The Mashpia

Thousands of students were educated by the legendary gaon and mekubal Rabbi Menachem Zev HaLevi Greenglass—affectionately known as “Volf”—throughout his close to seventy years of serving as mashpia in Tomchei Temimim Montreal, the yeshiva he helped establish by direction of the Frierdiker Rebbe.

Born in Lodz, Poland, to Aleksander Chassidim, Reb Volf was attracted at a young age to the derech of Chabad, enrolling in the Tomchei Temimim in Otvotzk. The outbreak of WWII sent him on a remarkable journey through Lithuania, Russia, Japan, and China, until he ultimately arrived in Montreal, Canada.

In Montreal, Reb Volf served as the chief mashpia, mentoring generations of students and even concerning himself with their physical needs. Unassuming and with a cheerful disposition, he was always equipped with a witty response.

Proficient in all areas of Torah, Reb Volf played a crucial role in compiling Sefer Haminhagim and publishing a halachic composition, Likutei Dinim, at the Rebbe’s instruction. Fluent in Kabbalah, he developed a fascinating relationship with contemporary kabbalists, orchestrated by the Rebbe.

Aside from his immense Torah knowledge, Reb Volf was a treasure trove of Chassidic stories, fond of telling them during classes and farbrengens to deliver important messages.

This English volume includes a comprehensive biography of Reb Volf’s life from Poland to Montreal, hundreds of stories and vertlach told by Reb Volf, and his writings and correspondence.