Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Segulas for Good Children
There is a well known minhag to say a tefila for one's children that they should go in the proper derech, on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan. (If this falls out on Shabbos, it is usually recited on previous Thursday, which would be Yom Kippur Koton) It can, of course, also be recited at other times. The source for this is the Shlah HaKodosh (Mesechta Tamid, Ner Mitzva), where he says:
"There is an obligation to daven and ask from Hashem every need we have, at any time, because it all comes from Him. People should be especially careful to daven for their children to be "kosher" forever. My heart tells me that an auspicious time for this is Erev Rosh Chodesh of Sivan, because that is the month we received the Torah and we are called "children of Hashem our G-d. It is worthy for man and wife to fast and do teshuva." (It is actually Yom Kippur Koton. Some daven a special Mincha with slichos, and some also fast a whole or half day and read Vayichal from a Sefer Torah, like on a Taanis Tzibur.)
The tefila the Shlah lists was written by Reb Shabsei Sofer of Premishla, a talmid of the Levush, and can be found here (with an English translation).
The Shlah says one should also have in mind their children by Birchas HaTorah (v'nihiye anachnu v'tzetzoeinu), Ahava Rabbah (v'sein bilibeinu) and Uva Litzion (l'maan lo nega lorik v'lo neled l'beholo)
Tanna Devei Eliyahu says one should constantly ask for mercy from Hashem that his children shouldn't sin.
Sefer Chasidim says one should daven for their children and grandchildren.
Rabbeinu Yonah in Iggeres HaTeshuva says a woman should daven for her children, night, morning and afternoon, that they should fear Hashem and be successful in Torah. He says she should also do this while giving tzedaka and light Shabbos candles.
Many of the great tzadikim said that all of the success of their children came about because they constantly davened and cried to Hashem for that their children should go in the proper derech.
Other Segulas for Good Children
There are many segulas for good children; I will list a few here.
One who is “ragil” (Artcroll translates as “habitual”; many explanations are given) with lighting Shabbos and Chanuka lights will have sons that are talmidei chachomim. (Shabbos 23b, based on Rashi)
It is brought down in many places that tznius is a great segula for good children. The Mishna Berura quotes the Gemara in Yoma that says a very modest woman named Kimchis merited having many sons who became Kohanim Gedolim because of her great modesty.
Making sure that people who serve Hashem have parnasa is a segula that one's children won't be swayed to bad influences. (Sefer Hamidos)
R' Yissachor Dov of Belz told someone whose son was straying a bit from the ways of his father, to bring guests into his house.
Reb Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam - Shiniva Rav says that serving meat at a Bris is a segula for the child to grow up properly. (Divrei Yechezkel)
Learning Sefer Degel Machane Ephraim is a segula for good children. See A Simple Jew for the source. You can get a PDF of the sefer here.
Washing a childs hands negel vaser before the age of 3, even though not halachically required, is a segula for the child's yiras shomayim. (Rav Wolbe, quoting Chazon Ish)
Reb Nachman of Breslov says that if a boy comes to him before the age of 7, he will be saved from sin. (Chaye Mohoran/Tzadik) Reb Avrohom B'Reb Nachman Chazan says that he was referring to "mikra layla". He also says that this also applies after Reb Nachman's passing and that the boy should give tzedaka and recite Tikun Haklali (as outlined in Sichos HaRan and Chaye Mohoran). (Kochvey Ohr) Many people, even ones that aren't "Breslovers", take their sons to Uman at various times during the year, before they turn 7 years old.
See here for a segula to do after a child is born.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Bilvavi Author's Schedule
http://dixieyid.blogspot.com/2010/05/bilvavi-authors-us-schedule-pre-shavuos.html
For private meetings with the Rav in Monsey or Boro Park, please call 718-249-6047 for an appointment.
For the one day seminar in Flatbush this Sunday, May 9th, it will be at Rabbi Mayer Fund's Shul, Cong. Sheves Achim in Flatbush, Brooklyn (1517 Ave. H, off corner of East 16th [across from Q Train]). The shiurim will be at 12, 3, & 6 PM. All proceeds are going to publish more seforim by Rav Shwartz. $20 admission $200 sponsorship (includes private meeting with the Rav). CLICK HERE or call 516-668-6397 to register.
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Secret of Rashbi's Greatness
Reb Nachman of Breslov revealed a wondrous secret of the greatness of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai at the very beginning of Likutei Mohoran:
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi) assured us that Torah would never be forgotten from Klal Yisroel. The Gemara (Shabbos 138b) relates that when the Rabbonim came to Kerem Beyavneh, they said that in the future Torah will be forgotten from Yisroel. Rashbi, however, said that the Torah will not be forgotten, as it says (Devarim 31, 21): כִּי לֹא תִשָּׁכַח מִפִּי זַרְעוֹ – "for it will not be forgotten from the mouth of your children". And, like it says in the Zohar (Naso 124b) that with this very work, the Sefer HaZohar, we will go out from exile.
And now come, see and understand the wondrous secrets of our holy Torah! The reason why Rashbi's assurance that the Torah will not be forgotten is based on the posuk כִּי לֹא תִשָּׁכַח מִפִּי זַרְעוֹ is because the secret to the assurance is hidden in this very posuk. The last letters of these words: כִּ׳י לֹ׳א תִשָּׁכַ׳ח מִפִּ׳י זַרְע׳וֹ – "for it will not be forgotten from the mouth of YOUR children", spell יוחאי, as if to say that the child of the one referred to in the verse will guarantee that the Torah will never forgotten. Rashbi hinted that through the children of Yochai, meaning himself, Torah will not be forgotten. He authored the Zohar and it is precisely through the Sefer Zohar Hakadosh that we will return from exile.
And know that the secret of Rabbi Shimon himself is alluded to in another posuk (Daniel 4, 10), because know that the Tanna Hakadosh Rabbi Shimon is the aspect of : ע׳ִיר וְ׳קַדִּישׁ מִ׳ן שׁ׳ְמַיָּא נָ׳חִת, a holy angel came down from Heaven - the first letters spell שמעון.
This alone could explain why specifically the Yom Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is celebrated with such pomp and festivities.
There are many connections between Reb Nachman of Breslov and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Interestingly, the numerical equivalent of רבי שמעון בן יוחאי is exactly equal to that of רבי נחמן בן שמחה. The yartzeit of Reb Nachman of Breslov always falls out on the same day as the previous Lag BaOmer and Zayin Adar, the yartzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu (Kochvei Ohr)
See also: Lag BaOmer - Segulas & Minhagim
תורתו מגן לנו היא מאירת עינינו הוא ימליץ טוב בעדנו אדוננו בר יוחאי
Your Torah shields us, it lights up our eyes!
He will advocate good for us, Our master - Bar Yochai!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Iyar Yartzeits
1 Iyar
Reb Abba Shaul, one of the Talmudic gedolim
R' Yosef Yoska ben R' Yehudah Yudel, Yesod Yosef, rebbe of the Kav Hayosher
R' Tzvi Hirsch ben R' Yaakov Ashkenazi, the Chacham Tzvi (1718)
R' Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (1788) ben R' Moshe. Together with R' Avrohom Kalisker, they were the first Rebbes to move to Eretz Yisroel. Both of their Torah can be found in Pri HaAretz. For more, see here and here.
R' Shmuel Shmelke Halevi Horowitz of Nikolsburg (1778) ben R' Tzvi Hirsh of Chortkov Known as "the Rebbe Reb Shmelke". See here for more on the Rebbe, Reb Shmelke.
R' Avrohom of Slonim-Baranovich ben R' Shmuel, the Beis Avrohom (1933)
R' Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, author of Lev HaIvri (1922)
R' Moshe Shmuel ben R' Aryeh Shapira, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Beer Yaakov (2006); descendent of the Netziv
2 Iyar
R' Moshe Zakan Mazuz of Djerba (1915)
R' Avrohom Badush of Mexico, author of Me'oros Avrohom
3 Iyar
Maharal Tzintz of Plotzk, R' Aryeh Leib ben Reb Moshe (1833) - Wrote many
sforim and said he would be an advocate for anyone that helps print his
sforim.
Reb Shayale Kerestirer, Reb Yeshaya ben Reb Moshe Shteiner (1925) Talmid of
the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and the Ach Pri Tevua of Liska. Was known for the
yeshuas he helped bring. His picture is one of the most popular ones around -
it is known as a segula to keep mice away.
4 Iyar
R' Yaakov ben R' Ahron Sasportas, Rov of Amsterdam and antagonist of Shabtai Tzvi (1695)
R' Yosef Dov ben R' Yitzchok Zev Halevi Soloveitchik of Brisk, the Beis Halevi (1892)
R' Shmuel Eliyahu ben R' Shaul Yedidya Elazer Taub, Modzhitzer Rebbe (1984)
5 Iyar
R' Yeshaya Pick, author of Hagaos to Mesores HaShas (1799)
R' Moshe Zorach Eidelitz of Prague, author of Ohr La'yeshorim, Berurei Hamidos and Meleches Machsheves (1780)
R' Meir Auerbach, Imrei Binah, Rov of Yerushalayim (1878)
R' Chaim Eliezer ben R' Boruch Rabinowitz, Yampola Rebbe (1916) He was the first Chassidishe Rebbe in America. Descendent of the Magid of Zlotchov and the Baal Shem Tov. The present Skolya Rebbe, who is his great-grandson, along with a large group of his chassidim and many others go to daven at the kever in Queens, at Mt. Judah Cemetery, on the yahrzeit.
6 Iyar
R' Levi bar Gershom, the Ralbag (1344)
R' Yosef Meir ben R' Shmuel Weiss, First Spinka Rebbe, Imrei Yosef (1909)
Talmid of the Sar Sholom of Belz, Divrei Chaim, Tzemach Tzadik of
Vizhnitz and R' Yitzchok Aizik of Zhidichov
R' Dov Berish Zeitlyn of Vilna (1920)
R' Yaakov Chaim Ben R' Yisroel Perlow, Stoliner Rebbe, was Rebbe in Detroit
(1946)
R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Avrohom Sholom Halberstam, Stropkover Rebbe (1955)
7 Iyar
Yahrzeit of R' Shlomo Ephraim of Lunshitz, ben R' Ahron, Kli Yakar (1619)
(The yahrzeit is recorded in some places as 7 Adar II. According to the bio in one of the newer printings of Kli Yakar, this is a mistake that was made on the new matzeiva and 7 Iyar is correct. I could see how this mistake was made Iyar rubbed out could look like Adar.)
8 Iyar
R' Yerachmiel Rabinowitz of Peshischa (1831) son of the Yid HaKodosh, R' Yaakov Yitzchok
R' Moshe Mordechai Twersky of Lublin-Trisk HY"D(1943) ben R' Yaakov Aryeh Leib of Trisk
R' Rephoel Binyomin Levine, Rosh Yeshiva of Beis Aryeh-Yerushalayim (2002) son of R' Aryeh Leib, the famous "Tzadik of Yerushalaim"
9 Iyar
R' Avigdor ben Yitzchok Kara (1439) Mekubal and Dayan in Prague, survivor of the the pogrom of Easter 1389 that killed 3000 Jews.
R' Moshe of Shatz ben R' Boruch of Vizhnitz (1926)
R' Yissachar Chaim Abulafia (1781)
R' Shalom Mashash, Divrei Shalom
R' Moshe Hager, the Rosh Yeshiva of Seret-Vizhnitz (1999) son of the
Seret-Vizhnitz Rebbe, the Mekor Boruch, R' Boruch
10 Iyar
Eli HaKohen and his sons, Chofni and Pinchas (890 B.C.E.)
R' Yitzchok ben Yaakov HaKohen Alfasi, the Rif, one of the greatest and most well known Rishonim
R' Yitzchak Issac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin of Komarna (1874), author of Heichal Habracha, Shulchan Hatahor, Zohar Chai, Nesiv Mitzvosecha, Notzer Chesed and other seforim. Son of R' Alexander Sender of Komarna
R' Dovid Twersky of Tolna ben R' Mordechai of Chernobyl (1882)
R' Hillel Lichtenstein of Kolomei, Hungary (1891), talmid of the Chasam Sofer, vigorously fought against the slightest deviation from Yiddishkeit
R' Yosef Teumim, the Pri Megadim
R' Meir ben Tzvi Hirsh Margolies, Meir Nesivim, talmid of the Baal Shem Tov
11 Iyar
R' Eliyahu Shema HaLevi (1804) Av Beis Din in Eretz Yisroel, wrote sefer Korbon Isha
R' Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz ben R' Menachem Mendel (1827), wrote sefer Zera Kodesh, talmid of the Rebbe, Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk, Reb Mendel of Rimanov and the Chozeh of Lublin See Reb Naftali Ropshitzer On Yichus
R' Yitzchak of Radvil (1832), son of R' Yechiel Michel, the Magid of Zlotchov, his teaching are in sefer Ohr Yitzchok
R' Yehudah Tzvi of Stretin (1844) ben R' Shmuel Zanvil. He was a talmid of R' Aron Leib of Premishlan and talmid muvhak of R' Uri "the Saraf" of Strelisk. He wrote Degel Machane Yehudah.
12 Iyar
R' Masoud Abuchatzeira, son of R' Yaakov - the Abir Yaakov, and the father of Baba Sali
14 Iyar
Rebbi Meir Baal Haness, See Pesach Sheni - Yom Hilula Of Rebbi Meir Baal HaNess Segulas & Minhagim
Rebbi Yehudah bar Iloy, Tanna
R' Akiva (ben Yaakov) of Frankfurt. There is also a minhag to give tzedaka for the neshama of Reb Akiva Frankfurter, in order to find lost objects.
R' Yehudah Tzvi (the second) ben Reb Uri of Stretin (1907)
15 Iyar
R' Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira, "the Saraph" (fiery angel) of Moglenitz (1849) He was a descendent, ben acher ben, from the Megaleh Amukos and a Son-in-law of R' Elazar of Lizensk. His father, R' Avi Ezri Zelig was the son-in-law of the Magid of Koznitz. He was raised and taught by his maternal grandfather, the Koznitzer Maggid. He was a talmid of the rebbes of Lublin, Apta, and Peshischah. His son was R' Elimelech of Grodzensk, the father of the Piazeczna Rebbe HY"D.
16 Iyar
R' Meir ben R' Gedalia, Maharam of Lublin, Rav in Cracow and Lemberg, wrote Meir Einei Chachomim - Maharam on Shas (1616)
R' Yechiel Michel ben R' Avrohom Yitzchok Feinstein of Bnei Brak (2003), son in-law of the Brisker Rav and nephew of R' Moshe Feinstein
17 Iyar
R' Yechezkel ben Yehuda HaLevi Landau of Prague, the Nodah BeYehudah (1793) See: Noda BeYehudah - The Most Important Tzadik In The History Of Chassidus ?
R' Moshe Chaim Ephraim ben R' Yechiel of Sudlikov (1800) See: The Bitul of the Degel Machane Ephraim
R' Mordechai ben Yochonon Twersky of Rachmastrivka (1921) and his son R' Pinchas of Ostila HY"D (exact death date is unknown, sometime in 1943, so it is observed with his fathers)
18 Iyar
Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai, See: Lag BaOmer - Segulas & Minhagim
R' Moshe ben R' Yisroel Iserles, the Rama, see Yitz's comment
R' Shlomo ben R' Moshe of Kishenev (1828) Talmid of the Rebbe, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk and the Rebbe, Reb Shmelke of Nikolsberg. He said he would help whoever mentions his name together with his mother's name, R' Shlome ben Feiga
R' Shlomo ben R' Shlomo Amar (1872) -Shetilei Zeitim
R' Moshe Kohen Narol (1659), Rov of Metz and author of Sefer Kel Molei Rachamim
R' Uri Feivel HaLevi , wrote Sefer Mikdash Me'at
19 Iyar
Maharam MiRuttenberg, R' Meir ben R' Boruch, died in prison because he wouldn't allow the Jews to pay an enormous ransom to free him (1293) Rebbe of the Rosh
R' Shmuel Abuchatzeira - The forefather of the Abuchatzeira dynasty, which includes the Abir Yaakov and Baba Sali. Origianally the family name was Elbaz, but it was changed to Abuchatzeira, which means master of the carpet, after the well know story of the him travelling on top of a carpet over the sea, after he was refused passage on a ship. He was a talmid of R' Chaim Vital, and is mentioned by the Chida in Shem Hagedolim as being a great tzadik. He was born in Eretz Yisroel but lived in Syria for a while.
R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Yosef "Charif" Thurm of Rimanov (1815) He said he would do a favor for one who lights a candle for his neshama. He was one of the 4 main talmidim of the Rebbe, Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk.
R' Ezra Attiah, Rosh Yeshivas Porat Yosef (1970)
R' Yaakov Moshe Soloveitchik of Zurich, Rosh Yeshiva in Lucerne (1995)
R' Avraham Chaim Pinaso (1896) Wrote sefer Beis El
R' Moshe of Brosholi, talmid of the Chofetz Chaim
20 Iyar
R' Saadia Marjok of Yerushalaim (1773)
R' Mordechai ben R' Menachem Nochum Twersky, Magid of Chernobyl (1838) See: Magid Of Chernobyl - Pure Simple Emunah
R' Chaim Avrohom ben R' Moshe Gagin of Constantinople (1848), Rishon Letzion & Rosh Yeshiva of Beit El, wrote Mincha Tehora on Menachos and Responsa Chukei Chaim.
R' Yitzchok Eizik Halevi Rabinowitz, wrote Doros Harishonim to counter the false history written by maskilim
R' Eliyahu Elejimi, Mekubal and Av Beis Din in Yerushalaim
R' Yechi ben R' Avrohom Abuchatzeira (1935)
R' Yosef Valtuch, mekubal in Eretz Yisroel (1983)
22 Iyar
R' Mordechai Shraga Feivish Friedman of Husiyatin (1894) youngest son of R' Yisroel of Rizhin
R' Shlomo Eliezer ben R' Yaakov Alfandri, the Saba Kadisha (1930) See here for more.
23 Iyar
R' Shalom Bashari, Dayan in Yemen (1773)
24 Iyar
R' Binyomin ben R' Menachem Mendel Mendelson, Rov of Komemiyus. He was one of the founders of Moshav Komemiut, in Eretz Yisroel, which was one of the first moshavim to keep the laws of shmita. See here for the famous story about how their crops grew better after shmitah than the ones who didn't observe shmitah. Interestingly, he dies the Monday after Behar-Bechukosai, which speaks about shmitah and the blessings that come through its observance. This is testament to the deeds of this great Rov.
R' Yaakov ben R' Yaakov Moshe Lorberbaum of Lisa (his father died before he was born, hence, the name), wrote Chaavas Daas, Nesivos and Derech Hachaim. Great-grandson of the Chacham Tzvi.
R' Eliezer Tzvi ben Yitzchak Issac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin of Komarna (1898), wrote Damesk Eliezer on Zohar
R' Chezkiah Aharon Chaim Pinkarli, Rov in Italy
R' Yitzchak Ibn Dana (1900), Rov in Fez, Morocco, wrote L'Yitzchok Reiach
R' David HaCohen Sakali (1948), wrote Kiryas Chanah Dovid
25 Iyar
R' Ozer ben R' Meir HaKohen of Klimintov (1710), Even HaOzer
R' Chaim ben R' Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov (1854), wrote Sefer Toras Chaim, he was the father of the first Vizhnitzer Rebbe.
R' Avrohom Yosef ben R' Meir Ash, Chassidish Rabbi in New York in the second half of the 19th century. He is buried in Queens, NY, in one of the old cemeteries.
26 Iyar
Rabbeinu Sa'adia Gaon (942)
Ramchal, R' Moshe Chaim Luzzato ben R' Yaakov Chai (1747), wrote many seforim, including Mesilas Yeshorom, Derech Hashem and Daas Tevunos. Died at age 39, which the Magid of Mezerich said was because the generation was not worthy of such a great tzadik. The Vilna Gaon said he did not find one extra word in the first 8 chapters of Mesilas Yesorim and that if he were still alive he would walk from Vilna to Italy to learn from him.
R' Yitzchok ben R' Chaim of Volozhin
R' Shlomo ben R' Mordechai of Zvhil (1945) See Reb Shlomke's Miraculous Cholent
R' Shmuel Eliyahu of Zvolin, son of R' Yecheskel of Kuzmir and father of the first Modzhiter Rebbe
R' Yitzchok Issac Epstein of Homil (1857), See: Reb Aizel Homiler Does a Jew a Favor
27 Iyar
R' Avrohom Shmuel Bacharach (1615), married the grandaughter of the
Maharal of Prague and was the grandfather of the Chavas Yair
R' Yitzchok Abulafia (1825), Av Beis Din of Tzefas
R' Shlomo Zalman ben R' Yehuda Leib Schneerson of Kapust (1900), author of Mogen Avos, grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch
R' Eliezer Zev of Kretchnif HY"D (1944) ben R' Meir of Kretchnif
R' Yerachmiel Yehuda Meir ben R' Shimon Sholom Kalish, the Amshinover Rebbe (1976)
28 Iyar
Shmuel Hanavi (878 B.C.E.) and his mother Chana
R' Yitzchak of Kurweil, author of the S'mak, Sefer Mitzvos Kotton (1280)
29 Iyar
R' Meir ben R' Aron Aryeh Leib of Premishlan. See here for more.
R' Shmuel Shlomo of Radzin HY"D (1942) ben R' Mordechai Yosef Elazar
Monday, April 12, 2010
Birchas Ilonos
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Nisan Yartzeits
1 Nisan - Nadav and Avihu, sons of Ahron HaKohen
1 Nisan -Rav Rachumai, Tanna
1 Nisan -R' Shmuel Kellin of Boskowitz, wrote Machtzis Hashekel on Magen Avrohom
1 Nisan -R' Moshe Yosef Hoffman, Dayan in Pupa
1 Nisan -R' Elimelech ben R' Chaim Meir Yechiel of Grodzensk, wrote Divrei Elimelech and Imrei Elimelech. Father of the Piazeczna Rebbe HY"D ( Aish Kodesh, Chovas Hatalmidim)
2 Nisan -R' Sholom Dov Ber ben R' Shmuel Schneerson, the Rebbe RaShaB, 5th Lubavitcher Rebbe (1920)
2 Nisan -R' Yaakov Yosef ben R' Dovid Twersky, Skverer Rebbe (1968)
3 Nisan -R' Aryeh Leib Grossnass, author of Lev Aryeh
3 Nisan -R' Eliyahu Meir Finkel, (father of the current Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva, R' Nosson Tzvi Finkel) Nasi of Mirrer Yeshiva, Yerushalayim
3 Nisan -R' Levi Yitzchak Slonim, was the son of Rebbetzin Menuchah Rochel, daughter of the Mitteler Rebbe
4 Nisan -R' Yochonon Twersky of Rachmastrivka, son of R' Mordechai, the Magid of Chernobyl (1895)
4 Nisan -R' Yaakov Tzvi ben R' Gamliel Mecklenberg, author of Haksav V'hakabolah (1865)
7 Nisan - R' Pinchos Zelig, Rav of Lask and author of Ateres Paz (1670)
7 Nisan - R' Yitzchok of Drohbich (1758) ben R' Yosef, father of R' Yechiel Mechel of Zlotchov
7 Nisan - R' Aryeh Leib Yellin of Bialystock, author of Yefeh Einayim (1884)
7 Nisan - Dr. Moshe Wallach, founder of
8 Nisan - R' Mordechai ben Dov Ber Shapira of Neshchiz, Talmid Muvhak of R' Yechiel Mechel of Zlotchov
8 Nisan - R' Eliyahu of Prague ben Binyamin Wolf Shapiro, author of Eliyahu Rabba (1712)
8 Nisan - R' Yechiel Michel Tikochinsky, author of Gesher HaChaim
8 Nisan - R' Eliyahu Hakadosh of York, Rabbeinu Yom Tov and several other of the English Baalei Tosafos. They were killed "al Kiddush Hashem" at Clifford's Tower, in
8 Nisan - Reb Yaakov Tzvi Yales of Premezyln, author of Melo Haroim and Kehillas Yaakov, 1825
9 Nisan - R' Chaim Meir ben R' Yisroel Hager of Vizhnitz, the Imrei Chaim (1972)
9 Nisan - R' Aryeh Leib ben R' Binyamin Beinish Levine, Mashgiach of Yeshiva Eitz Chaim. (1969)Known as "the tzadik of Yerushalaim". Stories about him are legendary.
9 Nisan - R' Yosef Yoska Han Nargolin ben Pinchos, Yosef Ometz
10 Nisan - Miriam Hanevia (1270 B.C.E.)
10 Nisan - R' Shalom Mashash, Sephardic Rav of Yerushalayim, passed away Shabbos Hagadol 5763/2003
11 Nisan - R' Moshe ben Nachman, the Ramban (1270)
11 Nisan - R' Yeshaya ben R' Avrohom Halevi Horowitz, the Shelah (1630)
11 Nisan - R' Shlomo Zalman Lipschitz, Chemdas Shlomo (1839)
11 Nisan - R' Betzalel Hakohen of Vilna, Mareh Kohen
12 Nisan - R' Shimshon Dovid Pincus ZY"A ben R' Chaim Avrohom shlita, Rav in Ofakim and
13 Nisan - R' Yosef ben R' Ephraim Karo, the Beis Yosef (1575)
13 Nisan - R' Moshe ben R' Chaim Alshich, Toras Moshe (1593)
13 Nisan - R' Menachem Mendel Schneerson of Lubavitch ben R' Sholom Shachna, Tzemach Tzedek (1866)
14 Nisan - R' Avrohom Yaffen, Rosh Yeshiva, Novardok (1970)
14 Nisan - R' Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz ben R' Eliezer Lipman (1845), son-in-law and successor of R' Naftali of Ropshitz
15 Nisan - Yitzchak Avinu (also Birthday)
15 Nisan - Yehuda ben Yaakov Avinu
15 Nisan - Iyov
15 Nisan - R' Yona ben R' Yeshaya Tumim, author of Kikayon L'Yona (1669)
16 Nisan - Levi ben Yaakov Avinu
16 Nisan - R' Nosson Ordman, Rosh Yeshiva - Eitz Chaim,
16 Nisan - R' Simcha Zissel Broyde, Rosh Yeshiva - Chevron (2000)
17 Nisan - R' Avrohom Reuven of
17 Nisan - R' Meir Abuchatzeira of
17 Nisan - R' Yisroel Noach of Niezhin ben R' Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch
17 Nisan - R' Moshe Mordechai ben R' Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel, Kapishnitzer Rebbe (1975)
17 Nisan - R' Shlomo ben Moshe Wolbe, Mashgiach,Yeshiva Be'er Yaakov – Wrote Sefer Alei Shur (2005)
18 Nisan - R' Moshe Ellinson, Rov of Ohel Torah Manchester
18 Nisan - R' Meir Halevi, author of Yad Ramah (1244)
19 Nisan - R' Yehoshua Falk ben R' Alexander Hakohen, author of Me'iras Einayim and D'risha & P'risha on the Tur(1614)
19 Nisan - R' Aharon Hagadol of Karlin ben R' Yaakov "the Nistar"(1772)
19 Nisan - R' Menachem ben R' Elazar Ziemba of Warsaw HY"D (1943)
19 Nisan - R' Shmuel Alexander Unsdorfer of Montreal-Petach Tikva (2002)
20 Nisan - R' Hai bar Sherira Hagaon, Rosh Yeshivas Pompedisa. The last of the gaonim of Pumpedisa (1038)
20 Nisan - R' Yitzchak Chori, Dayan in Djerba
20 Nisan - R' Yechezkel Panet of Karlsberg ben R' Yosef, Wrote Mareh Yechezkel (1845)
20 Nisan – R' Yaakov of Moglonitza ben R' Elimelech of Lizensk, was called Tzadik Nistar"
21 Nisan – R' Shmuel Shapiro (1989), Ziknei Breslov
21 Nisan - R' Shimon Yisroel Posen, the Shoproner Rebbe
22 Nisan - R' Yehuda Rosenes, author of Mishna Lamelech (1727)
22 Nisan - R' Yisroel Yitzchak of Vorki ben R' Shimon "Baal Rachmonis" Kalisch, (1848) Tenth generation from the Levush, Vorka and Amshinov chassidus comes from him
22 Nisan - R' Moshe ben Yosef Mitrani, Mabit (some say the 23nd) (1585)
22 Nisan - R' Shimon "Caftan" Shlisgal, Gabbai Tzedaka who the Chofetz Chaim said was a hidden tzadik
23 Nisan - R' Yisrael Shalom Yosef ben R' Yitzchok of Bohosh (1926) author of Peer Yisrael
24 Nisan - R' Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel Weinberg, the Slonimer Rebbe of Tel Aviv (1978)
24 Nisan - R' Chaim Yitzchak Chaikin, Rosh Yeshiva of Aix-les-Baines
25 Nisan - R' Chaim of Sanz ben R' Aryeh Leibish Halberstam of Ternigrad, author of Divrei Chaim (1876) Descendant of the Chacham Tzvi and son-in-law of R' Baruch Frankel Teumim, author of Baruch Taam. He was a talmid of his father-in-law and R' Naftali of Ropshitz. Many great dynasties descend from the Divrei Chaim, most famous among them is Bobov and Klausenberg.
26 Nisan - R' Nachman Tulchiner ben R' Avrohom Halevi (1884) prominent talmid of R' Noson of Breslov
26 Nisan - R' Efraim Navon, Rov of Constantinople, and author of Machaneh Ephraim
(1735)
26 Nisan - R' Nachman of Tulchin ben R' Avrohom, Talmid of R' Noson of Breslov
26 Nisan - R' Moshe ben R' Chaim Tzvi Teitelbaum, Satmar Rebbe
27 Nisan - R' Yehuda Kahana, the Kuntress Hasfeikos (1819)
27 Nisan - R' Yeshayahu Asher Zelig Margulies, famous Yerushalayimer mekubal, author of Kumi V'Roni
27 Nisan - R' Levi Yitzchak Greenwald, Tzelemer Rov (1980)
27 Nisan - R' Avigdor ben Yisroel HaKohen Miller (2001)
27 Nisan - R' Sholom Moshe Ungar, Nitra Rav of Mount Kisco, Holocaust rescue worker in Slovakia together with his brother-in-law Rav Michoel Ber Weissmandl
27 Nisan - R' Moshe ben R' Yaakov Halberstam, moreh tzedek of Badatz Eida Hachareidis
28 Nisan - R' Shabsei Sheftel Halevi Horowitz, son of the Shlah Hakadosh, R' Yeshayah
28 Nisan - R' Shem Klingberg HY"D ben R' Avrohom Mordechai, the Zaloshytzer Rebbe of
28 Nisan - R' Yichiyeh ben Yosef Tzalach, the Maharitz, founder of the Yeminite Baladi community and Dayan in Sanaa (1805)
28 Nisan - R' Yehoshua of Ostrova ben R' Shlomo Yehuda Leib (1873), author of Toldos Adam, talmid of R' Moshe of Kobrin (whose yartzeit is tomorrow)
28 Nisan - R' Aaron ben R' Yitzchok Menashe Hakohen Rosenfeld, Pinsk-Karliner Rebbe (2001)
29 Nisan - R' Moshe of Kobrin ben R' Yisroel (1858), talmid of R' Mordechai and R' Noach of Lechovich His talmid muvhok was R' Avrohom of Slonim. Some of his Torah is in Toras Avos
29 Nisan - R' Mordechai Sholom Yosef ben R' Ahron Friedman, Sadigerer Rebbe, Keneses Mordechai (1979)
30 Nisan - Rabeinu Yosef Halevi Migash, talmid of the
30 Nisan - R' Chaim Vital ben R' Yosef Calabrisi, talmid muvhak of the Arizal (1620)
30 Nisan - R' Yaakov Berav (1546)
30 Nisan - R' Yaakov Emden ben R' Tzvi Hersh, the Yaavetz, son of the Chacham Tzvi (1776)
30 Nisan - R' Nesanel Weill, Korban Nesanel, Av Beis Din of
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Chida's Segulas for Protection
The Chida (whose yartzeit is 11 Adar) wrote a huge number of seforim (I'm not sure of the exact number, but I believe it's greater that 70) in many different areas. He is one of those gedolim that is highly respected in every group of Bnei Torah. His seforim on Chumash are regularly quoted and his halachic opinions from his Birkei Yosef and others are familiar to poskim. In Sefer Avodas Hakodesh, which actually contains several of his seforim, he writes about many different segulas and tefilos for many different things.
The Chida (Yosef Beseder 8) writes that there is a kabbala from Rabbeinu Yehuda HaChassid, that if one says three particular pesukim, forward and backwards, everyday, then he will be saved from all suffering. Note: In the first posuk of אַתָּה סֵתֶר לִי one should pause between the words לִי and מִצַּר; see here for the reason. Warning: These contain Names of Hashem, so if you print these out, make sure they are treated with the proper respect (i.e. don't throw in the garbage, take in the bathroom without two coverings, etc.).
אַתָּה סֵתֶר לִי, מִצַּר תִּצְּרֵנִי רָנֵּי פַלֵּט תְּסובְבֵנִי סֶלָה.
סֶלָה תְּסובְבֵנִי פַלֵּט רָנֵּי תִּצְּרֵנִי מִצַּר, לִי סֵתֶר אַתָּה.
בִּטְחוּ בַיהוה עֲדֵי עַד כִּי בְּיָהּ יהוה צוּר עוֹלָמִים.
עוֹלָמִים צוּר יהוה בְּיָהּ כִּי עַד עֲדֵי בַיהוה בִּטְחוּ.
.יהוה עֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן יהוה יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַשָּׁלוֹם
.בַשָּׁלוֹם עַמּוֹ אֶת יְבָרֵךְ יהוה יִתֵּן לְעַמּו עֹז יהוה
The Chida (Shomer Yisroel 12) says that he has a kabbala that whoever recites the pesukim of Vayehi Binsoa Ha'Aron and U'Venucha Yomar, in the manner written below (vertically), everyday, will not suffer any harm all day, even if in a dangerous place.
ובה ורק יוו ינש כינ אוה באי
ינא ימו היא כסנ מכח מבו בלש
הסר אשמ ופי ווא פוה רהה ופר
יען מהה הצב ימי נבי שיר תיאל