full of attacks—letters he cherished, not discarded. “Some want their graves covered with books—I want mine covered with these.” A lesson in sacrifice, legacy, and the true battle for Torah.