In Tishrei, 5772, HaRav Shlomo Brevda addressed the public gathered in Heichal Shmuel
of Kiryat Mattersdorf, mentioning that he remembered the impact of the prayers on
behalf of HaRav Yitzchok Zev of Brisk for continued long life to the point that
Brisker Rov noted it, himself. HaRav Brevda brought to the attention of his audience
the fact that the Brisker Rav passed away late on erev Yom Kippur, a time when
everyone was preoccupied with preparations for Yom Kippur, and had, apparently,
temporarily discontinued praying for him.
After his talk, I escorted him and asked, "Is your name Shlomo ben Miriam?" He
replied, "My full name is Shlomo Leib ben Miriam, with `Leib' spelled with only one
yud."
I understood that he was aware of the fact that people were mistaken in the spelling
of his name, and it disturbed him, even though the pronunciation is no different.
I therefore feel an obligation to comment on the correct spelling of HaRav Brevda's
name, and that when people pray for his health, they should visualize it in their
minds as well, for if this were not so, he wouldn't have made a point of saying it to
me.
Most respectfully, and with the prayer that we merit realizing our prayers for the
spiritual and physical recovery, especially so of HaRav Brevda, amongst all the
ailing ones of our people.
This was originally published as a letter in Reshut HaRabim, 13 Kislev.
