The Jewish world mourned the passing of the leading Torah sage of our generation - HaGaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky of blessed memory, who left this world on Friday.

Close to a million Jews attended his funeral Sunday in Israel. Take a moment to reflect how remarkable that is. Rav Chaim Kanievsky held no official position, no title other than ‘rabbi’. He wielded no political power or executive authority. He commanded no budgets, no teams of employees, no press or media operation. And yet, he was one the most influential leaders in the Jewish world. 

His authority derived not from any financial or political power but simply from the depth and breadth of his Torah wisdom, from the nobility of his character, and the sincerity of his deeds. The influence he wielded, the honour he was accorded, the veneration he inspired, resided purely in his spirit.