The Rebbe Who Never Said Talmid

Though he loved his talmidim, Rav Hutner never once called anyone his talmid. In all the many letters he wrote to those who learned from him, he did not give the recipient that title.

He observed that the gaon Rav Akiva Eiger also never called anyone his talmid, while the Chasam Sofer uses the word often in his teshuvos. He concluded that both are the words of the living G-d, and that each of them is rewarded in Olam Haboh for his way.