The inspiring life of Rav Shlomo Rothenberg, Rosh Yeshivah of Mountaindale who changed countless lives with his passion, devotion and love

Rav Shlomo’s eyes lit up as he turned to his talmid and proclaimed, “You’ve made my day!”

“Rebbi,” the talmid replied, “you’ve made my life!”

He trained to be a star athlete on the sandlots of Brooklyn.

He grew to be a star rosh yeshivah in the hallowed walls of the beis midrash.

In Rebbi, You Made My LIfe, author Nachman Rothenberg introduces us to his illustrious father, the late Rav Shlomo Rothenberg. As a young boy, Rav Shlomo – then Stevie – was a rising sports star. He played basketball to the roar of cheering crowds at Madison Square Garden, and competed against some of the most famous athletes of the time. Yet despite it all, his unquenchable spiritual thirst led him to bask in the holiness of Torah giants such as Rav Avigdor Miller and Rav Yehuda Davis, and become an extraordinary gadol in his own right.

Though his official position was that of a rebbi, and then rosh yeshivah, at Yeshivah Zichron Mayir of Mountaindale, Rav Shlomo was so much more than that. To his talmidim, he was an impactful rebbi, a caring father, and a best friend all at once. Indeed, his giant heart overflowing with love – both for his Creator and his fellow – moved him to devote his life to uplifting and helping every Jew he encountered.  

Come feel the warmth of Rav Shlomo’s smile, the love in his trademark bear-hug, and the inspiration in the lessons he imparted.