AS: Rav Nota’s name was a household word in some parts of the United States, and unknown in others. For those who don’t recognize the name, tell us a little about his life and achievements.

SB: Nota Greenblatt was born in 1925. From a young age he demonstrated brilliance and incredible diligence in his learning. He learned under many of the 20th century’s greatest rabbanim, and he became exceptionally close to Rav Moshe Feinstein. Though he lived in the quiet Jewish community in Memphis, his genius and devotion to Klal Yisrael soon became clear, and he became a much sought-after posek. A member      of the elite “million mile travel club,”  he spanned continents to help Jews, whether to release a woman whose husband wouldn’t give her a get, to ensure that a Jewish child wherever he was would have a proper bris milah, or to help and give chizuk to a Jewish prisoner, a suffering family, or a beloved talmid.

AS: Did Rav Nota ever discuss why he was satisfied living in a quiet southern Jewish community, far from the Torah centers?

SB: As we see from literally hundreds of stories about him, Rav Nota made it very clear that a person must do what he can to help Klal Yisrael and make a difference. It was obvious to him that he could make a greater difference in a community that has fewer resources than do the larger Jewish centers, and so he was perfectly content with living in Memphis. He saw it as his life’s mission. 

AS: What were the unique challenges that you faced in writing this biography?

SB: Locating interviewees! Rav Nota travel     ed all over the world and there was no real way to know who on Earth (literally) had interactions with him. It was a challenging search, but we succeeded in reaching many of the countless people whom he helped.

AS: What are some lessons we can learn from Rav Nota’s life?

SB: The main takeaway, in my opinion, is the ability to take a step back from yourself. Rav Nota deserved so much honor and recognition and he pursued none of it. He gave of his time, his money, and his energy to help everyone who needed his help, anywhere, anytime.  

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