The Legacy of Reb Zusha Waltner zt”l

Today in Jewish History: 29 Kislev –

By Rabbi Landis

Today, on the 29th day of Kislev, we remember the remarkable legacy of Reb Zusha Waltner zt”l, who passed away on this day in 2002. His life was a powerful story of emunah, self-sacrifice, and tireless devotion to the spiritual future of Klal Yisrael.

Early Life: From Hungary to England

Born in Begeboro, Hungary in 1918, Reb Zusha was immersed in Torah from a young age. His path led him to Switzerland as a teacher and then to England before the start of World War II. In England, he developed a close bond with Rav Eliyahu Dessler zt”l, one of the great Torah thinkers of the generation.

Together, they traveled and worked during the war years, with Reb Zusha offering both practical help and spiritual support. He later became a founding member of the Gateshead Kollel, a legendary institution that continues to shape Torah leadership today.

After the War: Rescue and Renewal

After the Holocaust, Reb Waltner risked everything by returning to Hungary to rescue orphaned Jewish children. With great mesirus nefesh, he brought 100 survivors to Sunderland, England, and laid the foundation for a yeshiva that became both a spiritual and emotional haven for the young boys.

Mission to Morocco: Spreading Torah in North Africa

In 1952, facing rising assimilation in North Africa, and with the blessing of Rav Dessler and the Chazon Ish, Reb Zusha undertook a 10-day sea voyage to Tangiers, Morocco, with his young family.

There, he founded Yeshivat Tzeisachaim and began traveling extensively throughout the region, personally bringing Jewish children to the yeshiva. His impact grew to include a girls’ seminary, outreach to families, and the establishment of a Torah infrastructure that changed the course of Moroccan Jewry for generations.

A Lasting Legacy of Emunah and Leadership

Reb Zusha Waltner zt”l wasn’t just a builder of institutions—he was a father figure, a Torah leader, and a true servant of Hashem. His legacy lives on through the thousands of students and families he nurtured and inspired, many of whom continue his mission across the globe.

Learn More

For more powerful stories from our past, check out my book:Today in Jewish HistoryAvailable at rabbilandis.com