Rabbi Binyomin Olstein

Harav Binyomin Olstein arrived in Chicago in 1993 on a learning sabbatical from his position as Rosh Yeshiva at Machon Lev – Jerusalem Technological College, to spend the year as a member of the Kollel of Bet Midrash L’Torah, and as a visiting professor of Tanakh at Blitstein Institute. His impact on students and faculty at Blitstein Institute was extraordinary. Persuading Harav Olstein to remain at Blitstein Institute, and to cede his advanced position at the Yeshiva in Jerusalem, along with his pulpit at one of the largest shuls in Bayit Vegan, Beit Knesset “Ohev Yisrael”, was no simple feat. Yet, Harav Olstein agreed to accept the position of Menahel Ruchani at Blitstein Institute.

Harav Olstein’s has enjoyed relationships with gedolei Yisrael, who have helped him shape his educational philosophy. Chief among them was Dayan Zalmen Nechemia Goldberg, zt”l (son-in-law of Harav Shlomo Z. Auerbach zt”l) who provided not only guidance in Limud and Halakha but also “a role model of a Rabbinic leader who seeks and emphasizes the commonalities that unite Klal Yisrael rather than those that divide us.” In addition, Harav Olstein credits his teacher and colleague Harav Aharon Golevenzitz shlita with his sensitivity to interpersonal ethics and the importance of listening. It was he “who transmitted to me the heritage of Rav Eliyahu Lopian zt”l, with all of its implications.” 

Enriched and guided by his Rebbes, Harav Olstein perpetuates the Mesorah by providing his students with a living model of Kavod Hatorah. He instills in them not only an appreciation for the intellectual adventure of learning, but a reverence for the meaning and the Masters of Torah. Rabbi Olstein teaches Tanakh each semester and oversees the entire Judaic Studies department at Blitstein Institute. Rivka Rubinoff, a former student, states, “Rabbi Olstein teaches on a very personal individual level.” His influence is felt across the curriculum – Judaic and general – and his leadership is appreciated by instilling the letter and spirit of the Halakha and Mesorah in all aspects of life at Blitstein Institute.