Binyomin Paler

Rabbi Binyomin Paler (Hebrew: בנימין פלר; 1908 – August 6, 2000) was a Haredi rosh yeshiva and Talmudist who is regarded as one of those who brought the Brisk yeshivas and methods from Europe to the United States. He was considered one of the closest students of Rabbi Yitzchok Zev Soloveitchik (the Brisker Rov.) He was born in Brest, Belarus, then in Russia, to his father, Rabbi Yitzchok Paler. The family claimed descent from such Torah authorities as Rabbi Moses Isserles and Rabbi Meir ben Isaac Katzenellenbogen. Rabbi Yitzchok Paler, a full-time Talmudic scholar, was so well respected in the community of Brest that when the Brisker Rov was not available to serve as a Sandek at a Bris, Rabbi Yitzchok Paler served in that capacity instead. As a child, Rabbi Binyomin Paler gained a reputation as a child prodigy. He originally learned in the yeshiva in Brisk headed by Moshe Sokolowsky, author of Imrei Moshe. As he matured, he was allowed to join a small circle of select individuals who had the privilege to learn directly with the Brisker Rov. Even during World War II, Rabbi Binyomin Paler did not leave his beloved teacher, the Brisker Rov, rather, he followed the latter to Vilna to continue his studies. While learning in Brest, Rabbi Binyomin Paler's study partner was Rabbi Berel Soloveitchik. The duo learned eight folios of the Talmud every day. Rabbi Paler was reputed to have learned the entire Nezikin in one winter semester. He was also reputed to have been an expert in the all works of Maimonides and memorized the latter's works as well as the entire Gemara. Eventually, Rabbi Binyomin Paler joined the Mirrer yeshiva and escaped the horrors of the Holocaust in Europe by finding refuge with the Yeshiva in Shanghai. After the war,...