Remembering HaRav Avraham Yaakov Hakohen Pam ZT”L

by Rabbi Katz, Exec Director

8/11/2026, 10:22:29 AM

On the 28th of Av, Executive Director Rabbi David Katz remembers his Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Avraham Yaakov Hakohen Pam zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, one of the gedolei hador.

Rabbi Pam was a towering giant in Torah, and yet his middot tovos were what made him unforgettable — a lev tov, humility so deep it was almost indescribable. For over 60 years at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas in Brooklyn, he shaped generations as Rosh Yeshiva, delivered the semicha shiur that produced rabbis across the world, and served with quiet strength on the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. But you would never know it from how he carried himself.

He came to the bais medrash in his simple pinstripe suit and took his place — not in the front, not on the side, but right in the middle, among the talmidim and bochurim. He mingled with everyone. His voice was soft, never loud. His presence was never imposing. He didn’t seek honor, didn’t chase a spotlight, and never wanted to be put on a pedestal or used for publicity. He just taught Torah, cared for every Jew, and lived with a dignity and gentleness that taught more than any speech ever could.

Born in Vidz, Lithuania in 1913 to Rabbi Meir Pam, a talmid of the Chofetz Chaim, and coming to America in 1927, Rabbi Pam devoted his entire life to Klal Yisrael — through Torah Vodaas, through Chinuch Atzmai, through Shuvu, and through his sefer Atarah LaMelech.
In a generation that chases recognition, Rabbi Pam taught us the greatest greatness is to be nothing. To sit in the middle. To listen more than we speak. To honor every person. And to let our Torah and our middot do the talking.
Yehi zichro baruch.