The Alter of Novardok

The Life of Rav Yosef Yoizel Horowitz and his worldwide impact

By Rabbi Shlomo Weintraub (Author) Esther Ilana Rabi (Translated by)

Rav Yosef Yoizel Horowitz, the "Alter of Novardok," was a child prodigy and, later, a successful merchant. A "chance" meeting with Rav Yisrael Salanter sparked in him the passionate desire to immerse himself in Torah learning, and he spent years in solitude, delving into the Torah's teachings. Then, reluctantly but with great determination, he left his ascetic and solitary life to establish more than eighty yeshivos whose talmidim would go on to change the face of Torah learning forever.

The Alter of Novardok tells the story of this fascinating and complex personality, who was one of the most influential figures of the 19th and early 20th century. He lived in a time when Torah study was under attack, and many fell into despair - but not the Alter. He lived in a world of faith, and his faith was well-rewarded as he helped build a thriving Torah network.

The Alter of Novardok examines Rav Yosef Yoize'l's unusual life, his teachings and his hashkafah, and includes nearly 300 vivid photographs. It also introduces many Torah luminaries, such as Rav Yerucham Levovitz, Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, and many more, who helped him save the world of Torah learning at a time when many thought it was beyond hope.

At the same time inspiring and informational, this is a must-read book for anyone interested in the world of the yeshivah and mussar.