Teves Yartzeits

1 Teves - Avrohom Avinu (Bava Basra 91a). 1 Tishrei or 1 Nissan according to others (Moed Katan 28a)
1 Teves - R' Yair Chaim ben R' Moshe Shimshon Bachrach (1702) author of Chavos Yair and Rov of Worms. He was a descendant of the Maharal.
1 Teves - R' Yosef Hamaaravi, Baal Mofes and talmid of the Arizal, buried in Kfar Elchamama in Tunisia
1 Teves - R' Avrohom Moshe ben R' Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (1828)
1 Teves - R' Moasoud Refoel Alfasi (1774) Great tzadik of Morocco and Tunisia
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2 Teves - R' Yaakov Ibn Tzur, author of Mishpat U'Tzedaka L'Yaakov
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3 Teves - R' Chaim Leib ben R' Refoel Alter Shmuelevitz (1978), Legendary Rosh Yeshiva of the Mirrer Yeshiva
3 Teves - R' Avrohom ben R' Yehuda Tzvi Brandwein of Stretin (1864)
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4 Teves - R' Gershon Chanoch Henoch Leiner of Radzin (1890) ben R' Yaakov of Izhbitza was the The Baal Hatecheles and author of many seforim

4 Teves - R' Chaim Shaul HaKohen Dweck (1933) One of the great Syrian mekubalim of Yerushalayim. Rosh Yeshiva of Beit El.
4 Teves - R' Yaakov Shaul Kassin, head of New York Syrian community
4 Teves - R' Mordechai Pinchos Teitz (1995), Rov of Elizabeth, New Jersey.

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5 Teves - R' Shlomo Molcho HY"D (1534), arrested by the Inquisition in Spain, he recited
Shema with great joy as he was burned at the stake.

5 Teves - R' Ahron of Titiev (1828) ben R' Tzvi ben R' Yisroel Baal Shem Tov

5 Teves - R' Avrohom Yaakov ben R' Yisroel Friedman of Sadigur (1960)

5 Teves - R' Yerachmiel Tzvi ben R' Yechiel Yehoshua Rabinowitz (2003) Biala-Peshischa Rebbe of Har Nof

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6 Teves - R' Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shiniva (1895) ben R' Chaim of Sanz, author of Divrei Yechezkel
6 Teves - R' Yaakov Reischer, author of Chok Yaakov and Shvus Yaakov

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7 Teves - R' Moshe Dovid Vally, talmid of the Ramchal, who wrote a Kabalistic peirush on Tanach

7 Teves - R' Boruch of Kaminka, talmid of the Baal Shem Tov
7 Teves - R' Tzvi of Mezhibuz-Pinsk (1779) ben R' Yisroel Baal Shem Tov
7 Teves - R' Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izhbitza (1878) ben R' Yaakov

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8 Teves - R' Yechezkel HaLevi Halshtuk HY"D of Ostrovtza (1942) ben R' Yechiel Meir (some have the date as 10 Teves)

8 Teves - R' Shmuel Hellman (1765) was the Rov of Metz, France

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9 Teves - Ezra Hasofer (320 B.C.E.)
9 Teves - Nechemia ben Chachilya (372 B.C.E.)

9 Teves - R' Yehosef HaLevy (1067) ben R' Shmuel HaNagid
9 Teves - R' Ezra (1227), one of the Baalei Tosefos and Rebbe of the Ramban

9 Teves - R' Avrohom Chaim Shur (1632) author of Tzon Kedoshim

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10 Teves - Zecharia ben Berachya ben Idu Hanavi
10 Teves - Malachi Hanavi, end of the era of prophecy (317 B.C.E.)
10 Teves - R' Nosson ben R' Naftali Hertz Sternhartz of Breslov (1844), the leading talmid of R' Nachman of Breslov, compiler and author of many seforim. Reb Nachman said that he was his "Yehoshua", and that without him none of his teachings would have been spread the way they were. See Likutei Tefilos.

10 Teves - R' Raphael Wexelbaum, Rosh Yeshiva of Itri
10 Teves - R' Avraham Abba ben R' Yosef Leifer (1989), Pittsburgher Rebbe, lived in Pittsburgh and New York before moving to Ashdod in Eretz Yisroel. See Pittsburgher Rebbe Reveals the Loftiest Kavana of the Mikva.

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11 Teves - R' Shlomo Eiger, author of Gilyon Maharsha (1852) son of R' Akiva Eiger
11 Teves - R' Yehoshua ben R' Meir Horowitz of Dzikov, author of Ateres Yeshua (1912)
11 Teves - R' Yaakov Yosef Shlomo ben R' Chaim Dov Halperin of Vasoloi-Tel Aviv (1984) descendant of R' Yisroel of Ruzhin

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12 Teves - R' Moshe Margulies, author of Pnei Moshe on Talmud Yerushalmi (1781) Rebbe of the Vilna Gaon

12 Teves - R' Moshe Halevi "Sofer" of Peshvarsk (1805) Talmid of the Magid of Mezritch
12 Teves - R' Mordechai Chaim ben R' Yehuda Leib Kastelanitz of Slonim (1953) was one of the closest of the talmidim of the Slonimer Rebbes

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13 Teves - Rav Moshe ben R' Dovid of Lelov (1850) was the first Chassidishe Rebbe to settle in Yerushalyim. Previously they had settled in Tzfas. The Rizhiner told him that although many great tzadikim moved to Eretz Yisroel previously, their dynasties didn't survive, but Lelov would last till Moshiach comes. R' Moshe said that if he could make it to the Kosel Hamaravi then Moshiach would come. Unfortunately, he never made it there and passed away shortly after his arrival in Eretz Yisroel. He was the son-in-law of the Yid HaKodosh. The Lelover and Bostoner Rebbes are his descendants.
13 Teves - Rav Yitzchak ben R' Asher Anshel Hakohen Huberman, the tzaddik of
Ra'anana (1977)
13 Teves - Rav Yechiel Mordechai Gordon, Rosh Yeshivas Lomza (1965)
13 Teves - R' Shraga Feivush ben R' Boruch Hager of Zelishitshick (1936)
13 Teves - R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Yisroel Hager of Vishiveh (1941) Rosh
Yeshiva of Vizhnitz
13 Teves - R' Tzvi Hersh (Shmelkes) of Ostroh (1789) ben R' Shmuel, talmid of the Baal Shem Tov. He was considered the greatest chosid in Ostrah, was a great mekubal and is the subject of many miraculous stories
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14 Teves - R' Alter Elazar Menachem ben R' Moshe Mordechai Biderman of Lelov (2001) Beloved tzadik from Bnei Brak.
14 Teves - R' Reuven Dov Dessler (1935) father of R' Eliyahu Dessler
14 Teves - R' Tzvi Hirsh of Teplik (1928), Breslover Tzadik
14 Teves - R' Mordechai Twersky of Lavoi (1905)

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15 Teves - Mesharshia bar Pakud, Amora
15 Teves - Rav Huna, Amora
15 Teves - Mari bar Mar Zutra, Amora
15 Teves - R' Chaim Mordechai ben R' Itamar Rosenbaum of Nadvorna (1978)

15 Teves - R' Noson Nota Natkin ben R' Asher (1887) was a grandson of the Shaagas Aryeh and son-in-law of R' Yosef Zundel of Salant. Although he lived most of his life in Yerushalayim, he is buried in NY at Union Field Cemetery, (near Rabbi Jacob Joseph) because he died while collecting money for the Yishuv in Eretz Yisroel.

15 Teves - R' Refoel of Barshad (1827) ben R' Yaakov Yukel was from the greatest talmidim of R' Pinchas Koritzer. The website Two Tzaddiks has lots of information on them.

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16 Teves - R' Aryeh Leibish of Vishnitza (1846) ben R' Chaim Asher Lipshutz, known as "Rebbe Leibish Charif. He was a descendant of the Megaleh Amukos, son-in-law of the Yismach Moshe and Talmid Muvhak of the Chozeh of Lublin. He wrote Aryeh Devei Iloy (responsa), Ari Shebachabura (Mesechta Kesubos) and Ateres Zekeinim.

16 Teves - R' Ephraim Tzvi ben R' Alter Ben Zion Krakofsky of Pshadvarz (1946) Originally from Poland, he moved to Yerusholayim. He was a descendent of R' Dovid of Lelov, and a close chosid of the Radoshitzer Rebbe. He went on to become one of the greatest Breslover tzadikim of his time. His letters make up the sefer Oneg Shabbos.

16 Teves - R' Chaim ben R' Avrohom Yosef Kreisworth (2001) was one of the great Torah giants of recent times. See R' Chaim Kreisworth - A Walking Shas.

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17 Teves - R' Yaakov ben Zev Wolf Kranz (1804) See Dubno Magid Gives Mussar to the Vilna Gaon.

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18 Teves - R' Tzvi Elimelech Shapira of Dinov (1841) ben Reb Pesach, the Bnei Yisaschor. See here for more.

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19 Teves - R' Aryeh Leib ben R' Yosef HaKohen Heller (1813) author of Ketzos Hachoshen, Avnei Miluim and Shev Shmaitsa. All very famous seforim on halacha.

19 Teves - R' Avrohom Shmuel Binyamin Sofer (1871) oldest son of R' Moshe, the Chasam Sofer

19 Teves - R' Menachem Mendel Zaks (1974), son-in-law of the Chofetz Chaim

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20 Teves - R' Moshe ben R' Maimon (1204) the Rambam

20 Teves - R' Yaakov ben R' Masoud Abuchatzeira (1880) Great mekubal and the grandfather of Baba Sali

20 Teves - R' Ahron Tzvi Taub of Brid (1883) was a talmid of R' Tzvi Hirsh of Zhidichov and R' Beirish of Alesk.

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21 Teves - R' Yisroel Dov Ber ben R' Yosef of Vilednik (1850), author of Shearis Yisroel, great tzadik and miracle worker, primary talimid of R' Mottel of Chernobyl, his kever in Vilendnik, Ukraine gets many visitors.
21 Teves - Rav Matzliach Mazuz of Djerba HY"D, author of Ish Matzliach (1971)

21 Teves - R' Yitzchok ben R' Abba Abuchatzeira (1991) Great-grandson of R' Yaakov Abuchatzeira

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22 Teves - R' Sholom ben R' Mordechai Yosef Moshe Moskovitz, the Shotzer Rebbe of London. He promised to help anyone who comes to his kever and lights 3 candles(1958)
22 Teves - R' Shmuel Heller, Rav of Tzefas (1884)
22 Teves - R' Yehuda Leib ben R' Shlomo Eiger of Lublin (1888) grandsonof R' Akiva Eiger, talmid of the Kotzker and Izhbitza, author of Toras Emes and Imrei Emes

22 Teves - R' Avrohom Elchonon ben R' Dovid Shlomo Spector (1973) descendant of the Chozeh. Breslover Tzadik who knew the whole Shas, Medrash, Zohar and more by heart.

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23 Teves - R' Refoel Yitzchok Zerachia Azulai (1765) father of the Chida
23 Teves - R' Mordechai Gifter (2001), Rosh Yeshiva of Telz

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24 Teves - R' Naftali ben R' Yitzchok Hakohen Katz (1719, some have the date as 26 Teves), author of Semichas Chachomim and Rov of Ostraha and Frankfurt-on-Main. He is buried in Istanbul, where he died, en route to Eretz Yisroel. He was a descendant of the Maharal of Prague. R' Nachman of Breslov was one of his descendants
24 Teves - R' Shneur Zalman ben R' Boruch of Liadi (1813), first Lubavitcher Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch Harav
24 Teves - R' Shmuel Borenstein of Sochatchov (1926), the Shem MiShmuel son of ben R' Avrohom, the Avnei Nezer
24 Teves - R' Avraham Shmuel Binyamin ben R' MosheSofer, author of the Teshuvos Divrei Sofer (1948) descendant of the Chasam Sofer
24 Teves - R' Moshe Mordechai ben R' Shimon Noson Nota Biderman of Lelov (1987) Great tzadik from a family that was in Yerushalayim since 1850.

24 Teves - R' Yosef of Yampola (1812 some have the date as 20 Shvat) ben R' Yechiel Mechel of Zlotchov

24 Teves - R' Meir ben R' Yehuda Leib Greenwald (1852) Maharam Ash

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25 Teves - R' Moshe Tzvi ben R' Shimon Shlomo Giterman of Savran (1837) was a talmid of R' Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev and R' Boruch of Mezibuz. He was a fierce opponent of R' Noson of Breslov, though interestingly his son, R' Shimon Shlomo was on good terms with the Breslover Chassidim.

25 Teves - Rav Eliyahu Eliezer ben R' Reuven Dov Dessler (1954), author of Michtav M'Eliyahu and Mashgiach in Gateshead and Ponovezh

25 Teves - R' Moshe Tikochinsky, Mashgiach of Slabodka

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26 Teves - R' Avrohom Chaim of Zlotchov (1816) ben Gedalya Moshe, son-in-law of the "Baal Haflah". He was a talmid of the Magids of Mezritch and Zlotchov and the Rebbe Reb Shmelke of Nikolsburg. He wrote Orach L'Chaim (Torah) and Pri Chaim (Avos).

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27 Teves - R' Shamshon Raphael Hirsch (1888) (Shimshon ben Raphael)

27 Teves - R' Menashe Yitzchak Meir (1971) ben Asher Yeshaya Eichenstein of Zidichov-Petach Tikvah

27 Teves - R' Pinchos (1998) ben R' Chaim Hirschsprung of Montreal

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28 Teves - R' Avrohom Antebi (1858) of Aram Soba, Syria, author of Yoshev Ahalim

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29 Teves - R' Yerachmiel Yisroel Yitzchak (1910) ben Yechiel Danziger of Alexander, author of Yismach Yisrael. He was agreat gaon in all areas of Torah, yet know to be extreemly modest. Unfortunately, he left over no descendants.

29 Teves - R' Nosson Adler of London (1890) ben R' Mordechai, author of Nesina Leger
29 Teves - R' Moshe Yehoshua Yehudah Leib (1898) ben Binyomin Diskin, best know as the Maharil Diskin. He was the Rav of Brisk and Jerusalem.

29 Teves - R' Meir (1989) ben Benzion HaLevi Chodosh was the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Chevron

29 Teves - R' Yitzchok Kaduri (2006) ben R' Zev (I believe his mother's name, Tafcha or Tapcha, is on the matzeiva) The elder mekubal of his time. He was well over 100 years old when he passed away. He merited getting a brocha from the Ben Ish Chai in his youth.

29 Teves - R' Refoel Shmuel Berenbaum (2008) Rosh Yeshiva of Mir in Brooklyn. Learnt in Mir before the war and escaped to Shanghai. He was know not to waste a moment from learning Torah.

Cheshvan Yartzeits

1 Cheshvan - R' Yosef Engel, author of many seforim including Asvin D'Oraysa, Beis Ha'Otzar, Lekach Tov and Gilyonei HaShas (1910)
1 Cheshvan - R' Yisroel ben R' Yehoshua Shapira, the Bluzhover Rebbe (1990)

2 Cheshvan - R' Shmuel ben Moshe di Modena, the Mahrashdam (1589)
2 Cheshvan - R' Boruch ben R' Yisroel Hager (1963), the Seret-Vizhnitz Rebbe, the Makor Boruch
2 Cheshvan - R' Elazar Simcha Wasserman (1996), son of R' Elchonon Bunim Wasserman
2 Cheshvan - R' Yosef ben R' Mordechai Dovid of Dombrovna (1866) Talmid of the Chozeh of Lublin, R' Chaim Meir Yechiel of Moglenitza and Reb Yisachor Dov of Radoshitz.

3 Cheshvan - R' Yitzchok ben R' Chaim of Volozhin (1848) (I also have the date as 26 Iyar, not sure which is correct)
3 Cheshvan - R' Yosef Zundel ben R' Binyamin Beinush of Salant (1865) Talmid of R' Chaim of Volozhin and R' Akiva Eiger. Rebbe of R' Yisroel Salanter. After moving to Eretz Yisroel he became one of the leaders of the Jews in Yerusholayim
3 Cheshvan - R' Mordechai Miller, principal of Gateshead Seminary (2000)
3 Cheshvan - R' Yisroel Friedman of Rizhin (1850) ben R' Sholom Shachna of Probisht
3 Cheshvan - R' Eliezer of Dzikov (1860) ben R' Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz

4 Cheshvan - R' Klonimus Kalman (sometimes written Kalmish) Shapiro HY"D, Piazetsna Rebbe (1943), author of Chovas Hatalmidim, Aish Kodesh, Derech Hamelech and others. He was the son of R' Elimelech of Grodzensk. He was a descendant of the Noam Elimelech, Koznitzer Magid, Meor Veshemesh and many other great tzadikim.
4 Cheshvan - R' Aryeh Zev Gurwitz, Rosh Yeshiva of Gateshead (1983)

5 Cheshvan - R' Meir Heilprin, Rov and Av Beis Din of Lublin (1722)
5 Cheshvan - R' Avrohom Yosef Rice (1862), pioneer of the Baltimore Jewish community and founder of one of the first Hebrew schools in the U.S.
5 Cheshvan - R' Avrohom Halevi Zions, Rosh Yeshiva of Knesses Yisroel in New York
6 Cheshvan - R' Shlomo Dovid Yehoshua Weinberg of Slonim HY"D(1944) son of R' Avrohom, the Bais Avrohom

7 Cheshvan - R' Yehuda Meir ben R' Yaakov Shimshon Shapiro (1933), Rosh Yeshiva Chachmei Lublin and innovator of Daf Yomi. He was a descendant of R' Pinchos of Koritz and a Chosid of R' Yisroel of Chortkov, who told him to spread the idea of Daf Yomi.

8 Cheshvan - Rabbeinu Yonah ben Avrohom of Gerondi (1263) Author of Shaarei Tshuvah
8 Cheshvan - R' Nochum "Hachassid" of Horodno, Lithuania (1879) Rebbe of the Chofetz Chaim
8 Cheshvan - R' Yaakov Rosenheim, a founder of Agudas Yisrael (1965)
8 Cheshvan - R' Moshe Yosef Hakohen Tawil (1977), From the great Rabbonim of Aram Soba

9 Cheshvan - Rabeinu Asher ben Yechiel, the Rosh (1327)
9 Cheshvan - R' Yosef Leib Bloch, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva (1928)
9 Cheshvan - R' Shimon Yehuda ben R' Yitzchok Shmuel HaKohen Shkop of Grodno (1940)
9 Cheshvan - R' Yehuda ben R' Yitzchok Horowitz of Stutchin (1981) Descendant, ben acher ben, from R' Naftali of Ropshitz.
9 Cheshvan - R' David Laniado, of Aram Soba, author of Likedoshim Asher Ba'aretz

10 Cheshvan - Gad ben Yaakov Avinu (1563-1438 B.C.E.)
10 Cheshvan - R' Avraham Oppenheim, author of Aishel Avraham on Shulchan Oruch (1786)
10 Cheshvan - R' Dov Berish Weidenfeld, the Tchebiner Rov (1965) One of the Gedolei Hador of his time in Eretz Yisroel

11 Cheshvan - Mesushelach ben Chanoch, died at age 969. (2103 B.C.E.)
11 Cheshvan - Rachel Imeinu (1552 B.C.E.) (according to the GRA, she was 36 years old, according to Sefer Hayashar, 45)
11 Cheshvan - Binyamin ben Yaakov Avinu (1441 B.C.E.)
11 Cheshvan - R' Menachem Nachum ben R' Tzvi Twersky, of Chernobyl, Me'or Einayim (1797)11 Cheshvan - R' Avraham ben R' Yitzchok Matisyahu Weinberg, First Slonimer Rebbe, author of Yesod HaAvoda (1883) He was a talmid of R' Noach and R' Michel of Lechovitch and R' Moshe of Kobrin.
11 Cheshvan - R' Yehuda Leib Chasman, mashgiach of Yeshivas Chevron (1936)
11 Cheshvan - R' Pesach Pruskin, Rov and Rosh Yeshivah in Kobrin (1940) He was one of the Rabbeim of R' Moshe Feinstein.

12 Cheshvan - R' Zev Wolf Kitzis (1788) Talmid and Baal Tokea of the Baal Shem Tov, who he is buried immediately next to.
12 Cheshvan - R' Nochum of Shadik, Great Rov in Yerushalayim (1866)
12 Cheshvan - R' Yehuda ben R' Shaul Tzadka, Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef (1992)

13 Cheshvan - R' Yehuda HaChosid, author of Sefer Chasidim (1217) son of ben R' Shmuel HaChosid (There are many different dates given as his yartzeit and I don't know which one is accurate)
13 Cheshvan - R' Tzvi Shraga Grossbard, head of Chinuch Atzmai in Eretz Yisrael (1993)

14 Cheshvan - R' Avrohom Elimelech Perlow of Karlin HY"D (1942) ben R' Yisroel, killed al kiddush Hashem.
15 Cheshvan - Mattisyahu Kohen Godol (166 B.C.E.)
15 Cheshvan - R' Leib "Baal Yisurim" (1836), from the greatest talmidim of the Baal HaTanyain, Buried in Tzefas. Before he died he said that anyone that has a tzarah should come to daven at his kever and he will be helped.
15 Cheshvan - R' Avraham Yeshaya ben R' Shmaryahu Yosef Karelitz, the Chazon Ish (1953) Desended from the Maharal, Baal HaMaor and Baal HaPardes. He was one of the greatest and most respected Gedolim of his time.

16 Cheshvan - R' Amram Chasida, the Amora
16 Cheshvan - R' Chaim Pinto (1937), great Rov on Morocco
16 Cheshvan - R' Elazar Menachem Man ben R' Azriel Shach, Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh (2001) See Rav Shach's Will.

17 Cheshvan - R' Reuven Katz, author of Degel Reuven, rosh yeshiva in Petach Tikva (1964)
17 Cheshvan - R' Menachem Mendel of Kosov (1825), Ahavas Sholom, son of R' Yaakov Koppel "Chosid"
17 Cheshvan - R' Binyomin Zev ben R' Nechemia Cheshin (1988) great mekubal involved in the Kiruv movement. He was also one of the Ziknei Breslov of his time. He descended from the talmidim of the Vilna Gaon. He has several well known sons.

18 Cheshvan - R' Yaakov Friedman of Husyatin (1952) ben R' Yitzchok of Buhosh. He was a son-in-law of R' Yisroel of Husyatin
18 Cheshvan - R' Rafael Baruch Toledano, author of Sephardic Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (1970)18 Cheshvan - R' Nochum Partzovitz, Rosh Yeshivas Mir (1986)

19 Cheshvan - Hevel
19 Cheshvan - R' Pinchas Epstein, Rosh Av Beis Din of the Eida Hachareidis (1970)
19 Cheshvan - R' Avrohom Tzvi Hirsch Kamai, HY"D, rosh yeshiva and Rov of Mir (1941)

20 Cheshvan - R' Avrohom bar Yitzchak, Raavad II, author of Sefer Eshkol (1198)
20 Cheshvan - R' Sholom ben R' Yaakov Yosef HaLevi Rosenfeld of Kaminka (1851) talmid of R' Shlomo Kluger and R' Naftali of Ropshitz
20 Cheshvan - R' Moshe Nosson Nota ben R' Menachem Mendel Lemberger, the Makover Rov (1982) Talmid of R' Sholom Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfort
20 Cheshvan - R' Mordechai Sharabi (1983), descendant of the Rashash, one of the greatest mekubalim of his time and rosh yeshiva Nahar Sholom, buried on Har Hamenuchos

21 Cheshvan - R' Dovid ben R' Zimra, the Radvaz, Rebbe of the Arizal(1573)
21 Cheshvan - R' Avrohom Azulai, the Chessed L'Avraham (1643) great-great-grandfather of the Chida
21 Cheshvan - R' Betzalel ben R' Avrohom Stern (1988), great posek in Australia and author of Betzel Hachochma, brother of the R' Moshe Stern, the Debreciner Rov
21 Cheshvan – R' Yichya Halevi Alshich, head of Teimani community (1996)

22 Cheshvan - R' Ezriel Ben R' Dov Halevi Horowitz of Lublin, the "Eizener Kop"
22 Cheshvan - R' Dovid Shlomo ben R' Yeruchim Eibishutz (1813) author of many seforim including Levushei Serad, Arvei Nachal and Neos Deshe. Talmid of talmidim of the Mezritcher Magid. Settled in Eretz Yisroel
22 Cheshvan - R' Yissachor Dov ben R' Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz (1926)

23 Cheshvan - R' Aharon Katzenellenbogen of Brisk, author of Minchas Aharon (1854)
23 Cheshvan - R' Moshe ben R' Yaakov Leib Midner (1929), a talmid of the Slonimer Rebbes. He was known as a Baal Ruach HaKodesh. R' Elchonon Wasserman would stand up for him out of respect. He put together the sefer Toras Avos, which contains Torah from the Rebbes of Lechovitch, Kobrin and Slonim.
23 Cheshvan - R' Yehosef ben R' Tzvi Rottenberg of Koson (1911) son-in-law of R' Meshulam Feivish of Tosh
23 Cheshvan - R' Tzvi Aryeh (Hirsh Leib) ben R' Ahron Betzalel Lippel (1979) One of the Ziknei Breslov. While living in Uman, he was part of a group that would rise nightly at midnight, immerse in the river (including when they needed to break the ice to do so ) and then spend hours in the field in hisbodedus. He was allowed to leave Ukraine and moved to Eretz Yosroel in 1934. He was know for his intense prayer and kedusha, but despite this he was able to speak with anyone and understood everything.

24 Cheshvan - Binyamin ben Yaakov Avinu (according to many) (1554 B.C.E.)
24 Cheshvan - R' Refoel HaKohen of Hamburg ben R' Yekusiel Ziskind (1803) Learned by the Shaagas Aryeh and Vilna Gaon. He was a Rebbe of R' Chaim of Volozhin. He became close with the Mezritcher Magid. Wrote Toras Yekusiel. (some have the date as 26 Cheshvan)
24 Cheshvan - R' Raphael Dovid Auerbach (1987), Rosh Yeshiva of Shaar Shomayim
24 Cheshvan - R' Gedalya Moshe Goldman, Zvhiler Rebbe (1950) Son of the famous Reb Shlomka (Shlomo) of Zvhil
24 Cheshvan - R' Hillel Moshe ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Mashel (1907) talmid of the Kotzker and Chidushei HaRim. Settled in Eretz Yisroel

25 Cheshvan - R' Avrohom ben R' Shlomo Zalman, brother of the Vilna Gaon, author of Ma'alos Hatorah (1807)
25 Cheshvan - R' Naftali ben R' Elazar of Lizhensk (1838), grandson of the Noam Elimelech, talmid of R' Menachem Mendel of Kosov
25 Cheshvan - R' Mordechai Rokeach of Bilgoraya (1949) ben R' Yissachor Dov of Belz (1949)

26 Cheshvan - R' Shlomo Segal (1638), Av Beis Din of Polnoah and Lvov, the "MiBeis Levi"
26 Cheshvan - R' Simcha ben R' Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, buried in Mt. Judah Cemetery in Queens, NY. son of the Bais Halevi
26 Chehsvan - R' Abba ben R' Yitzchok Abuchatzeira (1935) grandson of the Abir Yaakov

27 Cheshvan - R' Yaakov ben R' Dovid Yitzchok Leizer of Antwerp, Pshevorsker Rebbe (1998) son-in-law of R' Itzikil Gewirtzman of Pshevorsk

28 Cheshvan - Rabbeinu Yonah ben R' Avrohom of Gerondi, author of Shaarei Teshuva (1263)28 Cheshvan - R' Sholom Eisen, talmid of R' Isser Zalman Meltzer, Moreh Tzedek in the Eida Hachareidis and expert on esrogim
29 Cheshvan - R' Yitzchak Eizik Chover, author of Teshuvos Binyan Olam and Si'ach Yitzchak (1852)

29 Cheshvan - R' Chaim ben R' Dov Berish HaKohen Rappaport, author of Mayim Chaim

30 Cheshvan - R' Tzvi Hirsch HaKohen of Riminov (1846) ben R' Yehudah Leib, succesor of R' Mendel of Rimanov and author of Sefer Be'eros Hamayim
30 Cheshvan - Rav Yaakov Betzalel Zolty, Rav of Yerushalayim
30 Cheshvan - R' Eliezer Yehudah Waldenberg ben R' Yaakov Gedalyahu (2006) Tzitz Eliezer, Famous posek, he was especially know for his rulings on medical isssues.

Lessons of Arba Minim

There are lessons to learn from every mitzvah. Having recently bought my arba minim (lulav, esrog, hadasim and aravos), some powerful lessons crossed my mind. We all know how everyone inspects the esrog carefully to look for blemishes. It occurred to me that even a "barely kosher" esrog is almost all yellow, and there are just a few spots. This can be a reminder that a few days ago, on Yom Kippur, all of our sins were forgiven, and we are "clean" and shouldn't mess up by getting dirt on our soul. As the Medrash Rabbah in Emor says that the esrog is compared to the heart of a person. On the other hand, even a small speck in the wrong place can render an esrog invalid. So too, we need to realize in these days between Yom Kippur and Hoshana Rabbah (when the Zohar says our judgments are sealed) we should watch that our heart should not get sullied. We are so meticulous about the spots on the esrog, even when the esrog is kosher, but the smallest speck on our soul is more damaging.

It is not for nothing that the Baal ShemTov says that אתרג is the first letters of  "אַל תְּבוֹאֵנִי רֶגֶל גַּאֲוָה"- "Do not bring be to the foot of pride". (Tehilim 36:12) At times, people can become haughty showing off how they have the most beautiful esrog. The lesson we should take is that when we say how clean our esrog is, we should say think how we can get our souls to be this clean, and ask Hashem for help in this. As we get closer to Hoshana Raba, most esrogim develop more spots, perhaps symbolic of our getting further away from Yom Kippur and a reminder to do teshuva before Hoshanah Rabbah.

The Medrash compares the lulav to the spine of a person, perhaps a reminder that we should act like an "Adam" and not a animal. An animal walks bent over, while a person walks upright.

The hadasim are compared to the eyes. We should try to look at everyone with a "good eye" and watch our eyes from looking disparagingly at others. We should also try to avert our eyes from the forbidden.

Aravos are compared to the lips. We should watch how we speak of others and how we use our mouth.

These are a few thoughts I had. The point is that although we do a mitzvah because Hashem tells us to, and we have many explanations as to why, we should always try to look for lessons that can make us better people to serve Hashem. When Chazal say the esrog is compared to the heart, it is more than just a nice analogy.

Chag Sameach, a Gut Yor and a Gut Kvittel to all.

Uman Rosh Hashona and the "Quick Fix"

One of the "frum" news sites had an opinion piece in which the author claims, among other things, that those who go to Uman for Rosh Hashona are looking for a quick fix. Here is a reponse I gave:  

Did you ever bother do look into a Chayei Mohoran and Likutei Mohoran to see what going to Uman for Rosh Hashona is really about? Before you criticize something, you need to first know at least the basics of the subject of criticism.

You speak of quick fixes. You obviously know very little about Breslov.

1.It is well known in Breslov, and spoken about much in Breslover seforim that Reb Nachman said that one must be careful to always follow Shulchan Aruch, and that we must learn halacha every single day. The Chofetz Chaim had a talmid, Reb Hirsh Leib Lippel, a great talmid chochom who became a Breslover Chosid. The Chofetz Chaim told him that was good because "Breslover Chassidim are careful to observe Shulchan Aruch". The halacha sefer used by many Breslovers is none other than the Mishna Brura.

2. Reb Nachman exhorted us to recite Tikun Chatzos. Regular bala batim get up to say it every night to daven for Hashem's house to be rebuilt. Most of us have roofs over our head but Hashem kaviyochul doesn't.

3. Have you ever davened in a Breslov minyan? A weekday shachris can easily take 90 minutes. And many daven vasikin and most go to the mikva before davening. Shabbos Shachris starts early enough so that Kris Shema together with the brochos can be said before the Magen Avrohom zman.

4. Besides Shachris, Mincha and Maariv, we spend a minimum extra 1 hour a day in hisbodedus, davening to Hashem in our own words. This includes thanking Hashem for everything, cheshbon hanefesh and asking for everything in gashmius and ruchnius including the smallest things. BTW, the Chofetz Chaim in Likutei Amarim Perek Yud says that all of our troubles come because we don't daven to Hashem in our own words, in addition to the 3 daily tefilos. (look it up inside the Kol Kisvei Chofetz Chaim)

There is much more, but this is a small sampling to show that going to Uman for Rosh Hashona has nothing to do with quick fixes. To go into detail why we go to Uman for Rosh Hashona would take too much time, but you can look it up in the seforim, as opposed to getting info off of a blog. Also, Breslovers spend much time preparing for Rosh Hashona by studying the teachings related to teshuva and Rosh Hashona, and doing extra hisbodedus, more tehilim, etc.

Now, many will say that only some do that but many don't. Many people show up to Simchas Bais Hashoeva in Mir and Toldos Ahron. Would you consider them Mirer talmidim or Toldos Ahron Chassidim? Same thing with Uman. Don't put down the thousands that come "ehrlich" for Rosh Hashona. This includes all types of Yidden, clean shaven, "Chassidic looking", Sefardim, Rabbonim and Ballei batim. The thing they have in common is that they study and follow the teachings of Reb Nachman all year long and this is just one part, albeit a very important part, of our avodah. (As someone else pointed out even those that may not come "ehrlich" may need the "quick fix" and many of the "ehrlich" were once upon a time not so"ehrlich" and got "lit up" in Uman on Rosh Hashona)

A Gmar Chasima Tova to all of Klal Yisroel. May we be zocheh to spend next Rosh Hashona in Yerusholyim with Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

Marathon Run in Memory of an Inspirational Woman

See here for the full story on the marathon run in memory of Mrs. Zlata Geisinksky a'h.

Links for "The 3 Weeks"

Tikun Chatzos

The Easiest Time to Come Close to Hashem.com

Shavuos

Shavuos - Torah, Tikun, Segulas and more

Segulas for Good Children

(This was posted previously with slight changes)

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.

Bilvavi Author's Schedule

Received from Dixie Yid via email:

Rav Shwartz, the author of the Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh seforim, will be in the U.S. the week before Shavuos. He will be speaking in Flatbush, Boro Park, Far Rockaway/5 Towns, Monsey, & Lakewood. Click on this link to see the full 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.

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!

Breslov Research Institute Dinner

 

 

TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT - CLICK HERE

 

Don't miss out on this historical opportunity.

Iyar Links

Iyar - Month of Refuah - Segulas For Refuah & Sefiras HaOmer

 

Iyar - Month of Healing: Redux

 

Lag BaOmer - Segulas & Minhagim

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