The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

It was Wednesday, April 16, 1986.

I sat with a handful of other Talmidim as we waited in a state of uncertainty about whether the Rebbe would arrive.

We all knew the Rebbe was battling lung cancer, and his ability to give Shiur was becoming more challenging by the day.

Many of the Talmidim had already gone home for Pesach (It was one week before Pesach), and others began leaving as morning became early afternoon with no sign of Rebbe.

Thankfully, something inside of me forced me to stay put in my seat.

I recall sensing that something historic was occurring.

Somehow and someway, Rebbe opened the door, and although he looked weak and his voice was hoarse, his mind was sharp, and the last Shiur he would ever deliver in Yeshiva began.

No one knew back then that would be the last Shiur; however, looking back 39 years later, Rebbe was prescient in his final remarks.

The Shiur focused on the Haggadah and specifically how Rav Eleazer ben Azariah said, “I (feel) as if I am 70 years old.. “

Rav Alpert expressed that Rav Eleazer ben Azariah was teaching us that sometimes, a Jew has to project himself into the future.

HE elaborated on this theme:

“Despite the present challenges that a person faces, a Jew must always realize that it may take time. However, everyone will come to fulfill their life’s purpose.

Some people may reach 70 years old in years, while others may live “as if” they are 70 – as they have fulfilled their life’s work even before the chronological seventy years old.”

Rav Alpert would pass away less than six weeks later on the 17^th of Iyar 5746 (1986).

That would be the final Shiur he would ever give again in Yeshiva.

Yet, his legacy lives on in his family and the legions of Talmidim.

Today is his 39th Yahrtzeit.

May his memory be a Brocha for all.