Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky

Born in Kalushkove, Lithuania (1891-1986), his family soon moved to Dolhinov where he grew up. He studied in Minsk and then at Slobodka for many years, where his close friends included the future Rav Aharon Kotler. He served as Rav of Tzitavyan, then moved to America in 1937, taking positions in Seattle and Toronto. In 1945, he accepted the position of Rosh Yeshiva at Mesivta Torah Vodaas, where he remained for the rest of his life. Along with Rav Moshe Feinstein, he led American Jewry in halachic and spiritual guidance. He authored Emes LeYaakov on Torah and Shas. He was buried in Brooklyn, as he noted that most of his family lived in America and would not always be able to travel to his kever in Eretz Yisrael -- a final expression of his concern for others.