In a heartfelt and inspiring message, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, rov of Ramat Elchonon, offered words of chizuk and encouragement to hundreds of people coping with speech difficulties.
In a rare and moving disclosure, Rav Zilberstein shared that as a child, he too had struggled with stuttering, describing himself during that period as k’vad peh and k’vad lashon. He reassured his listeners that, just as he overcame the challenge, they too would, offering a warm brachah to all those navigating similar difficulties.
The message was broadcast on the Siach Yitzchok hotline in a special segment presented by Rav Chaim Malin, a grandson of Rav Zilberstein. Rav Malin introduced a new initiative aimed at helping those who suffer from stuttering, describing it as a beacon of hope for many.
“There are so many people today who suffer from stuttering,” Rav Zilberstein began. “They can’t speak properly or fluently, and it causes them tremendous anguish and fear. They are afraid to speak in public or even open their mouths in front of others. They feel incapable of delivering shiurim or speaking before a crowd, which in turn chips away at their self-worth.”
He lamented the lack of an organized body to address the issue. “This area has largely been neglected,” he said. “But now, a talmid chacham named Rav Chaim Acker, himself a respected yungerman who suffers from this difficulty, launched a new support line called He’emanti Va’adabeir.”
The line brings together a large group of yungeleit and bochurim who struggle with stuttering. The goal, Rav Malin explained, is for members to speak with one another, share tips, give mutual encouragement, and hear from professionals. The aim is to strengthen their confidence and uplift their spirits.
“They asked me to pose the question to Saba (grandfather),” Rav Malin said, “to hear some words of encouragement for those who stutter and struggle to speak properly.”
Rav Zilberstein responded: “Let me tell you, there was one person, the greatest of humanity, whose name was Moshe Rabbeinu. He stuttered. Oh, how severely he stuttered! There were letters he couldn’t even pronounce. He said to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, ‘ki k’vad peh k’vad lashon anochi’. And yet, he reached the highest level—he became the transmitter of the Torah! His stutter was severe. He had put a burning coal in his mouth, which damaged his tongue. And look how he succeeded. The one who gave the Torah to Am Yisroel was a man who stuttered.”
When Rav Malin asked whether people should strive to be like Moshe Rabbeinu, Rav Zilberstein replied: “First, we have to tell them who Moshe Rabbeinu was—the pinnacle of mankind—and that he told Hashem he couldn’t speak because he was k’vad peh uk’vad lashon. And Hashem responded to him (Shemos 4:11), ‘Mi sam peh la’adam oy mi yasum ilem oy cheireish oy pikayach oy ivair—halo anochi Hashem.’ And Moshe Rabbeinu became the giver of the Torah, with his speech impediment and all.”
Rav Malin replied, “I’m sure that will be a tremendous source of strength for them. I’ll pass it on in Saba’s name.
“They also asked if Saba can give a brachah to the entire group,” he added.
“Of course,” Rav Zilberstein responded. “And tell them something else: When Tel Aviv was being bombed by the Italians during World War II, I lived there with my parents. There were sirens and heavy bombing. That’s when I began to stutter—I became k’vad peh uk’vad lashon. But Baruch Hashem, I overcame it. So they’ll overcome it too…”
“Can I tell them that, can I share it with the group?” Rav Malin asked.
“I want you to tell them that,” Rav Zilberstein affirmed.
Rav Malin continued, “I’m certain this will uplift and empower them tremendously.”
He then asked if there was a known segulah that could help those dealing with this struggle. “Someone suggested that learning the halachos of shemiras halashon might help, mida keneged mida, and Hashem will heal the mouth.”
Rav Zilberstein replied, “I haven’t heard that, but it could very well be true.”
{Matzav.com Israel}