Welcome to our latest press release! In this post, we will be discussing the newly published halacha sefer (book) on Hilchos Nidah authored by the esteemed Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Aharon Walkin zatal. Rav Aharon was an outstanding Rosh Yeshiva and Posek who served as Rosh Bais Din in Lakewood and provided great clarity on advanced topics in Halacha to many around the world. His son, Yitzchak Zev shares his memories and thoughts on his father's legacy and the importance of living life according to Halacha.
Introduction to the Sefer Birchas Aharon
It is with great honor that we present the publication of a new book on the laws of niddah, entitled Sefer Birchas Aharon. This sefer serves as a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, a comprehensive code of Jewish law, and is authored by Rabbi Aharon Walkin. The format of the sefer follows that of the Shulchan Aruch, with each section accompanied by a thorough commentary and explication. The aim of Sefer Birchas Aharon is to provide not only practical guidance but also to delve into the theoretical discourse and clarify the principles outlined in the Shulchan Aruch. The sefer includes practical instructions Psakim (laws) and rulings from the author and many great Poskim of his time.
Endorsements and Support for the Sefer Birchas Aharon
Before its release, the sefer was reviewed by esteemed Rabbis, Rav Shmuel Kamenetzky and Rav Shlomo Miller, both of whom offered their blessings for the project. In a letter addressed to Rav Walkin's son, Shlomo, Rav Shmuel Kamenetzky wrote, 'Undoubtedly, you have undertaken a noble task in allowing the general public to benefit from the teachings of your father, which were renowned for their clarity and comprehensiveness. I bless you that Hashem will grant you the opportunity to publish more of your father's lessons on various subjects of Torah.'
"Undoubtedly, you have undertaken a noble task in allowing the general public to benefit from the teachings of your father, which were renowned for their clarity and comprehensiveness..." - Rav Shmuel Kamenetzky
Building on a Great Legacy
The sefer was dedicated in part by Yitzchak Zev, one of Rav Walkin's sons. Yitzchak wrote the following for the publication of the sefer:
"As the son of Rav Aharon Zt"l, it brings me great joy and fulfillment to see the Torah and specifically the halachic views and thoughts of my father being disseminated to the world, building upon his already great legacy. This Sefer on Hilchos Nida is the first Halacha Sefer my brother Shlomo published, and Iy"H, there will be many more to follow.
My father was an exceptional Rosh Yeshiva and Posek, known for his vast knowledge of Nida, Shabbas/Yom Tov, Kashrus, and Refuah. He received shimush from several Torah luminaries, including R’ Yisrael Belsky Z"l, R' Dovid Feinstein Z"l, and R' Yichezkel Roth Z"l, a widely accepted Posek in the laws of Tuma and Tahara. I have fond memories of my father taking us, as children, to the Nida Kollel of R' Yichezkel Roth Z"l and to shiurim from R’ Yisrael Belsky Z"l, where we saw firsthand his deep love for and dedication to Halacha.
"...One of my father's unique qualities was his ability to understand people and their circumstances. This enabled him to connect with so many people on a personal level and made him a gifted Posek …"
One of my father's unique qualities was his ability to understand people and their circumstances. This enabled him to connect with so many people on a personal level and made him a gifted Posek. He always approached every shaylah with a series of follow-up questions, probing into the details and surrounding circumstances. To my father, these details mattered just as much as the specifics of the shaylah itself. He would then review the halachic opinions of various authorities on similar matters before giving his own explanation and ruling.
My father instilled in all of us the importance of living according to Halacha and had a deep appreciation for Halachic reasoning. His breadth of knowledge and Yidios were exceptional, and his saying "Koach Di'hetera Adif" - it's easy to rule something as Asur and be Machmir, but the hard part is finding a Halachikly appropriate "Hetter" and being Meikal - demonstrates his commitment to finding the most appropriate halachic ruling for every situation.
I am grateful to Hashem for giving us the ability to continue building my father's legacy and for the resources and strength to publish many more of his Sfarim. I also want to thank my mother, siblings, and the extended support group who helped make this Sefer a reality."
The Teaching Method of Rav Walkin Zt"l
The method of Rav Walkin Zt"l in delivering the lessons was to clarify the issues from the Gemara and the Rishonim, and in his explanations, he would address the points that arose from the sugya in a back-and-forth manner. From there, he would take the ideas into the words of the Shulchan Aruch and its subjects, and address and present them in reference to the later works. This was until he reached a halachic ruling in practice in accordance with his own understanding and what he received from the great authorities and teachers. His unique style of explanation, known for its depth and eloquence, was also evident in his inspiring discourses on Aggadah and ethics. This was also his approach and manner in his halacha lessons. He sought to impart the warmth and joy of learning and seasoned his words with wisdom and ethics. He also reflected on the practical conduct he observed among the most revered leaders of Israel with whom he engaged in their midst.
The Reason for the Name Birchas Aharon
Throughout the years, Rav Walkin compiled a large collection of notes on various topics,
including Hilchos Niddah. These notes were used to publish the Sefer "Birchas Aaron," and
all of the halachic notes were titled Birchas Aharon. Therefore, it was decided to use this title for the newly released sefer. In the Sefer "Birchas Aharon on Kiddushin," which Rav Walkin Zt"l published when he was 20 years old, he included a beautiful explanation for the title. Here is what he wrote:
It is my belief that this discourse should be called "Birchas Aharon" because I believe in complete Emunah (faith) that the writing and publication of this discourse was not from my own actions and completed through the strength of my own hands, but rather with the help of G-d, and from G-d alone. I was fortunate to receive this through the creator of the world, although I am young in years and small in Torah knowledge. Therefore, it is certainly "the finger of G-d" and it is a gift from my Father in Heaven. I want to give "for all the kindness that You have shown me and that You will do for me" blessings and thanks to Your great and holy Name - and for this reason, I will call the discourse "Birkat Aaron."
Rav Walkin Zatzal consistently demonstrated the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the good in others, as shown by the title he chose for his collection of halachic notes, "Birkat Aaron." This title expresses his "Hakaros Hatov" (gratitude) for the good deeds of Hashem. The practice of "Makir Tov" (recognizing the good) was something he often preached about.
The sefer is now ready, and we hope you enjoy it. And with that, the many other seforim published by Rav Walkin Zt"l. May the words of the Sefer be a source of inspiration and guidance for many years to come. We are deeply grateful for the legacy of Rav Walkin Zt"l, whose legacy will surely continue to enrich our lives. May his memory be a blessing.
Coming soon - On Pesach
