Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber Covers His Ears as Bochur Recites Bracha of “Shecholak”: “A Bracha Levatala!”

Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber Covers His Ears as Bochur Recites Bracha of “Shecholak”: “A Bracha Levatala!”

[Video below.] A striking moment at Yeshivas Ponovezh in Bnei Brak has generated considerable discussion across the yeshiva world, after Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber, Rosh Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas and one of the prominent marbitzei Torah of the yeshiva world, covered his ears when a bochur recited the rare bracha of “Shechalak Mechochmaso Lireiav” upon seeing him. The incident occurred at a Siyum HaShas held on Erev Rosh Hashanah l’illui nishmas Ponovezh talmid Meir Shaer z”l, who was tragically niftar during bein hazemanim. Bochurim and rabbonim of the yeshiva gathered for the special maamad, which included divrei chizuk and hisorerus in preparation for the Yom Hadin. Among those who came to address the gathering was Rav Schreiber, widely known throughout the Torah world for his phenomenal yedios haTorah. Rav Schreiber, who is currently in need of a refuah sheleimah, delivered words of chizuk ahead of Rosh Hashanah. As Rav Bunim entered the maamad, however, an unexpected scene unfolded. One of the bochurim rose from his place and, in a loud voice, began reciting with Shem U’Malchus the uncommon bracha said upon seeing an outstanding talmid chochom: “Baruch Atah Hashem… Shechalak Mechochmaso Lireiav.” Rav Bunim immediately reacted. Known for his uncompromising adherence to halacha and his distaste for displays of personal kavod, the Rosh Yeshiva placed both hands firmly over his ears so that he would not hear the conclusion of the bracha. He then sharply called out to the bochur in front of the assembled crowd: “Erev Rosh Hashanah! Bracha levatala!” WATCH: https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/VIDEO-2026-09-17-19-12-33.mp4 {Matzav.com}