Rabbi Nisson Lipa Alpert (1927 – May 25, 1986) was a brilliant 20th-century Orthodox rabbi, Talmudic scholar, and Rosh Yeshiva. He uniquely bridges two distinct worlds of American Orthodoxy: he was the absolute prized disciple of the leading halachic authority of the generation, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (at Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem on the Lower East Side), while concurrently serving as a premier, highly respected Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS).

Universally remembered for his exquisite synthesis of profound scholarship and towering humility, Rav Nisson was a gentle giant who left an indelible stamp on modern and right-wing American Orthodoxy alike.

Escape to America and Early Genius

• European Origins: Born in Polanka, Poland, his father, Rabbi Shabsai Alpert, was a scholar from the Mir Yeshiva and a cousin of the Chofetz Chaim.

• The Sugihara Lifeline: Following the outbreak of World War II, his family fled to Lithuania. His mother miraculously obtained transit visas from the legendary Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara. The family traveled across the freezing expanse of Russia to Japan, ultimately making their way to San Francisco and settling in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1940.

• Valedictorian Prodigy: Arriving in America at age 12 with zero knowledge of English, he adapted with stunning speed. He graduated from Washington Irving High School as the valedictorian of his class.

"The Primordial Student" of Reb Moshe Feinstein

Rav Nisson enrolled in Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem (MTJ), where he quickly became the primary student, right-hand man, and surrogate son to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein.

• The Ultimate Disciple: His relationship with Reb Moshe was legendary. He absorbed not just his teacher’s vast knowledge, but his legendary modesty, patience, and absolute love for every fellow Jew. When people had complex legal queries for Reb Moshe, they would frequently go through Rav Nisson first, who could perfectly articulate his master’s reasoning.

• Ordination: He received his rabbinic ordination (semicha) directly from Reb Moshe Feinstein and was immediately appointed a lecturer at MTJ.

Bridging Worlds: Leadership at Yeshiva University (RIETS)

In 1967, Yeshiva University’s president, Dr. Samuel Belkin, recognized Rav Nisson’s immense caliber and invited him to join the faculty of RIETS.

• Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel: Rav Nisson became a premier Rosh Yeshiva at YU, delivering advanced lectures to hundreds of young men. Recognizing his unique capability to train practical legal authorities (poskim), he was appointed the very first Rosh Kollel of YU’s prestigious Kollel L'Horaah (Yadin-Yadin), a post-graduate institution dedicated entirely to training the next generation of Orthodox rabbinic judges.

• A Synthesis of Normalcy: YU President Dr. Norman Lamm beautifully eulogized Rav Nisson as a "masterpiece of normalcy and human decency." In an era where different factions of Orthodoxy were becoming increasingly polarized, Rav Nisson effortlessly commanded total respect from both the highly traditional yeshiva world and the modern Orthodox university ecosystem.

Communal Pulpits and Personal Tragedy

In addition to his academic roles, Rav Nisson was a deeply dedicated community rabbi. He served for 27 years as the rabbi of the East Third Street Shul on the Lower East Side, and later moved to Queens to become the spiritual leader of Agudath Israel of Long Island in Far Rockaway.

His sweetness and warmth remained constant despite enduring immense personal hardship. He spent years painstakingly caring for his sick father, and in 1983, he and his wife, Zeldi, suffered the devastating, sudden loss of their 19-year-old son, Yishaya Mendel. Despite a broken heart, Rav Nisson never channeled bitterness, continuing to greet every person with a glowing countenance.

Passing and Literary Legacy

In a heartbreaking twist of history, Rav Nisson passed away from cancer at the age of 58 on May 25, 1986—exactly two months to the day after the passing of his beloved mentor, Reb Moshe Feinstein. Many students noted that it seemed as though his soul could not bear to be separated from his teacher for long. He is buried on Har HaZeitim (the Mount of Olives) in Jerusalem.

His extensive writings and unique, conceptually clear approach to study were published posthumously by his students and family:

• Limmudei Nissan: His brilliant, foundational volumes containing original insights (chiddushim) on the Talmudic tractate Beitzah, as well as highly original, multi-layered commentaries on the weekly Torah portions.

• Rabbi Nison Alpert on the Sidrah: A highly popular English compilation of his weekly ethical and philosophical discourses, showcasing his ability to find profound, life-altering psychological lessons hidden within biblical texts.