It was only about three weeks ago that I approached a few individuals with the idea of compiling a collection of my Zeyde's Divrei Torah to be given out at this wonderful gathering. Though the time was short, we were, thank G-d, able to get the job done and we are truly happy to present you with Sefer Kol Yaakov, which is intended to be just a small sampling of my Zeyde's many inspirational insights and thoughts as well as some of his favorite Divrei Torah on the Parasha and Jewish holidays. It is our hope that we can, one day, compile a more complete collection, but in the mean time, we hope you enjoy these.

During the period of time that this sefer was taking form, I found myself wondering more and more often - what is it about my Zeyde's Divrei Torah that seems to attract the attention of anyone within ears distance? What is it about his Divrei Torah that gives the listener the feeling that they are not just listening to a shiur but are rather taking an active part in the long chain of tradition that started at Sinai, passed through the shtetls of history and culminates on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at the end of the 20th century?

The answer, I concluded, is crystal clear.

My Zeyde touches our hearts. Though his words are not flowery and his English is a bit strained, we nonetheless listen with undivided attention because we know that what he is saying comes from his heart. As the Sages teach us "Words that come from the heart can enter the heart". His bright smile and caring gestures let us know that he cares about each and every one of us. Each Dvar Torah is intended to make a difference in our lives and we cannot help but listen closely. But, to leave it at that would be unfair, because there is another dimension, equally as compelling, that might explain why his Divrei Torah are so appreciated.

My Zeyde does not say his Divrei Torah in a vacuum. His insights are derived not just from reading a sefer but from living that sefer. His words are more than words. They are living, breathing experiences looked at through a prism of Torah and analyzed using the sharp and witty logic with which he is naturally blessed. In my Zeyde's world things do not happen by chance. Every event in our personal, historical and communal experience has its place and is to be analyzed and considered so that we can learn from them how to be better Jews. In short, one might say, my Zeyde's life is one big Dvar Torah and each and every experience is a small chidush (insight).

We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who helped put this small but substantial sefer together. First and foremost is Rabbi Hanan Balk, a close talmid of my Zeyde, whose tireless efforts in compiling many of the Divrei Torah, in so short a period, formed the backbone of this sefer. Rabbi Kret's daughter and my mother, Miriam Mezei, and my mother-in-law, Gloria Goldman, helped typeset the book. Daniel Mezei and Reed Travis added to the collection of Divrei Torah. David Levine deserves much thanks for his editorial work. Nachum Shapiro helped greatly with the design elements. A big Yiyasher Koach to you all.

Aryeh Mezei

Far Rockaway, NY