Earlier in the day an electrician had done some repair work in the home and the man had yet been paid for his services. Personal grief did not absolve from a halachic obligation.
When his son-in-law Reb Chaim Kanievsky and Rebbitzen Batsheva would visit from Bnei Brak, the meeting was almost businesslike in its formality. Some learning would be discussed, the Gaon might relate a question and explanation that came up in shiur and then the family gathering that had been convened in honor of the holiday would be adjourned and the rigorous and meticulous schedule would be immediately resumed.
Once I was in Reb Shlomo Zalman Auerbach’s sukkah when Rav Elayashiv came to visit. I was not asked to leave, although I understood this on my own. Naturally I did not go far, and eavesdropped as much as I could from the doorway.
Reb Shlomo Zalman greeted his esteemed guest-and-mechutten warmly, while Rav Elyashiv, with a handful of words, got straight to business discussing a halachic matter. This was a courtesy visit, but it would not be squandered on small talk or pleasantries.
To be continued.
Chodesh tov – have a pleasant month!
