[VIDEO BELOW IN LAKEWOOD] Shlomo (Steven) Hill, a legendary actor, prominent advocate for Yiddishkeit and beloved father and grandfather, was Niftar today in Monsey, NY. His impassioned speaking, sage advice and, general example of profound Emunah and Bitachon inspired thousands.
YWN reports: At the height of his acting career, Hill opted to become a practicing Orthodox Jew. This decision entailed enormous Mesiras Nefesh, due to his unwavering commitment of basic Halachic requirements, which often conflicted with the demands of the acting world. Yet, under the influence of the Skver Rebbe, R’ Yaakov Yoseph Twersky (1890 – 1968), he persevered, often refusing major roles and the accompanying allure of wealth and fame. Despite his determined allegiance to Torah, he still managed to carve out a long and prestigious career on stage and screen.
In later years he would remark that he delighted in his acting much more after becoming frum since it was no longer the essence of his identity but simply a career which he enjoyed. A series of events led Hill in the 50s and early 60s to a fateful trip to New Square, where the hakafos of the Rebbe Z”L and the friendship of the community culminated in his life’s devotion to Torah.
His determined faith and trust in the Ribbono Shel Olam will forever serve those who knew him as a source of strength and inspiration.
Below is a video of R’ Shlomo in Lakewood for his grandson’s Bar Mitzvah in 2010.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Also father of R’ Yankev Yosef (JJ)
I remember he use to Daven every morning with the Bachorim at Yeshiva D’Monsey and learn Bchavrusa after davening with the Rosh Yeshiva Reb Moshe Green.
A true mensch !
Also Rabbi Motti Gobioff’s Father in Law
I heard so many inspirational stories about him and the constant kiddush Hashem that he made. How he was able to represent true eirlicheh yiddishkiet and lift the level of kiddusha even in situations where he found his parnossa not in “safe” surroundings.
He was a true role model! He was a star in the sense of “Kikochvay hashomayim Lrov”
Hamokom Yinachem Eschem B’soych Shaar Aveilay Tzion V’Yerushayim
BDE Hamokom Yinachem Eschem B’soych Shaar Aveilay Tzion V’Yerushayim
Shiva info please
BD”E. To encompass the greatness of this individual is impossible in a few paragraphs. I’m a good friend of the family – this was not an ordinary individual. He was so Ehrlich, and so friendly with his children’s friends. And he built a beautiful family. I know all the kids, gems, one after another. And, as mentioned, his mesiras nefesh for Torah and Mitzvos is unheard of in this day and age. And, btw, he’s also the father in law of R Avrumi Hendler Shlit’a, In Baltimore. Yehi Zichro Boruch.
Nebech. I davened for Shlomo bas Leah 3 x a day for over a year now but it seems H-shem had other plans. So sad. Just one more thing, if I may. I have to be moche something on this article. I agree with jogathon 100% – R’ Shlomo was a Tzaddik – therefore, to start off the article saying he was a legendary actor is not right. It shouldve started off : R’ Shlomo Hill, ZT”L, a legendary Moiser Nefesh for Torah, Ah groiser ehrliche YId, a legendary Machniss Orach was Niftar. Somewhere deep in papragraph 3 you couldve mentioned that he was, for a few years, a very respected actor. I stayed in his house for a week, one summer, a few years ago – He bentched every word, slowly and thats how he davened as well. He always greeted everyone with a smile and respect, even people like me who were 50 yrs younger than him. He was mamesh ah yid ah Tzaddik. TNTB”H.