1 Kislev - R' Sholom Shachna of Lublin (1558) ben R' Yosef, rebbe and father-in-law of the Rema 1 Kislev - R' Yitzchak Lampronti, author of Pachad Yitzchak (1756)
1 Kislev - R' Yosef Shmuel of Cracow, author of Mesoras HaShas
2 Kislev - R' Shmerel of Verchovka (1775) talmid of the Baal Shem Tov
2 Kislev - R' Akiva ben R' Simcha Bunim Sofer of Pressburg, author of Daas Sofer (1960) descendant of the Chasam Sofer
2 Kislev - R' Aharon ben R' Schneur Zalman Kotler, Rosh Yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah, Lakewood, N.J. (1962)
2 Kislev - R' Nosson Meir ben R' Moshe Yom Tov Wachtfogel, Mashgiach of Bais Medrash Govoah, Lakewood, N.J. (1998)
3 Kislev - R' Meshulam Yissachor ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Ashkenazi, the Stanislaver Rebbe of London(1994)
3 Kislev - R' Meir HaKohen Katz, father of the Shach
4 Kislev - R' Yaakov Dovid Kalisch (1878), first Amshenover Rebbe, son of R' Yisroel Yitzchok of Vorka
4 Kislev - R' Yaakov Moshe Kulevsky, Rosh Yeshiva Ner Yisroel, Baltimore (2002)
5 Kislev - R' Shmuel Eliezer Halevi Eideles, the Maharsha (1631) ben R' Yehuda, Av Beis Din in Ostrov and Lublin (1636) Baal Shem Tov said that if one would know how great the Maharsha was, they would lick the dirt on his grave.
5 Kislev - R' Chaim Yosef Dovid (the second) (1898) ben R' Avrohom Azulai descendant of the Chida, who he was named after
5 Kislev - R' Yaakov Yehuda Tannenbaum (1887) son-in-law of R' Menachem Mendel of Vorka. He wrote Yashrish Yaakov
5 Kislev - R' Boruch Ber ben R' Shmuel Leibowitz, author of Birchas Shmuel (1940)
5 Kislev - R' Dovid Luria, the Radal (1855), talmid of the Vilna Gaon, authored a peirush on Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer
5 Kislev - R' Mordechai Rimer (1999), Mashgiach of Tchebin Yeshiva Kochav M'Yaakov
6 Kislev - R' Michoel Ber Weissmandel (1957), Rosh Yeshiva of Nitra Yeshiva, renowned for his mesiras nefesh during the Holocaust, risking his own life to save Jews. His wife and children were murdered by the Nazis y's.
6 Kislev - R' Shlomo Abu Maaravi (1989), founder of Otzer HaTorah network
6 Kislev - R' Chaim Shmuel ben R' Eliyahu Lopian, author of Recha Shmaitza (1999)
6 Kislev - R' Yechezkel Shraga ben R' Yisochor Dov Lipshutz-Halberstam (1995) Stropkover Rebbe and author of Divrei Yechezkel Shraga
7 Kislev - R' David Sinzheim of France (1812)
7 Kislev - R' Ahron HaLevy Epstein of Cracow (1881) son of R' Klonimus Kalman, the Meor Veshemesh
7 Kislev - R' Shlomo Binyamin HaLevi Ashlag (1983), son of R' Yehuda Leib author of HaSulam on Zohar
8 Kislev - R' Moshe Shapira of Slavita (1839) son of R' Pinchas of Koritz
8 Kislev - R' Aharon ben R' Mordechai Twersky of Chernobyl (1871)
8 Kislev - R' Dovid ben R' Shmuel Bornstein of Sochatchov, author of Chasdei Dovid (1942) Died in the Warsaw ghetto
8 Kislev - R' Pinchas Dovid ben R' Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz, the first Bostoner Rebbe (1941)
9 Kislev - R' Dov Ber ben R' Schneur Zalman Schneerson, Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch (1827)
9 Kislev - R' Noson ben R' Tzvi Trevitzer of Tzfas (1918) One of the Ziknei Breslov.
10 Kislev - R' Moshe Mordechai Margulios, Rov and Av Beis Din of Cracow, author of Chasdei Hashem (1616)
10 Kislev - R' Pinchas Menachem Elazar ben R' Binyomin Elazar Yustman (1920), Piltzer Rebbe, grandson of the Chiddushei Harim, author of Sifsei Tzaddik
10 Kislev - R' Moshe Mordechai Epstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka and Chevron Yeshiva
10 Kislev - R' Isser Zalman ben R' Boruch Peretz Meltzer, Rosh Yeshiva of Slutzk and Etz Chaim in Yerushalayim (1953) author of Even Haezel
11 Kislev - R' Yitzchak ben R' Yisroel Friedman of Sadiger (1924) Great-grandson of the Rizhiner. He died on a visit to the USA at the age of 39. He is buried in Queens, NY at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
11 Kislev - R' Tzvi Aryeh Ben-Zion ben R' Yisroel Abba Rosenfeld (1978) Responsible for spreading Breslov in the USA. He was a descendant of R' Ahron of Breslov and the Tcheriner Rov. He gave many shiurim on Reb Nachman's teachings in English that can be heard here.
12 Kislev - R' Shlomo ben R' Yechiel Luria Ashkenazi, the Maharshal, author of Yam Shel Shlomo and Chochmas Shlomo (1573)
12 Kislev - R' Yitzchak Lampronti, author of Pachad Yitzchak
12 Kislev - R' Avrohom Dov ben R' Dovid of Averitch (1840) Talmid of R' Nochum and R' Motel of Chernobyl. Author of Bas Ayin. He moved to Tzfas, Eretz Yisroel and is buried there. His shul still stands, after surviving the famous earthquake.
13 Kislev - Ravina berei D'Rav Huna (c.421) Amora
13 Kislev - R' Yisroel Friedman of Chortkov (1932) ben R' Dovid Moshe
13 Kislev - R' Yisroel Taub, first Modzhitzer Rebbe, author of Divrei Yisroel(1920) ben R' Shmuel Eliyahu of Zvolin. See Heichal HaNegina for more.
14 Kislev - Reuven ben Yaakov Avinu
14 Kislev - R' Menashe ben Yisroel of Amsterdam, author of Nishmas Odom
14 Kislev - R' Mordechai Yaakov ben R' Chaim Breisch of Zurich, author of Chelkas Yaakov
14 Kislev - R' Dovid Abuchatzeira HY"D (1919) ben R' Masoud, brother of Baba Sali,he was killed al kiddush Hashem.
14 Kislev - R’ Shmuel Heshel ben R’ Avrohom Tzvi Friedman (1918) talmid of R’ Avrohom b’Reb Nachman Chazan, whose sefarim he helped print. He was called one of the “true anshei shlomeinu” of Breslov. Passed away in Yafo.
15 Kislev - Rabbeinu Yehudah Hanasi (219), son of R' Shimon ben Gamliel
15 Kislev - R' Simcha Bunim Sofer of Pressburg, author of Shevet Sofer andShaarei Simcha. Son of the Ksav Sofer, R' Avrohom Shmuel Binyomin, who was the son of the Chasam Sofer
15 Kislev - R' Dovid ben R' Yitzchok Twersky of Skver (1919)
16 Kislev - R' Yaakov of Lublin, father of R' Hershel of Cracow
16 Kislev - R' Shaul Yedidya Elazar ben R' Yisroel Taub of Modzitz (1947)
16 Kislev - R' Menachem ben R' Yaakov Dovid Kalisch of Amshinov
16 Kislev - R' Meshulam Roth, Rov of Tchernovitz and author of Kol Mevaser
17 Kislev - R' Noach of Ludmir, talmid of the Chozeh of Lublin and author of Biurim of Maharam Schif
17 Kislev - R' Yosef Yoizel ben R' Shlomo Zalman Horowitz, the Alter fromNovardok
17 Kislev - R' Refoel Shlomo Heiman, Rosh Yeshiva of Bais Medrash Elyon andYeshiva Torah Vodaas
18 Kislev - R' Avrohom ben HaRambam, author of HaMaspik L'ovdei Hashem
18 Kislev - R' Boruch of Mezibuzh (1812) ben R' Yechiel, grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. See here for more.
18 Kislev - R' Eliezer Zev ben R' Yitzchok Rosenbaum of Rachov (1998) Lived in Ramat Gan
19 Kislev - R' Dov Ber ben R' Avrohom, the Magid of Mezeritch (1772)Successor of the Baal Shem Tov. Many of the greatest tzadikim of thegeneration were his talmidim.
19 Kislev - R' Chaim Tayeb (1836) great tzadik and mekubal in Tunisia
19 Kislev - R' Nissim Chaim Rosenbaum of Drohvitz HY"D (1942) ben R' Eliezer Zev of Kretchnif
20 Kislev – R' Shmuel ben R' Yaakov of Nemirov (1830) Tzadik mentioned in the writings of R' Noson Breslover
20 Kislev – R' Boruch ben R' Menachem Mendel Hager of Vizhnitz (1892) Imrei Boruch
20 Kislev – R' Yochanan ben R' Dovid Twersky of Rachmastrivka (1981)
20 Kislev – R' Yitzchok Hutner (1980) Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin and author of Pachad Yitzchok
20 Kislev – R' Eliyahu Chaim ben R' Klonomus Kalman Rosen (1984) Great tzadik and one of the Gedolei Breslov.
21 Kislev - R' Yochonan Perlow ben R' Yisroel of Stolin-Lutzk (1956) buried in Teveria
21 Kislev - R' Tzvi Pesach Frank (1961), Famous Rov and posek in Yerushalayim and author of Har Tzvi
21 Kislev - R' Shlomo Zalman ben R' Moshe Dovid Friedman of Tenka (1999) He was already a great Rov while in Europe. He lived in Brooklyn, where he was well known as a tzadik. He was very close with the gedolim of his time including R' Moshe Feinstein and the Satmar Rebbe, who he is buried close to.
22 Kislev - R' Eliezer Ashkenazi (1586), author of Maasei Hashem. He was a contemporary of the Maharal
22 Kislev - R' Yechezkel ben R' Moshe Panet of Deizh (1929) author of Knesses Yechezkel
22 Kislev - R' Chaim Kesar, Rov of the Yemenites in Eretz Yisroel
22 Kislev - R' Sholom Mordechai HaKohen Shwadron (1998) Magid of Yerusholayim, grandson of the Maharsham
23 Kislev - R' Dovid of Novordok (1837) author of Geila Meseches
23 Kislev - R' Shabsei Yudelevitz, Yerushalmi Magid
23 Kislev - R' Dovid Teveli Schiff, author of Loshon Zahav
23 Kislev – R' Dovid ben R' Mordechai Zusia Twersky of Bohush-Yas (1933)
23 Kislev - R' Ben-Zion Alphas (1940) Darshan in Eretz Yisroel
23 Kislev – R' Elimelech ben R' Meshulam Feivish of Tosh (1942) grandfather of the present Tosher Rebbe shlita
24 Kislev - Shimon ben Yaakov Avinu (1446 B.C.E.)
24 Kislev - R' Avrohom ben R' Shmuel Abulafia (died after 1291), From the early mekubalim, he authored many seforim, among them sefer Hayashar and Imrei Shefer (1291)
24 Kislev - R' Yichya Tzalach (1804), the Maharitz of Yemen
24 Kislev - R' Shmuel Yitzchok ben R' Yehuda Rosenfeld (1850), Rov of Tcherin, he was a talmid of R' Nachman Breslover and accompanied him on his mysterious trip in 1807.
24 Kislev - R' Moshe ben R' Menachem Mendel Paneth of Deizh (1902)
24 Kislev - R' Chaim Hager of Atinya (1932) ben R' Boruch of Vizhnitz, son-in-law of R' Yitzchok of Bohush
25 Kislev - R' Avrohom Mordechai Nissim Harari Raful (1991)
25 Kislev - R' Yochanan ben R' Dovid Mordechai Twersky of Tolna (1998)
25 Kislev - R' Shlomo Zalman (1758), father of the Vilna Gaon (1758)
25 Kislev - R' Avrohom (1808), son of R' Eliyahu, the Vilna Gaon (1808)
25 Kislev - R' Chaim Chizkiyahu ben R' Refoel Eliyahu Medini (1904), Sdei Chemed
25 Kislev - R' Yaakov Etlinger (1871), author of Aruch Lener and BinyanTzion
26 Kislev - R' Avrohom bar Dovid, the Raavad, Baal Hasagos (1197)
26 Kislev - R' Yehoshua Zelig Diskin, Rov of Pardes Chana (1970)
26 Kislev - R' Elazar ben R' Moshe Elyokim Briah of Koznitz (1861)
26 Kislev - R' Yosef ben R' Ahron Perlow of Koidenov (1915) Descendant, ben acher ben from the Lechovitcher.
27 Kislev - R' Chaim ben R' Shlomo of Tchernowitz (1816) author of Be'er MayimChaim, Sidduro Shel Shabbos and others.
27 Kislev - R' Avrohom Yitzchok ben R' Ahron Dovid Kohn, the Toldos AharonRebbe (1996) son-in-law of R' Ahron Roth, the Shomer Emunim
28 Kislev- R' Uziel Meizlish of Ritshval ben R' Tzvi Hirsch (1785) talmid ofthe Magid of Mezrotch and author of many seforim, including TiferesUziel, Eitz Hadaas Tov and Menorah Hatehorah
28 Kislev - R' Boruch Dovid ben R' Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornesteipil (1925)
28 Kislev - R' Moshe Torgeman, a Rebbe of Baba Sali
29 Kislev - R' Chizkiyah diSilva, author of Pri Chodosh
29 Kislev - R' Avrohom Meyuchas (1767) Great Mekubal and Posek in Eretz Yisroel
29 Kislev - R' Gedalia ben R' Yitzchok of Linitz (1803) The Baal Shem Tov, who he saw several times, regarded him very highly. Talmid of the Toldos Yaakov Yosef and the Mochiach of Polonya. R' Nachman Breslover held of him very highly as can be seen from Likutei Moharan 14, which was originally given over after R' Gedalia's passing.
29 Kislev - R' Avrohom ben R' Nachman Chazan (1907), leader of Breslov after R' Noson. He wrote many seforim, including Kochvei Ohr and Biur Halikutim on Likutei Mohoran.
29 Kislev - R' Shlomo of Vilna, author of Cheshek Shlomo
29 Kislev - R' Tzvi Mordechai ben R' Avrohom Moshe of Peshischa (1866) son-in-law of R' Yitzchok of Vorka
29 Kislev - R' Yisroel ben R' Mordechai Shraga Feivish of Husyatin (1948) See this famous story.
29 Kislev - R' Shlomo Dovid Kahana of Warsaw-Yerushalayim, Known as the "Father of agunos"
29 Kislev - Rav Zushe Waltner, Rosh Yeshiva in Sunderland and Tangier
30 Kislev - R' Dovid Halberstam of Sokolov (1939) ben R' Moshe of Shiniva, the son of the Divrei Yechezkel of Shiniva. He is buried in Queens, NY at Union Field Cemetery.
30 Kislev - R' Elazar ben R' Shlomo Yehuda Weitzhandler (1984) one of the Chashuvei Breslov
30 Kislev - R' Nochum ben R' Yehonoson Starkis (If this is the correct one. I saw the name also written as Nachman) Legendary figure in Breslov. He was tortured by the Russian communists y's' but made it to Eretz Yisroel.
30 Kislev - R' Dovid Oppenheim, Av Bes Din of Reznitz
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
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)
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
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
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 (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
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
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
24 Cheshvan - Binyamin ben Yaakov Avinu (according to many) (1554 B.C.E.)
24 Cheshvan - R' Refoel HaKohen of
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
26 Cheshvan - R' Simcha ben R' Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, buried in Mt. Judah Cemetery in
26 Chesvan - R' Abba ben R' Yitzchok Abuchatzeira (1935) grandson of the Abir Yaakov
27 Cheshvan - R' Yaakov ben R' Dovid Yitzchok Leizer of
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.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
אַתָּה סֵתֶר לִי
Several times a day, we say the verse: אַתָּה סֵתֶר לִי, מִצַּר תִּצְּרֵנִי רָנֵּי פַלֵּט תְּסובְבֵנִי סֶלָה - “You are my Shelter, from distress you save; with songs of deliverance You surround me, Selah” (Tehilim 32:7). Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (Likutei Mohoran 213) cautions that one should pause after the words אַתָּה סֵתֶר לִי before saying the next word, מִצַּר. This is because the first letters of אַ׳תָּה ס׳ֵתֶר ל׳ִי are the Name ס־א־ל, which Hashem uses to protect a person from death. The מ of מִצַּר is also the מ of מָוֶת, death. When this מ gets added onto the Name mentioned, it becomes סמא״ל, the name of the satan, and he tries to harm the person. The satan turns the first letters of אַ׳תָּה ס׳ֵתֶר ל׳ִי into ס׳וֹף אָ׳דָם לָ׳מוּת - “the end of man is to die”. If one is careful to pause then he has the “You are my Shelter” and also “from distress you save…”.
Kivrei Tzadikim in the USA
I received an email from a website dedicated to Kevarim of Rabbonim buried in The United States and Canada. The site is www.kevarim.com. I have been to many of Kivrei Tzadikim in the New York area, but they have more than I ever knew existed. There are kevarim of Chassidishe Rebbes, Litvishe Rosh Yeshivas and many other Rabbonim from various backrounds. This is a summary of what the site is about, taken from their website:
In recent years we have seen an upsurge of interest in visiting kevarim of tzadikim in Eastern Europe and Eretz Yisroel. At any given time of the year, one can find both private and group tours traveling throughout Eastern Europe. Regrettably, most people do not realize that, right here in the United States, one can find the final resting places of many Admorim and Rabbanim, who lived both before and after the Holocaust and who made major contributions to Yiddishkeit as we know it today.
Scores of books have been published identifying kivrei tzadikim in Eretz Yisrael and Eastern Europe. Yet, to date, there is not one single source identifying kivrei Admorim and Rabbanim in the United States. In addition, to this kivrei tzadikim directory, we have undertaken to compile a listing which will include a short biography, picture, and directions to the tzion of each Rebbe or Rav.
The goal of this project is twofold: to preserve the memory of departed Gedolei Yisrael, and to provide a place to turn to in time of need to those who may not have the opportunity to travel.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Tishrei Yartzeits
1 Tishrei - Sara Imeinu
1 Tishrei - R' Amnon of Mainz HY"D(1012)
1 Tishrei - R' Meir Yehuda Leibush, The Malbim
1 Tishrei - R' Yaakov Dovid Wilovsky of Slutzk, Chicago and Tzefas, known as the Ridbaz
2 Tishrei - R' Yisroel Lipshitz (1860) Tiferes Yisroel
2 Tishrei - R' Yisroel ben R' Asher of Stolin (1868) known as the "Yenuka" after being crowned Rebbe at the age of 4. He is also know as the "Frankfurter" since he is buried in
3 Tishrei - Gedalia ben Achikam (422 B.C.E.)
3 Tishrei - R' Naftali Trop (1930) Rosh Yeshiva in Radin, his sforim on Gemara are used in many Yeshivas.
3 Tishrei - R' Shimon Noson Nota ben R' Dovid Tzvi Shlomo Biderman of Lelov (1929)
3 Tishrei - R' Noson Sternhartz (1972) son of the author of Kochav Lev, the leader of Breslov, R' Avrohom, great-grandson of R' Noson of Breslov
4 Tishrei - Baal Shem of Michelshtat, R' Yitzchok Aryeh (Zekel Leib) Wormser (1847), numerous people go to his kever on the yartzeit and throughout the year. Here is a book with his bio.
4 Tishrei - R' Avrohom Danziger (1820) Author of Chaye Adam and Chochmas Adam
4 Tishrei - R' Boruch Refoel Soloveitchik, son of the Brisker Rov, R' Yitzchok Zev
5 Tishrei - Naftali ben Yaakov Avinu
5 Tishrei - R' Boruch Sholom HaLevi Ashlag (1991) His father, R' Yehuda Leib was the great Mekubal, the Baal HaSulam on Zohar.
6 Tishrei - R' Aryeh Leib ben R' Boruch (1811), the legendary "Shpole Zeide". See Dixie Yid for a fascinating explanation, from R' Yizchok Meir Morgenstern, of the machlokes between R' Nachman of Breslov and the Shpole Zeide
7 Tishrei - Zevulun ben Yaakov Avinu (1438 B.C.E.)
7 Tishrei - R' Dovid Oppenheim of Nikolsburg-Prague (1736)
8 Tishrei - R' Noach ben R' Mordechai of Lechovitch (1833)
9 Tishrei – R' Yitzchak Shmelkes, the Bais Yitzchak of Lemberg
9 Tishrei - R' Avrohom Saba, author of Tzror Hama'or (after 1500)
9 Tishrei - R' Avrohom Abale ben R' Chaim HaLevi Gumbeiner of Kalish (1682), the Magen Avrohom
9 Tishrei - R' Elazar Nisan ben R' Moshe of Drobitich (1854) son of the Yismach Moshe and father of the Yetev Lev
9 Tishrei - R' Yitzchak Zev ben R' Chaim Soloveitchik, the Brisker Rov (1959)
9 Tishrei - R' Eliezer Zusman Sofer, author of Et Sofer (1902)
10 Tishrei - Reb Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel ben R' Yosef Meir Twersky (1987), Machnovker Rebbe of Bnei Brak
10 Tishrei - Rebbi Akiva ben Yosef HY"D (153) Rebbi Yehuda Hanassi was born on that day.
10 Tishrei - R' Achai Gaon (511)
10 Tishrei - R' Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag of Yerushalayim (1954), author of the Sulam on Zohar
10 Tishrei - R' Moshe Yitzchak ben R' Naftali Elimelech Gewirtzman of
10 Tishrei - R' Naftali Chaim ben R' Meir of Dzhikov (1894)
10 Tishrei - R' Avrohom Binyamin Silberberg, Pittsburgher Rov
11 Tishrei - R' Huna berei Mar Zutra
11 Tishrei - Mar bar Rav Ashi (466)
11 Tishrei - R' Tavyomi (350)
11 Tishrei - Rabbeinu Yitzchak Halevi of
11 Tishrei - R' Avraham Abish of Frankfurt (1769), the Birchas Avrohom
12 Tishrei - R' Avraham the Malach (1776), son of the Magid of Mezritch, R' Dov Ber
13 Tishrei - R' Akiva Eiger (1837)
13 Tishrei - R' Shmuel ben R' Menachem Mendel, "the Rebbe MaHaRaSh" of Lubavitch (1882)
13 Tishrei - R' Yisroel ben R' Avrohom Yaakov Friedman, the Sadigerer Rebbe (1906)
13 Tishrei - R' Chaim Berlin, Av Beis Din Moscow, Volozhin and Yerushalayim (1912) Son of the Netziv, ben R' Naftoli Tzvi Yehuda Berlin
13 Tishrei - R' Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky, Av Beis Din of Chust and Yerushalayim (1949)
14 Tishrei - R' Sholom Shachne of Prohovitch (1803) ben R' Avrohom the Malach
14 Tishrei - R' Yisroel ben R' Shabsei Hopstein, Maggid of Koznitz, author of Avodas
Yisroel, (1814) One of the 4 primary talmidim of the Rebbe, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk
14 Tishrei - R' Benzion Bruk, Rosh Yeshivas Novardok in Yerushalayim (1985)
15 Tishrei - Yaakov Avinu (1651-1504 B.C.E.)
15 Tishrei - R' Meir Arik of
15 Tishrei - R' Mordechai ben R' Yisachor Bertche Leifer of Nadvorna (1894)
16 Tishrei - R' Moshe Zacutto (1697), author of Kol Haramaz on the Zohar and the Rebbe of the Ramchal
16 Tishrei - R' Tzvi Hirsch ben R' Shlomo Shapiro of Munkach, author of Darkei Teshuva (1913) father of the Minchas Elazar
16 Tishrei - R' Yitzchak Dov Halevi Bamberger, Av Beis Din of Wurzburg(1878)
16 Tishrei - R' Shimon ben R' Yisroel of Yaraslov (1849) talmid of the Rebbe, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk and the Chozeh of Lublin, author of Toras Shimon
17 Tishrei - R' Moshe Rosen (1957), author of Nezer Hakodesh, Buried in Mt. Judah Cemetery,
18 Tishrei - R' Nachman of Breslov (1810) Son of R' Simcha, the son of R' Nachman Horedenker, but usually mentioned with his mothers name, Faiga, who was the daughter of the Baal Shem Tov's daughter Udel.
18 Tishrei - R' Betzalel Rensburg, author of Haga'os Hashas (1821)
18 Tishrei - R' Yona Mertzbach, Mashgiach of Yeshiva Kol Torah
18 Tishrei - R' Naftali ben R' Yehuda of Melitz (1915)
19 Tishrei - R' Eliyahu ben R' Shlomo Zalman, the Vilna Gaon (1797) See here for a connection between the Vilna Gaon and the Yid HaKadosh
19 Tishrei - R' Yaakov Yitzchak ben R' Asher Rabinowitz, The Yid Hakadosh of Peshischa (1813) Here is another vort from the Yid HaKadosh.
19 Tishrei - R' Aharon ben R' Yisroel Friedman, the Sadigerer Rebbe, author of Kedushas Aharon (1912)
19 Tishrei - R' Yosef Moshe Ades, Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef (1991)
20 Tishrei - R' Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of
20 Tishrei - R' Boruch Yosef of Sudlikov (1884) Son of R' Aryeh Leib of Sudlikov, who was a son-in-law of R' Dovid HaLevi Horowitz, who was a son-in-law of the Degel Machane Ephraim
20 Tishrei - R' Eliezer ben R' Yitzchok Papo, the Peleh Yoetz (1898)
21 Tishrei - R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Eliezer of Premishlan (1770) Talmid of the Baal Shem Tov, he was from the first to move to Eretz Yisroel.
21 Tishrei - R' Avrohom Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, the Cheshev Sofer (1961) Descendant of the Chasam Sofer
21 Tishrei - R' Dovid Moshe of Chortkov (1904) son of R' Yisroel of Ruzhin.
22 Tishrei - R' Moshe Yaakov Hakohen Ribikov, the "Shoemaker from Tel Aviv" (1967)
23 Tishrei - Rabbeinu Chanoch ben Rabbeinu Moshe of Cordova, one of the four Shevuyim (1000)
23 Tishrei - R' Dovid Jungreis, Rosh Av Beis Din Yerushalayim (1971)
24 Tishrei - R' Yaakov Yosef ben R' Tzvi HaKohen of Polnoye (1783), foremost disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, author of Toldos Yaakov Yosef, the first chasidish sefer
24 Tishrei - R' Eliyahu Guttmacher, Av Beis Din Greiditz (1874)
24 Tishrei - R' Elchonon Sorotzkin, chairman of Vaad Hayeshivos
24 Tishrei - R' Chaim Zanvil ben R' Moshe Abramowitz, the Ribnitzer Rebbe (1995) Great tzadik and baal mofes, he was a talmid of the Stefanester Rebbe. He lived in communist
24 Tishrei - R' Avrohom Yehuda Leib ben R' Pnchos Zelig HaKohen Schwartz, the Kol Aryeh (1883)
25 Tishrei - R' Yom Tov Lipman Heilprin, author of Kedushas Yom Tov (1794)
25 Tishrei - R' Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, the Kedushas Levi (1809) Son of R' Meir. He is traditionally mentioned with his mothers name, Sarah Sosha.
25 Tishrei - R' Moshe ben R' Shmuel Sofer, the Chasam Sofer (1839)
25 Tishrei - R' Dovid Mattisyahu Rabinowitz, Biala Rebbe- Bnei Brak (1997) son of the Chelkas yehoshu, R' Yechiel Yehoshua of Biala
26 Tishrei - R' Asher ben R' Ahron "HaGadol", the Stoliner Rebbe (1828)
27 Tishrei - Rabbeinu Yitzchak Hazaken bar Shmuel, "the RI", a Baal Tosfos and grandson of Rashi who headed yeshivos in Ramerupt and Dampierre (1200)
27 Tishrei - R' Nosson Tzvi ben R' Yerachmiel Moshe Kenig (1997), Rosh Kollel Breslov in Bnei Brak (I think the actual date is 17 Tishrei)
28 Tishrei - R' Ephraim Zalman Shorr, author of Tevuos Shor (1732)
28 Tishrei - R' Lieber "HaGadol" of Berdichev His real name was R' Eliezer ben R' Avrohom (1770) one of the talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov. He was a great-grandson (ben acher ben) of R' Shimshon Ostropolier and was also a descendent of the Megaleh Amukos
28 Tishrei - R' Avrohom ben R' Avrohom Eiger, the Lubliner Rebbe (2002) Named after his father who died a few months before his birth
29 Tishrei - Shimon Hatzaddik of the Anshei Knesses Hagedola (c. 350-300
B.C.E.)
29 Tishrei - R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Chaim Hager of Vizhnitz, the Tzemach Tzaddik
(1885)
29 Tishrei - R' Shmuel Tzvi ben R' Yechiel Danziger of Alexander, the Tiferes Shmuel (1923)
29 Tishrei - Don Yitzchok Abarbanel (1519)
29 Tishrei - R' Meir beb R' Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
30 Tishrei - R' Tzvi Hirsch Chayos - Maharatz Chiyos (1856)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Elul Yartzeits
1 Elul – R' Dovid HaNagid (1300) ben R' Avrohom ben Rambam
1 Elul – R' Chanoch Henoch Dov of Alesk ben R' Shmuel (1884), the Lev Sameach, was a son-in-law of the Sar Sholom of Belz in his first marriage and in his second marriage was a son-in-law of R' Meir ben R' Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
2 Elul – R' Yitzchak Bar Sheshes, the Rivash (1408)
2 Elul - R' Avraham Yaakov Friedman of Boyan-Lvov HY"D (1942) ben R' Yitzchok, author of Nachalas Yaakov, murdered by the Nazis y's.
2 Elul – R' Eliezer ben R' Yisroel Hager, the Damesek Eliezer of Vizhnitz (1946) He is buried on Har Hazeisim.
2 Elul – R' Shmuel Dovid Walkin (1979) was Rov in Shanghai during WWII and later in Queens, NY. He was the son of the Pinsker Rov, the Bais Aharon.
3 Elul - R' Yissochor Bertcha Leifer of Nadvorna (1848) ben R' Yitzchok of Kalish was a great-grandson of R' Meir "HaGadol" of Premishlan
3 Elul - R' Yitzchok Yeshaya Halberstam HY"D of Tchechoiv (1943) was the youngest son of R' Chaim of Sanz
3 Elul - R' Moshe Friedman HY"D of Boyan-Krakow (1943) ben R' Sholom Yosef
3 Elul - R' Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz was the legendary head of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas and founder of Torah Umesorah. He used to ask to be called Mister Mendlowitz, to which one of the great tzadikim said, his name is "Nister" Mendlowitz
3 Elul – R' Avrohom Yitzchok HaKohen Kook (1935)
3 Elul – R' Sholom Eichenstein of Zidichov-Tsfas (1988) ben R' Asher Yeshaya
4 Elul - R' Meir Simcha Hakohen of Dvinsk (1926) ben R' Shimshon Klonomus, author of Ohr Someach and Meshech Chochma
4 Elul - R' Aryeh Leib Tumim, author of Gur Aryeh
4 Elul – R' Eliyahu Kramer, grandfather of the Vilna Gaon
5 Elul - R' Dovid Tzvi Shlomo (1918) ben R' Elazar Menachem Mendel Biderman of Lelov, one of the great tzadikim of Yerushalaim, buried on Har Hazeisim
5 Elul - R' Moshe Ahron ben R' Chaim Pinto, great tzadik who lived in Ashdod
6 Elul - R' Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1654), author of Tosfos Yom Tov
6 Elul - R' Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum of Sighet (1883) ben R' Elazar Nisan, author of Yetev Lev, Yetev Ponim, Avnei Tzedek and Rav Tov L'Beis Yisroel. He was a grandson of the Yismach Moshe and grandfather of the Satmar Rebbe
6 Elul - R' Moshe Mintz, author of Shailos U'Tshuvos Maharam Mintz
6 Elul - R' Yechezkel Sarna (1969), Rosh Yeshiva of Chevron, great tzadik and talmid of the Chofetz Chaim and Slabodka
6 Elul - R' Meir Zvi Ehrentreu, Manchester Yeshiva Rosh Kollel and RoshYeshiva
7 Elul - R' Reuven Margolios, author of Margolios Hayom and many otherseforim
7 Elul – R' Eliyahu (1859), father of the Ben Ish Chai
7 Elul - R' Aryeh Leib Lopian, Rosh Yeshivas Gateshead
8 Elul – R' Shlomo ben R' Yosef Karo (1889) was Rov in Saana, Yemen
8 Elul - R' Michoel Ashkenazi (1889) was a Rov in Aram Soba, Syria
9 Elul - Dan ben Yaakov Avinu (also birthday)
9 Elul - R' Tzadok ben R' Yaakov HaKohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (1900), author of Pri Tzaddik, Tzidkas HaTzadik and numerous other seforim.
9 Elul - R' Nachum Mordechai ben R' Alter Yisroel Shimon Perlow of Novominsk (1976) was a descendant, ben acher ben, from R' Mordechai of Neshchiz. His son, R' Yaakov is the current Novominsker Rebbe.
9 Elul - R' Yonoson Shteif (1958), Viener Rov and renown posek
10 Elul - R' Pinchos of Koritz (1790) ben R' Avrohom Abba Shapiro, a descendant of R' Noson Nota Shapiro, the Megaleh Amukos. He was not only one of the greatest talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov, but was also considered a friend of the Baal Shem Tov. His teachings are collected in Medrash Pinchos, Nofes Tzufim and Imrei Pinchas. His talmidim included R' Raphael "der Emesser" of Bershad and the Shpoler Zeide. See here for more. There is a site dedicated to R’ Pinchas and R’ Raphael, Two Tzaddiks.
10 Elul - R' Yitzchok of Bohush (1896) ben R' Sholom Yosef of Sadiger
10 Elul - R' Moshe Yehudah Leib of Pashkan (1947) ben R' Yitzchok of Bohush, author of Birchas Moshe.
11 Elul - R' Sholom Yosef Friedman of Sadiger (1851) oldest son of R' Yisroel of Ruzhin
11 Elul - R' Avrohom Yaakov Friedman of Sadiger (1883) second son of R' Yisroel of Ruzhin
12 Elul - R' Shimon of Toledo, son of the Rosh (1342)
12 Elul - R' Simcha Bunim of P'shischa (1827) ben R' Tzvi, talmid of the Chozeh and the Yid HaKodosh
12 Elul R' Moshe Elyokim Briah Hopstein of Koznitz (1828), son of the Kozhnitzer Magid, R' Yisroel
12 Elul - R' Yitzchak Zelasnik, Rosh Yeshiva of Me'or Eliyahu
12 Elul - R' Menachem Menashe (1968) was a great tzadik from Turkey. He wrote Ahavas Chaim, a sefer filled with halacha, mussar and more, including fascinating stories of tzadikim, including many Chassidish Rebbes. You can read about him here, about halfway through the article.
13 Elul - R' Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1909) ben Eliyahu, author of Ben Ish Chai and many other seforim
13 Elul - R' Yaakov Yisroel Twerski of Cherkas (1876) ben R' Mordechai of Chernobyl
13 Elul - R' Avrohom Yisochor Ber HaKohen Rabinowitz of Radomsk (1892), wrote Chesed L'Avrohom. He was son of the Tiferes Shlomo, R' Shlomo of Radomsk
14 Elul - R' Yosef Yuska (1867) ben R' Yisroel Ashkenazi, author of Ohel Yosef
15 Elul - R' Moshe Alshakar, author of Shailos U'Tshuvos Maharam Alshakar and "Kol Bruei Malah U'matah", a piyut of praises to Hashem, featured at the beginning of some siddurim.
15 Elul - R' Chanoch Eiges of Vilna (1941), author of Marcheshes
15 Elul - R' Yaakov Koppel Chassid (1787) ben R' Nechemia Feivel, was the Shliach Tzibur of the Baal Shem Tov and forefather of the Kosov-Vizhnitz dynasty. He was a descendant of R' Ovadia of Bartenura.
16 Elul - R' Yitzchok HaKohen Shapiro (1582) father-in-law of Maharam Lublin
16 Elul - R' Avrohom Avigdor Nochum of Strikov (2001) ben R' Yaakov Yitzchok Dan Landau was a talmid of the Brisker Rav and became Rebbe of Strikov after WW II, first in Tel Aviv and then Bnei Brak.
16 Elul - R' Yechi Shnior (1994), talmid of Baba Sali
17 Elul - R' Chaim Benveniste (1673), Rav in Izmir and author of Knesses Hagedola
17 Elul - R' Yaakov Koppel Reich (1900), Av Beis Din of Budapest
18 Elul - R' Yehuda ben Betzalel Loew, the Maharal of Prague. See Heichal HaNegina: The Patience of the Maharal
18 Elul - R' Abdullah Somech, Rebbe of the Ben Ish Chai and head of Iraqi Jewry
19 Elul - Rabeinu Yaakov of Orleans HY"D (1189), a talmid of Rabeinu Tam, he was killed in London at the coronation of Richard the Lion-hearted
19 Elul – R’ Moshe of Orzistchov ben R’ Pinchas of Ostroh. After being orphaned, he was raised by the Shpola Zaide.
19 Elul - R' Hillel Vitkind, Rosh Yeshiva of Beis Hillel in Bnei Brak
19 Elul - R' Moshe Tzvi Aryeh Bick (1990) great posek, his father, ben R' Chaim Yechiel Michel was the last Rov of Mezibuz. Their family had been the heads of the Bais Din in Mezibuz for seven generations, since the days of the Baal Shem Tov. He is buried in Beth David Cemetery on Long Island.
20 Elul - R' Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, R' of Ponevezh, Lithuania, and founder of the Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak (1969)
20 Elul - R' Avrohom ben R' Naftali Hertz Sternhartz (1955), great-grandson of R' Noson of Breslov, he was the leader of Breslov in his time He was known as the Kochov Lev.
20 Elul - R' Eliyahu Lopian (1970), author of Lev Eliyahu, and legendary mashgiach in Kelm and Kfar Chassidim
20 Elul - R' Moshe Aryeh Freund (1996), Av Beis Din of Eida Hachareidis in Yerushalayim
21 Elul - R' Yonoson ben R' Noson Nota Eibeschitz (1764), Rov of Altona, Hamburg and Metz, and author of Kereisi U'Pleisi, Urim VeTumim, and Yaaros Devash
22 Elul - Rabeinu Yaakov ben R' Moshe HaLevi Segal Moellin of Mainz (1427), the Maharil, the primary source of Minhagei Ashkenaz
22 Elul - R' Mordechai Dov Twerski of Hornesteipel ben R' Meshulam Zusia Ytzchok. He was a descendant, ben avcher ben, from the Rebbe, Reb Zusia of Anipoli. He was raised by his maternal grandfather, the Cherkasser Rebbe after his father died, so he adopted the family name, Twerski.
23 Elul – R’ Yisroel of Pikov (1818) ben R’ Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
23 Elul - R' Uri "the Seraph" of Strelisk (1826) ben R' Pinchos, his main Rebbe was R' Shlomo of Karlin
23 Elul - R' Meir Yehuda Getz, R' of the Kosel and Rosh Yeshivas Beit El (1995)
23 Elul - R' Yitzchak Menachem Mendel Danziger (1942), the Alexander Rebbe, killed in Treblinka with eight of his children HY"D, he was the son of R' Shmuel Tzvi of Alexander
24 Elul - Chabakuk Hanavi (c. 480 B.C.E.)
24 Elul - R' Yisroel Meir ben R' Aryeh Zev HaKohen Kagan (1933), the Chofetz Chaim
24 Elul - R' Yechezkel Abramsky (1976), Rov of Slutsk and London, author of Chazon Yechezkel
25 Elul - R' Elazar (102 C.E) ben R' Shimon bar Yochai
25 Elul - R' Yechiel Michel (1786) ben R' Yitzchok, the Maggid of Zlotchov, talmid of the Baal Shem Tov
25 Elul - R' Aharon (1901) ben R Yaakov Abuchatzera
26 Elul – R’ Elyakim Getz of Ostroh (1824) ben Reb Yaakov Yosef ( Reb Yeivei) He printed the seforim of his illustrious father. Was known for his devotion to providing for the destitute.
27 Elul - R' Noson Adler, Rebbe of the Chasam Sofer
27 Elul - R' Sholom ben R' Elazar Rokeach (1855), the first Belzer Rebbe, known as the Sar Sholom
28 Elul - Shaul Hamelech and his three sons died in Gilboa 4 months after Shmuel Hanavi's death (878 B.C.E)
28 Elul - R' Chaim Yehuda Leib ben R' Avrohom Dov Auerbach (1954), Rosh Yeshiva Sha'ar Hashomayim, father of R' Shlomo Zalman
29 Elul - R' Yaakov Halevi Lipschutz, secretary of Rav Yitzchok Elchonon Spector and author of Zichron Yaakov
1 Elul – R' Chanoch Henoch Dov of Alesk ben R' Shmuel (1884), the Lev Sameach, was a son-in-law of the Sar Sholom of Belz in his first marriage and in his second marriage was a son-in-law of R' Meir ben R' Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
2 Elul – R' Yitzchak Bar Sheshes, the Rivash (1408)
2 Elul - R' Avraham Yaakov Friedman of Boyan-Lvov HY"D (1942) ben R' Yitzchok, author of Nachalas Yaakov, murdered by the Nazis y's.
2 Elul – R' Eliezer ben R' Yisroel Hager, the Damesek Eliezer of Vizhnitz (1946) He is buried on Har Hazeisim.
2 Elul – R' Shmuel Dovid Walkin (1979) was Rov in Shanghai during WWII and later in Queens, NY. He was the son of the Pinsker Rov, the Bais Aharon.
3 Elul - R' Yissochor Bertcha Leifer of Nadvorna (1848) ben R' Yitzchok of Kalish was a great-grandson of R' Meir "HaGadol" of Premishlan
3 Elul - R' Yitzchok Yeshaya Halberstam HY"D of Tchechoiv (1943) was the youngest son of R' Chaim of Sanz
3 Elul - R' Moshe Friedman HY"D of Boyan-Krakow (1943) ben R' Sholom Yosef
3 Elul - R' Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz was the legendary head of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas and founder of Torah Umesorah. He used to ask to be called Mister Mendlowitz, to which one of the great tzadikim said, his name is "Nister" Mendlowitz
3 Elul – R' Avrohom Yitzchok HaKohen Kook (1935)
3 Elul – R' Sholom Eichenstein of Zidichov-Tsfas (1988) ben R' Asher Yeshaya
4 Elul - R' Meir Simcha Hakohen of Dvinsk (1926) ben R' Shimshon Klonomus, author of Ohr Someach and Meshech Chochma
4 Elul - R' Aryeh Leib Tumim, author of Gur Aryeh
4 Elul – R' Eliyahu Kramer, grandfather of the Vilna Gaon
5 Elul - R' Dovid Tzvi Shlomo (1918) ben R' Elazar Menachem Mendel Biderman of Lelov, one of the great tzadikim of Yerushalaim, buried on Har Hazeisim
5 Elul - R' Moshe Ahron ben R' Chaim Pinto, great tzadik who lived in Ashdod
6 Elul - R' Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1654), author of Tosfos Yom Tov
6 Elul - R' Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum of Sighet (1883) ben R' Elazar Nisan, author of Yetev Lev, Yetev Ponim, Avnei Tzedek and Rav Tov L'Beis Yisroel. He was a grandson of the Yismach Moshe and grandfather of the Satmar Rebbe
6 Elul - R' Moshe Mintz, author of Shailos U'Tshuvos Maharam Mintz
6 Elul - R' Yechezkel Sarna (1969), Rosh Yeshiva of Chevron, great tzadik and talmid of the Chofetz Chaim and Slabodka
6 Elul - R' Meir Zvi Ehrentreu, Manchester Yeshiva Rosh Kollel and RoshYeshiva
7 Elul - R' Reuven Margolios, author of Margolios Hayom and many otherseforim
7 Elul – R' Eliyahu (1859), father of the Ben Ish Chai
7 Elul - R' Aryeh Leib Lopian, Rosh Yeshivas Gateshead
8 Elul – R' Shlomo ben R' Yosef Karo (1889) was Rov in Saana, Yemen
8 Elul - R' Michoel Ashkenazi (1889) was a Rov in Aram Soba, Syria
9 Elul - Dan ben Yaakov Avinu (also birthday)
9 Elul - R' Tzadok ben R' Yaakov HaKohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (1900), author of Pri Tzaddik, Tzidkas HaTzadik and numerous other seforim.
9 Elul - R' Nachum Mordechai ben R' Alter Yisroel Shimon Perlow of Novominsk (1976) was a descendant, ben acher ben, from R' Mordechai of Neshchiz. His son, R' Yaakov is the current Novominsker Rebbe.
9 Elul - R' Yonoson Shteif (1958), Viener Rov and renown posek
10 Elul - R' Pinchos of Koritz (1790) ben R' Avrohom Abba Shapiro, a descendant of R' Noson Nota Shapiro, the Megaleh Amukos. He was not only one of the greatest talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov, but was also considered a friend of the Baal Shem Tov. His teachings are collected in Medrash Pinchos, Nofes Tzufim and Imrei Pinchas. His talmidim included R' Raphael "der Emesser" of Bershad and the Shpoler Zeide. See here for more. There is a site dedicated to R’ Pinchas and R’ Raphael, Two Tzaddiks.
10 Elul - R' Yitzchok of Bohush (1896) ben R' Sholom Yosef of Sadiger
10 Elul - R' Moshe Yehudah Leib of Pashkan (1947) ben R' Yitzchok of Bohush, author of Birchas Moshe.
11 Elul - R' Sholom Yosef Friedman of Sadiger (1851) oldest son of R' Yisroel of Ruzhin
11 Elul - R' Avrohom Yaakov Friedman of Sadiger (1883) second son of R' Yisroel of Ruzhin
12 Elul - R' Shimon of Toledo, son of the Rosh (1342)
12 Elul - R' Simcha Bunim of P'shischa (1827) ben R' Tzvi, talmid of the Chozeh and the Yid HaKodosh
12 Elul R' Moshe Elyokim Briah Hopstein of Koznitz (1828), son of the Kozhnitzer Magid, R' Yisroel
12 Elul - R' Yitzchak Zelasnik, Rosh Yeshiva of Me'or Eliyahu
12 Elul - R' Menachem Menashe (1968) was a great tzadik from Turkey. He wrote Ahavas Chaim, a sefer filled with halacha, mussar and more, including fascinating stories of tzadikim, including many Chassidish Rebbes. You can read about him here, about halfway through the article.
13 Elul - R' Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1909) ben Eliyahu, author of Ben Ish Chai and many other seforim
13 Elul - R' Yaakov Yisroel Twerski of Cherkas (1876) ben R' Mordechai of Chernobyl
13 Elul - R' Avrohom Yisochor Ber HaKohen Rabinowitz of Radomsk (1892), wrote Chesed L'Avrohom. He was son of the Tiferes Shlomo, R' Shlomo of Radomsk
14 Elul - R' Yosef Yuska (1867) ben R' Yisroel Ashkenazi, author of Ohel Yosef
15 Elul - R' Moshe Alshakar, author of Shailos U'Tshuvos Maharam Alshakar and "Kol Bruei Malah U'matah", a piyut of praises to Hashem, featured at the beginning of some siddurim.
15 Elul - R' Chanoch Eiges of Vilna (1941), author of Marcheshes
15 Elul - R' Yaakov Koppel Chassid (1787) ben R' Nechemia Feivel, was the Shliach Tzibur of the Baal Shem Tov and forefather of the Kosov-Vizhnitz dynasty. He was a descendant of R' Ovadia of Bartenura.
16 Elul - R' Yitzchok HaKohen Shapiro (1582) father-in-law of Maharam Lublin
16 Elul - R' Avrohom Avigdor Nochum of Strikov (2001) ben R' Yaakov Yitzchok Dan Landau was a talmid of the Brisker Rav and became Rebbe of Strikov after WW II, first in Tel Aviv and then Bnei Brak.
16 Elul - R' Yechi Shnior (1994), talmid of Baba Sali
17 Elul - R' Chaim Benveniste (1673), Rav in Izmir and author of Knesses Hagedola
17 Elul - R' Yaakov Koppel Reich (1900), Av Beis Din of Budapest
18 Elul - R' Yehuda ben Betzalel Loew, the Maharal of Prague. See Heichal HaNegina: The Patience of the Maharal
18 Elul - R' Abdullah Somech, Rebbe of the Ben Ish Chai and head of Iraqi Jewry
19 Elul - Rabeinu Yaakov of Orleans HY"D (1189), a talmid of Rabeinu Tam, he was killed in London at the coronation of Richard the Lion-hearted
19 Elul – R’ Moshe of Orzistchov ben R’ Pinchas of Ostroh. After being orphaned, he was raised by the Shpola Zaide.
19 Elul - R' Hillel Vitkind, Rosh Yeshiva of Beis Hillel in Bnei Brak
19 Elul - R' Moshe Tzvi Aryeh Bick (1990) great posek, his father, ben R' Chaim Yechiel Michel was the last Rov of Mezibuz. Their family had been the heads of the Bais Din in Mezibuz for seven generations, since the days of the Baal Shem Tov. He is buried in Beth David Cemetery on Long Island.
20 Elul - R' Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, R' of Ponevezh, Lithuania, and founder of the Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak (1969)
20 Elul - R' Avrohom ben R' Naftali Hertz Sternhartz (1955), great-grandson of R' Noson of Breslov, he was the leader of Breslov in his time He was known as the Kochov Lev.
20 Elul - R' Eliyahu Lopian (1970), author of Lev Eliyahu, and legendary mashgiach in Kelm and Kfar Chassidim
20 Elul - R' Moshe Aryeh Freund (1996), Av Beis Din of Eida Hachareidis in Yerushalayim
21 Elul - R' Yonoson ben R' Noson Nota Eibeschitz (1764), Rov of Altona, Hamburg and Metz, and author of Kereisi U'Pleisi, Urim VeTumim, and Yaaros Devash
22 Elul - Rabeinu Yaakov ben R' Moshe HaLevi Segal Moellin of Mainz (1427), the Maharil, the primary source of Minhagei Ashkenaz
22 Elul - R' Mordechai Dov Twerski of Hornesteipel ben R' Meshulam Zusia Ytzchok. He was a descendant, ben avcher ben, from the Rebbe, Reb Zusia of Anipoli. He was raised by his maternal grandfather, the Cherkasser Rebbe after his father died, so he adopted the family name, Twerski.
23 Elul – R’ Yisroel of Pikov (1818) ben R’ Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
23 Elul - R' Uri "the Seraph" of Strelisk (1826) ben R' Pinchos, his main Rebbe was R' Shlomo of Karlin
23 Elul - R' Meir Yehuda Getz, R' of the Kosel and Rosh Yeshivas Beit El (1995)
23 Elul - R' Yitzchak Menachem Mendel Danziger (1942), the Alexander Rebbe, killed in Treblinka with eight of his children HY"D, he was the son of R' Shmuel Tzvi of Alexander
24 Elul - Chabakuk Hanavi (c. 480 B.C.E.)
24 Elul - R' Yisroel Meir ben R' Aryeh Zev HaKohen Kagan (1933), the Chofetz Chaim
24 Elul - R' Yechezkel Abramsky (1976), Rov of Slutsk and London, author of Chazon Yechezkel
25 Elul - R' Elazar (102 C.E) ben R' Shimon bar Yochai
25 Elul - R' Yechiel Michel (1786) ben R' Yitzchok, the Maggid of Zlotchov, talmid of the Baal Shem Tov
25 Elul - R' Aharon (1901) ben R Yaakov Abuchatzera
26 Elul – R’ Elyakim Getz of Ostroh (1824) ben Reb Yaakov Yosef ( Reb Yeivei) He printed the seforim of his illustrious father. Was known for his devotion to providing for the destitute.
27 Elul - R' Noson Adler, Rebbe of the Chasam Sofer
27 Elul - R' Sholom ben R' Elazar Rokeach (1855), the first Belzer Rebbe, known as the Sar Sholom
28 Elul - Shaul Hamelech and his three sons died in Gilboa 4 months after Shmuel Hanavi's death (878 B.C.E)
28 Elul - R' Chaim Yehuda Leib ben R' Avrohom Dov Auerbach (1954), Rosh Yeshiva Sha'ar Hashomayim, father of R' Shlomo Zalman
29 Elul - R' Yaakov Halevi Lipschutz, secretary of Rav Yitzchok Elchonon Spector and author of Zichron Yaakov
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tehilim & Tikunei Zohar in Elul
It is customary to say more Tehilim than usual and to read Tikunei Zohar in the month of Elul. For more see these posts from last year:
Tehilim
Tikunei Zohar
Tehilim
Tikunei Zohar
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Reb Michel Dorfman ZY"A
(Picture courtesy of Breslov.com)The yartzeit of Reb Yechiel Michel Dorfman ZY”A (1911-2006) is 5 Av. He was one of the leaders of Breslov in recent times. (You can read about him here.) This is interesting, considering that I am told that he was a descendant of the Shpola Zaide ZY”A, who opposed Reb Nachman ZY"A. I had the merit of having Reb Michel do a Pidyon Nefesh for myself, many times on Erev Rosh Hoshona in Uman, including his last year. (This is tzedaka given to a tzadik, who reads a special tefila for the petitioner and his family. This is customarily done Erev Rosh Hashona. See Sichos HaRan 214.) When many of the Breslover gedolim of the previous generation would give shiurim on Likutei Mohoran, it was assumed that everyone was familiar with the material. Many times they would tell stories of tzadikim and explain why they did particular actions based on Likutei Mohran. This reminds me of a story I saw about Reb Michel Dorfman, which showed that Likutei Mohoran wasn’t just a sefer that he learnt, rather he lived by it.
In 1979, the Tzion of Reb Nachman of Breslov was in danger of being destroyed by the Russian government in order to build more housing. Reb Michel and yblch’t Reb Noson Maimon shlita came to the USA to get the American government to intercede and save the Tzion. One of their stops was to get a brocha from the famed posek hador and tzadik, Reb Moshe Feinstein ZY”A. Since Reb Moshe was not well at the time, they were told that they could speak to him for several minutes after shachris, while he put away his tefilin.
Reb Michel told Reb Moshe the situation and then said that Reb Nachman says ( Likutei Mohoran 2, 41) that miracles and the altering of nature can come about through “poskim”. Since Reb Moshe was one of the greatest poskim of the generation he should bless them that would be successful and that the decree should be annulled. Reb Moshe asked if there was a possibility of bringing Reb Nachman to Eretz Yisroel. Reb Michel responded that Reb Noson of Breslov said that the Rebbe insisted on being buried specifically in that place because there are 30, 000 martyrs buried there, and that this place was prepared for him from the “six days of creation”. Reb Moshe responded: “I bless you that the true desire of the ‘Rebbe Hakodosh’ should be fulfilled”.
They were very satisfied with his words and retreated to the middle of the Beis Medrash. Reb Moshe walked to the door with several assistants and then turned around and walked back to Reb Michel and with a beaming face and said: “I bless you that the desire of the ‘tzadik hakodosh’ should be fulfilled. After this, Reb Michel was in a such great state of joy. He turned to Reb Noson Maimon and said: “There is no doubt that we will be successful in our mission. If Reb Nachman says that poskim have the power to change nature – and Reb Moshe is defiantly in this category – then the will of the Rebbe will happen immediately”. Shortly after, the Russian government agreed to make Reb Nachman’s tzion a national shrine.
What we can learn from here is how someone believed full heartedly in the teachings of a tzadik and implemented them practically on a day to day basis. Zchuso Yogen Aleinu!
In 1979, the Tzion of Reb Nachman of Breslov was in danger of being destroyed by the Russian government in order to build more housing. Reb Michel and yblch’t Reb Noson Maimon shlita came to the USA to get the American government to intercede and save the Tzion. One of their stops was to get a brocha from the famed posek hador and tzadik, Reb Moshe Feinstein ZY”A. Since Reb Moshe was not well at the time, they were told that they could speak to him for several minutes after shachris, while he put away his tefilin.
Reb Michel told Reb Moshe the situation and then said that Reb Nachman says ( Likutei Mohoran 2, 41) that miracles and the altering of nature can come about through “poskim”. Since Reb Moshe was one of the greatest poskim of the generation he should bless them that would be successful and that the decree should be annulled. Reb Moshe asked if there was a possibility of bringing Reb Nachman to Eretz Yisroel. Reb Michel responded that Reb Noson of Breslov said that the Rebbe insisted on being buried specifically in that place because there are 30, 000 martyrs buried there, and that this place was prepared for him from the “six days of creation”. Reb Moshe responded: “I bless you that the true desire of the ‘Rebbe Hakodosh’ should be fulfilled”.
They were very satisfied with his words and retreated to the middle of the Beis Medrash. Reb Moshe walked to the door with several assistants and then turned around and walked back to Reb Michel and with a beaming face and said: “I bless you that the desire of the ‘tzadik hakodosh’ should be fulfilled. After this, Reb Michel was in a such great state of joy. He turned to Reb Noson Maimon and said: “There is no doubt that we will be successful in our mission. If Reb Nachman says that poskim have the power to change nature – and Reb Moshe is defiantly in this category – then the will of the Rebbe will happen immediately”. Shortly after, the Russian government agreed to make Reb Nachman’s tzion a national shrine.
What we can learn from here is how someone believed full heartedly in the teachings of a tzadik and implemented them practically on a day to day basis. Zchuso Yogen Aleinu!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Yartzeits for the Month of Av
Rosh Chodesh - 1 Av
The death of tzadikim is compared to the burning of the Beis HaMikdash. Perhaps, that is why there is such an disproportionate amount of tzadikim that were niftar on this day, Rosh Chodesh of the month when the first and second Beis HaMikdash were destroyed, starting with Ahron HaKohen, the "ohev Shalom v'rodef Shalom", which in turn is related to the churban.
1 Av - Ahron HaKohen (1272 B.C.E)
1 Av - Elazar ben Ahron HaKohen
1 Av - R' Yehoshua Heschel ben R' Elazar (died early 1700's) was the Rov of Dubna after R' Yosef Yoska, the Yesod Yosef
1 Av - R' Noson Nota ben R' Yosef of Averitch (1785) Talmid of the Baal Shem Tov and father-in-law of the Bas Ayin. He did not sleep on Shabbos because it says "V'shomru Bnei Yisroel es HaShabbos", you should watch the Shabbos.
1 Av - R' Asher Wallerstein (1837) was the son of R' Aryeh Leib, the Shagas Aryeh,
1 Av - R' Ahron ben R' Moshe Goldstein (1845) was the Rov of Breslov. He was one of the main students of R' Nachman of Breslov. R' Nachman said that he used his ancestral merits to bring R' Ahron to Breslov and that R' Ahron went to his chuppah with a "clean garment". He and R' Naftali were the two witnesses to R' Nachman's famous promise to pull out of Gehinom anyone who gives tzedaka and says Tikun HaKlali by his kever. His son, R' Tzvi Aryeh succeded him and R' Tzvi's son was R' Nachman of Tcherin.
1 Av - R' Shmuel ben R' Dovid Tzvi Ehrenfeld (1883), the Chasan Sofer, grandson of the Chasam Sofer
1 Av - R' Ahron ben R' Chaim Halberstam of Sanz (1903)
1 Av - R' Menachem Nochum of Kobrin-Bialystok (1918) ben R' Yehudah Leib was a talmid muvhak of the Yesod Avodah of Slonim
1 Av - R' Shlomo ben R' Ben-Zion Halberstam of Bobov (2000) His father, first wife and several children were murdered by the Nazis y's. He remarried after the war and rebuilt Bobov into one of the largest chassidish communities in the world. His only son to survive the war, R' Naftal Tzvi, sucseeded him and passed away in 2005. There is a book, Nor the Moon by Night, about his experiences during the Holocaust. It was mentioned many times after his passing that it was no coincidence that his yahrzeit is the same as Ahron HaKohen's because he was consumate "ohev Shalom v'rodef Shalom" and was loved by all.
2 Av - R' Ahron Teumim HY"D (1690) ben R' Moshe, was the Rov of Kracow. While visiting another region, a Polish nobleman had him arrested for no reason, and placed on a horse to bring him to jail. On the way, he fell off many times and they put him right back on until he died from his wounds.2 Av - R' Moshe ben R' Avrohom Stern (1997), Debreciner Rov, author of Be'er Moshe. One of the greatest poskim of our time.
3 Av - Reb Shimshon ben R' Pesach Ostropolier HY"D See here for more.
3 Av - R' Gedalia Ahron Rabinowitz of Monastrich HY"D (1919) ben
3 Av - R' Yehoshua was killed in a pogrom in Uman with 700 others.3 Av - R' Dovid Shapira (1934) ben R' Pinchas Leib3 Av - R' Chaim Yechezkel Taub of Ozorov (1938) ben R' Yisroel of Modzitz3 Av - R' Yitzchok (1941) ben R' Mordechai Twersky of Skver-Kishinev was the first Skverer Rebbe in America.3 Av - R' Yehoshua Heschel HaLevi Horowitz HY"D (1943) ben R' Chaim Shmuel was a descendant of the Chozeh of Lublin.
4 Av - R' Menachem Azariah ben Yitzchok Brechya (1620) Rama MiPano
4 Av - R Tzvi Meir HaKohen Rabinowitz, Av Beis Din of Radomsk (1902) His father was the Tiferes Shlomo, R' Shlomo HaKohen of Radomsk
4 Av - R' Ephraim Taub of Kuzmir (1904) ben R' Yechezkel
4 Av - R' Benzion Halberstam HY"D (1941) ben R' Shlomo, Bobover Rebbe, author of Kedushas Tzion. See Heichal HaNegina for more.
5 Av - R' Yitzchok ben R' Shlomo Luria Ashkenazi, The Arizal (1572), The Chida said on him that the way he reached such a high level was that Eliyahu HaNavi purified him with ashes of a Parah Adumah. The Arizal is respected and accepted by all the great Rabbonim of the Ashkenazim (chassidim and non-chassidim), Sefardim and Teimanim. Besides Kabbalistic Seforim, the Arizal is very often quoted in halachic works, such as the Magen Avrohom, Be'er Heitiv and Mishna Berura.
5 Av - R' Gedalyah Chiyun (1750), founder of Yeshiva Beis El which studied Kabbalah based on the Arizal
5 Av - R' Chaim of Krasna (1793) talmid of the Baal Shem Tov
5 Av - R' Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky of Vilna (1940) author of Achiezer. One of the Gedolei Hador of his time, he was very close with the Chofetz Chaim. He was a great tzadik and an absolute genius, with a reputation, for among other things, being able to write two separate things at a time using his right and left hand simultaneously.
5 Av - R' Binyomin Paler (2000), talmid of the Brisker Rov, and founder of Yeshiva Bais Hatalmud and Yeshiva Mekor Chaim
5 Av - R' Yechiel Michel Dorfman (2006) One of the leaders of Breslov. He married the granddaughter of R' Avrohom Sternhartz. It seems like yesterday that we were davening for a refuah sheleima for R' Yechiel Michel ben Chana Perel. He used to risk his life to take people to Reb Nachman's tzion in Uman. Spent time in Russian prisons and Siberia. Till the end he had a rigorous schedule of Torah and Avodah.
6 Av - R' Yehoshua Greenwald, Av Beis Din of Chust
6 Av - R' Shlomo Zalman Hanau of Frankfurt-on-Main, author of Binyan Shlomo
7 Av - R' Pinchos of Sokolivka HY"D (1919) ben R' Gedalia Ahron of Linitz He was killed by the Ukranians.
7 Av - R' Sholom Noach ben R Moshe Avrohom Brezovsky (2000), Slonimer Rebbe and author of Nesivos Sholom, one of the most popular Chassidishe Seforim of our time. He was a son-in-law of the previous Rebbe, the Birchas Avrohom. See Heicha HaNegina for more.
7 Av - R' Moshe Greenwald of Chust, the Arugas Habosem
7 Av - R' Simcha Bunim Ehrenfeld of Mattersdorf
8 Av - R' Simcha Zissel Ziv of Kelm (1898)
9 Av - Reb Yaakov Yitzchok ben Reb Avrohom Eliezer Halevi, the Chozeh of Lublin See here for more.
9 Av - Reb Gavriel "Malach" ben Reb Dovid Horowitz of Moglenitza(1858) was a talmid of the Ohev Yisroel of Apta, Magid of Koznitz and his son, Reb Moshe Elyakim Briah and Reb Chaim Meir of Moglenitza. He helped put together the writings of the Magid of Koznitz
9 Av – R’ Yitzhak Nisim ben Rachamim, Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel (Rishon Letzion) from 1955 to 1972 Rebbe of R’ Mordechai Eliyahu
10 Av - Yissachar ben Yaakov Avinu
10 Av - Don Yitzchok Abarbanel (1508)
11 Av - R' Hillel ben R' Meir HaLevi Malisov, best known as Reb Hillel Paritcher (1864) was a talmid of the Bas Ayin, Chenobyler Magid, Miteler Rebbe and Tzemach Tzedek. He was one of the greatest tzadikim in Chabad at the time and was like a Rebbe in his own right. He authored Pelach Harimon, Imrei Noam, Likutei Biurim and Maamar Hishtatchus.
11 Av - R' Yitzchak Blazer of St. Petersburg (1907) was a talmid of R' Yisroel Salanter. He wrote Ohr Yisroel, based on his Rebbe's letters and Pri Yitzchok (1907)
12 Av - R' Aryeh Leib Katzenelbogen (1837) Rov of Vilna
12 Av - R' Moshe Ber ben R' Ahron of Stolin (1847) was a grandson of R' Shlomo of Karlin
12 Av - R' Ephraim Zalman ben R' Menachem Manish Margolies(1886) son-in-law of the Trisker Magid
12 Av - R' Yeshayahu ben R' Avrohom Moshe Veltfried of Kalish (1939)
13 Av - R' Nosson Nota Shapiro of Krakow (1633), author of Megaleh Amukos
13 Av - R' Mordechai ben Avrohom Benet (1829), author of Techeiles Mordechai
13 Av - R' Yehuda Leib Pesach ben R' Avrohom of Lipsk (1865)
13 Av - R' Yaakov Dovid ben R' Menachem Mendel (Tzemach Tzadik) Hager (1865)
13 Av - R' Yosef of Chelm ben R' Mordechai "Mayim Amukim", talmid of the Chozeh
13 Av - R' Yisroel Shmuel ben R' Aryeh Leibush of Tamoshov (1869) grandson of R' Yosef of Chelm, whose yartzeit is the same day.
13 Av - R' Yaakov Yosef ben R' Moshe of Orzetchov
13 Av - R' Eliyahu Maaravi (1955) was a great leader of Mekubalim in Yerushalayim.
13 Av - R' Yosef Eliyahu Henkin (1973), posek and head of Ezras Torah. He is buried on Long Island in Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, NY.
13 Av - R' Yosef Greenwald of Pupa (1984) ben Yaakov Chizkiya , author of Veyechi Yosef
14 Av - R' Tzvi Hirsch ben R' Ahron Friedman of Liska (1874), talmid of the Divrei Chaim and Rebbe of R' Shayele Kerestirer. He wrote Ach Pri Tevuah
14 Av - R' Yitzchok of Mezritch (1826) talmid of the Chozeh
14 Av- R' Yitzchok Friedman of Bohush (1992) ben R' Sholom Yosef of Shpikov, Rebbe from the Rizhin Dynasty
15 Av - Nochum Ish Gamzu, tanna who was known for saying "gamzu letovah" for everything
15 Av – R’ Shimon Libya of Tripoli (1585) author of Kesem Paz on Zohar and composer of the famous song “Bar Yochai”
15 Av - R' Amram ben Divan was a great Morocan Tzadik
15 Av - R' Asher (the second)(1873) ben R' Ahron (the second) of Karlin
15 Av - R' Yaakov ben R' Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izhbitza-Radzin (1878), author of Beis Yaakov
15 Av - R' Meir Noson ben R' Chaim (Divrei Chaim) Halberstam (1855) was the father of the first Bobover Rebbe
15 Av - R' Dovid Yosef ben R' Shlomo Yechiel Biderman of Lelov (1897) He was from the members of the Lelover family that didn't move to Eretz Yisroel. He was Rebbe in Lelov, Poland
15 Av - R' Tzvi Hirsch Halberstam of Rudnik (1918) ben R' Boruch of Gorlitz, grandson of the Divrei Chaim
17 Av - R' Shlomo Chaim Perlow of Koidenov (1862) was the son of R' Ahron, the son of R' Mordechai Yaffe of Lechovitch. They were direct (ben acher ben) descendants of the Levush. He was raised by his maternal grandfather, R' Asher Perlow of Karlin, after his father died, and therefore he is also known by the last name of Perlow. After his uncle, R' Noach of Lechovitch, died, all the chassidim flocked to R' Shlomo. He had several sons that became great Rebbes in their own right.
18 Av - R' Shlomo Chanoch HaKohen of Radomsk HY"D ben R' Yechezkel. A great-grandson of the Tiferes Shlomo, he was murdered in Warsaw in 1942.
19 Av - R' Yaakov ben R' Machir Culi, author of Me'am Loez (1732) Here is an article on him, by R' Aryeh Kaplan.
19 Av - R' Naftali be R' Yehuda of Nemerov (1860) One of the closest talmidim of Reb Nachman of Breslov and one of the two witnesses to the promise about reciting Tikun HaKlali at R' Nachman's kever.
19 Av - R' Shimon Sholom ben R' Menachem Kalisch of Amshinov (1954)
19 Av - R' Menachem Nachum ben R' Yitzchok Friedman of Boyan (1936)
20 Av - R' Yehuda Zerachya Azulai (1870) was a great-grandson of the Chida
20 Av - R' Eliezer of Uzipoli (1865) ben R' Yehuda Tzvi of Stretin
20 Av - R' Levi Yitzchok ben R' Boruch Schneur Schneerson (1944) was father of the last Lubavitcher Rebbe, R' Menachem Mendel.
21 Av - R' Chaim ben R' Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin and Rav of Brisk (1918)
21 Av - R' Ahron ben R' Yisachor Dov Rokeach, the Belzer Rebbe (1957) From the greatest tzadikim of his time. The numerous stories of his tzidkus and miracles are legendary. Many of the great tzadikim in Eretz Yisroel, from all segments, were very close to him. He lost his whole family to the Nazis y's. The fascinating story of his escape can be read in Rescuing the Rebbe of Belz.
21 Av - R' Alexander Sender of Komarna (1818) ben R' Yitzchok Issac was a talmid of the Chozeh of Lublin
21 Av - R' Dovid Hager of Zebultov (1848) ben R' Menachem Mendel of Kosov was a son-in-law of R' Moshe Leib of Sasov. He wrote Tzemach Dovid.
22 Av - R' Mordechai ben R' Hillel, the "Mordechai"HY"D (1298) killed during the Rindfleisch pogroms
22 Av - R' Meir Hagadol of Premishlan (1773) ben R' Yaakov "Tam" was one of the great talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov. The Nadvorna dynasty, with it's many offshoots descend from him. His grandson was the famous R' Meir'l of Premishlan
22 Av - R' Eliyahu Dushnitzer (1949), mashgiach of Lomza Yeshiva, Petach Tikva. The Chazon Ish is reported to have said that he was one of the 36 "hidden tzadikim". He was a talmid of the Chofetz Chaim and one of the ones chosen to get the dibbuk out of a woman, in the well know story told over by R' Elchonon Wasserman.
23 Av - R' Yaakov Yisroel ben R' Chaim Peretz Kanievsky, the Steipler Gaon (1985), author of Kehillas Yaakov. His father was a chosid of R' Yaakov Yisroel of Cherkass, and named him after his Rebbe. The Steipler's son R' Chaim shlita is one of the Gedolei Hador today.
24 Av - R' Ephraim Zalman ben R' Menachem Margolies (1828), Av Beis Din of Brod and author of many sefarim, including Beis Ephraim, Olelos Ephraim and Mateh Ephraim, which is perhaps most famous, contains all the halachos pertaing to Elul and Tishrei. (1828)
25 Av - R' Yeshayahu Menachem ben R' Yitzchok of Cracow (1599), originator of the Heter Iska
26 Av- R' Yaakov Meshulam Orenstein (1839), Rov of Lvov and author of Yeshuos Yaakov
26 Av - R' Yehuda Fatiyah (1942) was a talmid of the Ben Ish Chai.
26 Av - R' Yoel ben R' Chananya Yom-Tov Teitelbaum (1979), the Satmar Rebbe, author of VaYoel Moshe and Divrei Yoel, he is buried in Kiryas Joel (Monroe), NY.
26 Av - R' Meir Ashkenazi (1954) Rov of Shanghai
26 Av - R' Eliyahu Baruch Goldschmidt, Mashgiach Ruchni Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Moshe of South Fallsburg (2000)
27 Av - R' Yehoshua Charif of Cracow, author of Maginei Shlomo (1648)
27 Av - R' Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin (1893) the Nitziv, Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin, he married the grandaughter of Reb Chaim Volozhiner, author of Ha'emek davar, Ha'emek She'ela and Meshiv Davar
27 Av - R' Yehuda Fattiah, Iraqi Gadol and mekubal, author of Beis Lechem Yehuda (1941)
27 Av - R' Yehuda Pettiyah (1942) was a great mekubal and author of 15 seforim, including Beis Lechem Yehuda and Yayin HaRokeach
27 Av - R' Shmuel Tzvi Hirsh Horowitz, known as Reb Heshele of Spinka (1997)
27 Av - R' Avrohom Mordechai ben R' Yitzchok Meir Alter, son of the Chiddushei Harim, father of the Sfas Emes
28 Av - R' Avrohom Yaakov ben R' Meir HaKohen Pam (2001) was the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vadaas and founded the Shuvu organization. He was one of those that was loved by all. He is buried in Mount Judah Cemetery in Queens, NY.
29 Av - R' Shmuel ben R' Yosef Zundel Salanter (1909) Rov of Yerushalayim.
29 Av - R' Menachem Mendel Alter HY"D (1942), Went to his death in Treblinka with "yishuv hadaas, tzidkus and prishus". He was a son of the Sgas Emes, R' Yehuda Aryeh Leib.
29 Av - R' Eliezer Zusia ben R' Yisroel Avrohom Portugal (1982), the Skulener Rebbe was a talmid of the Stefanishter Rebbe. After moving to the USA he founded the Cheseed L'Avrohom orginization. He is buried in the Vizhnitzer Cemetery in Monsey, NY. His son, R' Yisroel Avrohom, the present Skulener Rebbe, is one of the most respected tzadikim around today. See the story: Shachris with the Skulener Rebbe Brings Success.
The death of tzadikim is compared to the burning of the Beis HaMikdash. Perhaps, that is why there is such an disproportionate amount of tzadikim that were niftar on this day, Rosh Chodesh of the month when the first and second Beis HaMikdash were destroyed, starting with Ahron HaKohen, the "ohev Shalom v'rodef Shalom", which in turn is related to the churban.
1 Av - Ahron HaKohen (1272 B.C.E)
1 Av - Elazar ben Ahron HaKohen
1 Av - R' Yehoshua Heschel ben R' Elazar (died early 1700's) was the Rov of Dubna after R' Yosef Yoska, the Yesod Yosef
1 Av - R' Noson Nota ben R' Yosef of Averitch (1785) Talmid of the Baal Shem Tov and father-in-law of the Bas Ayin. He did not sleep on Shabbos because it says "V'shomru Bnei Yisroel es HaShabbos", you should watch the Shabbos.
1 Av - R' Asher Wallerstein (1837) was the son of R' Aryeh Leib, the Shagas Aryeh,
1 Av - R' Ahron ben R' Moshe Goldstein (1845) was the Rov of Breslov. He was one of the main students of R' Nachman of Breslov. R' Nachman said that he used his ancestral merits to bring R' Ahron to Breslov and that R' Ahron went to his chuppah with a "clean garment". He and R' Naftali were the two witnesses to R' Nachman's famous promise to pull out of Gehinom anyone who gives tzedaka and says Tikun HaKlali by his kever. His son, R' Tzvi Aryeh succeded him and R' Tzvi's son was R' Nachman of Tcherin.
1 Av - R' Shmuel ben R' Dovid Tzvi Ehrenfeld (1883), the Chasan Sofer, grandson of the Chasam Sofer
1 Av - R' Ahron ben R' Chaim Halberstam of Sanz (1903)
1 Av - R' Menachem Nochum of Kobrin-Bialystok (1918) ben R' Yehudah Leib was a talmid muvhak of the Yesod Avodah of Slonim
1 Av - R' Shlomo ben R' Ben-Zion Halberstam of Bobov (2000) His father, first wife and several children were murdered by the Nazis y's. He remarried after the war and rebuilt Bobov into one of the largest chassidish communities in the world. His only son to survive the war, R' Naftal Tzvi, sucseeded him and passed away in 2005. There is a book, Nor the Moon by Night, about his experiences during the Holocaust. It was mentioned many times after his passing that it was no coincidence that his yahrzeit is the same as Ahron HaKohen's because he was consumate "ohev Shalom v'rodef Shalom" and was loved by all.
2 Av - R' Ahron Teumim HY"D (1690) ben R' Moshe, was the Rov of Kracow. While visiting another region, a Polish nobleman had him arrested for no reason, and placed on a horse to bring him to jail. On the way, he fell off many times and they put him right back on until he died from his wounds.2 Av - R' Moshe ben R' Avrohom Stern (1997), Debreciner Rov, author of Be'er Moshe. One of the greatest poskim of our time.
3 Av - Reb Shimshon ben R' Pesach Ostropolier HY"D See here for more.
3 Av - R' Gedalia Ahron Rabinowitz of Monastrich HY"D (1919) ben
3 Av - R' Yehoshua was killed in a pogrom in Uman with 700 others.3 Av - R' Dovid Shapira (1934) ben R' Pinchas Leib3 Av - R' Chaim Yechezkel Taub of Ozorov (1938) ben R' Yisroel of Modzitz3 Av - R' Yitzchok (1941) ben R' Mordechai Twersky of Skver-Kishinev was the first Skverer Rebbe in America.3 Av - R' Yehoshua Heschel HaLevi Horowitz HY"D (1943) ben R' Chaim Shmuel was a descendant of the Chozeh of Lublin.
4 Av - R' Menachem Azariah ben Yitzchok Brechya (1620) Rama MiPano
4 Av - R Tzvi Meir HaKohen Rabinowitz, Av Beis Din of Radomsk (1902) His father was the Tiferes Shlomo, R' Shlomo HaKohen of Radomsk
4 Av - R' Ephraim Taub of Kuzmir (1904) ben R' Yechezkel
4 Av - R' Benzion Halberstam HY"D (1941) ben R' Shlomo, Bobover Rebbe, author of Kedushas Tzion. See Heichal HaNegina for more.
5 Av - R' Yitzchok ben R' Shlomo Luria Ashkenazi, The Arizal (1572), The Chida said on him that the way he reached such a high level was that Eliyahu HaNavi purified him with ashes of a Parah Adumah. The Arizal is respected and accepted by all the great Rabbonim of the Ashkenazim (chassidim and non-chassidim), Sefardim and Teimanim. Besides Kabbalistic Seforim, the Arizal is very often quoted in halachic works, such as the Magen Avrohom, Be'er Heitiv and Mishna Berura.
5 Av - R' Gedalyah Chiyun (1750), founder of Yeshiva Beis El which studied Kabbalah based on the Arizal
5 Av - R' Chaim of Krasna (1793) talmid of the Baal Shem Tov
5 Av - R' Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky of Vilna (1940) author of Achiezer. One of the Gedolei Hador of his time, he was very close with the Chofetz Chaim. He was a great tzadik and an absolute genius, with a reputation, for among other things, being able to write two separate things at a time using his right and left hand simultaneously.
5 Av - R' Binyomin Paler (2000), talmid of the Brisker Rov, and founder of Yeshiva Bais Hatalmud and Yeshiva Mekor Chaim
5 Av - R' Yechiel Michel Dorfman (2006) One of the leaders of Breslov. He married the granddaughter of R' Avrohom Sternhartz. It seems like yesterday that we were davening for a refuah sheleima for R' Yechiel Michel ben Chana Perel. He used to risk his life to take people to Reb Nachman's tzion in Uman. Spent time in Russian prisons and Siberia. Till the end he had a rigorous schedule of Torah and Avodah.
6 Av - R' Yehoshua Greenwald, Av Beis Din of Chust
6 Av - R' Shlomo Zalman Hanau of Frankfurt-on-Main, author of Binyan Shlomo
7 Av - R' Pinchos of Sokolivka HY"D (1919) ben R' Gedalia Ahron of Linitz He was killed by the Ukranians.
7 Av - R' Sholom Noach ben R Moshe Avrohom Brezovsky (2000), Slonimer Rebbe and author of Nesivos Sholom, one of the most popular Chassidishe Seforim of our time. He was a son-in-law of the previous Rebbe, the Birchas Avrohom. See Heicha HaNegina for more.
7 Av - R' Moshe Greenwald of Chust, the Arugas Habosem
7 Av - R' Simcha Bunim Ehrenfeld of Mattersdorf
8 Av - R' Simcha Zissel Ziv of Kelm (1898)
9 Av - Reb Yaakov Yitzchok ben Reb Avrohom Eliezer Halevi, the Chozeh of Lublin See here for more.
9 Av - Reb Gavriel "Malach" ben Reb Dovid Horowitz of Moglenitza(1858) was a talmid of the Ohev Yisroel of Apta, Magid of Koznitz and his son, Reb Moshe Elyakim Briah and Reb Chaim Meir of Moglenitza. He helped put together the writings of the Magid of Koznitz
9 Av – R’ Yitzhak Nisim ben Rachamim, Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel (Rishon Letzion) from 1955 to 1972 Rebbe of R’ Mordechai Eliyahu
10 Av - Yissachar ben Yaakov Avinu
10 Av - Don Yitzchok Abarbanel (1508)
11 Av - R' Hillel ben R' Meir HaLevi Malisov, best known as Reb Hillel Paritcher (1864) was a talmid of the Bas Ayin, Chenobyler Magid, Miteler Rebbe and Tzemach Tzedek. He was one of the greatest tzadikim in Chabad at the time and was like a Rebbe in his own right. He authored Pelach Harimon, Imrei Noam, Likutei Biurim and Maamar Hishtatchus.
11 Av - R' Yitzchak Blazer of St. Petersburg (1907) was a talmid of R' Yisroel Salanter. He wrote Ohr Yisroel, based on his Rebbe's letters and Pri Yitzchok (1907)
12 Av - R' Aryeh Leib Katzenelbogen (1837) Rov of Vilna
12 Av - R' Moshe Ber ben R' Ahron of Stolin (1847) was a grandson of R' Shlomo of Karlin
12 Av - R' Ephraim Zalman ben R' Menachem Manish Margolies(1886) son-in-law of the Trisker Magid
12 Av - R' Yeshayahu ben R' Avrohom Moshe Veltfried of Kalish (1939)
13 Av - R' Nosson Nota Shapiro of Krakow (1633), author of Megaleh Amukos
13 Av - R' Mordechai ben Avrohom Benet (1829), author of Techeiles Mordechai
13 Av - R' Yehuda Leib Pesach ben R' Avrohom of Lipsk (1865)
13 Av - R' Yaakov Dovid ben R' Menachem Mendel (Tzemach Tzadik) Hager (1865)
13 Av - R' Yosef of Chelm ben R' Mordechai "Mayim Amukim", talmid of the Chozeh
13 Av - R' Yisroel Shmuel ben R' Aryeh Leibush of Tamoshov (1869) grandson of R' Yosef of Chelm, whose yartzeit is the same day.
13 Av - R' Yaakov Yosef ben R' Moshe of Orzetchov
13 Av - R' Eliyahu Maaravi (1955) was a great leader of Mekubalim in Yerushalayim.
13 Av - R' Yosef Eliyahu Henkin (1973), posek and head of Ezras Torah. He is buried on Long Island in Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, NY.
13 Av - R' Yosef Greenwald of Pupa (1984) ben Yaakov Chizkiya , author of Veyechi Yosef
14 Av - R' Tzvi Hirsch ben R' Ahron Friedman of Liska (1874), talmid of the Divrei Chaim and Rebbe of R' Shayele Kerestirer. He wrote Ach Pri Tevuah
14 Av - R' Yitzchok of Mezritch (1826) talmid of the Chozeh
14 Av- R' Yitzchok Friedman of Bohush (1992) ben R' Sholom Yosef of Shpikov, Rebbe from the Rizhin Dynasty
15 Av - Nochum Ish Gamzu, tanna who was known for saying "gamzu letovah" for everything
15 Av – R’ Shimon Libya of Tripoli (1585) author of Kesem Paz on Zohar and composer of the famous song “Bar Yochai”
15 Av - R' Amram ben Divan was a great Morocan Tzadik
15 Av - R' Asher (the second)(1873) ben R' Ahron (the second) of Karlin
15 Av - R' Yaakov ben R' Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izhbitza-Radzin (1878), author of Beis Yaakov
15 Av - R' Meir Noson ben R' Chaim (Divrei Chaim) Halberstam (1855) was the father of the first Bobover Rebbe
15 Av - R' Dovid Yosef ben R' Shlomo Yechiel Biderman of Lelov (1897) He was from the members of the Lelover family that didn't move to Eretz Yisroel. He was Rebbe in Lelov, Poland
15 Av - R' Tzvi Hirsch Halberstam of Rudnik (1918) ben R' Boruch of Gorlitz, grandson of the Divrei Chaim
17 Av - R' Shlomo Chaim Perlow of Koidenov (1862) was the son of R' Ahron, the son of R' Mordechai Yaffe of Lechovitch. They were direct (ben acher ben) descendants of the Levush. He was raised by his maternal grandfather, R' Asher Perlow of Karlin, after his father died, and therefore he is also known by the last name of Perlow. After his uncle, R' Noach of Lechovitch, died, all the chassidim flocked to R' Shlomo. He had several sons that became great Rebbes in their own right.
18 Av - R' Shlomo Chanoch HaKohen of Radomsk HY"D ben R' Yechezkel. A great-grandson of the Tiferes Shlomo, he was murdered in Warsaw in 1942.
19 Av - R' Yaakov ben R' Machir Culi, author of Me'am Loez (1732) Here is an article on him, by R' Aryeh Kaplan.
19 Av - R' Naftali be R' Yehuda of Nemerov (1860) One of the closest talmidim of Reb Nachman of Breslov and one of the two witnesses to the promise about reciting Tikun HaKlali at R' Nachman's kever.
19 Av - R' Shimon Sholom ben R' Menachem Kalisch of Amshinov (1954)
19 Av - R' Menachem Nachum ben R' Yitzchok Friedman of Boyan (1936)
20 Av - R' Yehuda Zerachya Azulai (1870) was a great-grandson of the Chida
20 Av - R' Eliezer of Uzipoli (1865) ben R' Yehuda Tzvi of Stretin
20 Av - R' Levi Yitzchok ben R' Boruch Schneur Schneerson (1944) was father of the last Lubavitcher Rebbe, R' Menachem Mendel.
21 Av - R' Chaim ben R' Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin and Rav of Brisk (1918)
21 Av - R' Ahron ben R' Yisachor Dov Rokeach, the Belzer Rebbe (1957) From the greatest tzadikim of his time. The numerous stories of his tzidkus and miracles are legendary. Many of the great tzadikim in Eretz Yisroel, from all segments, were very close to him. He lost his whole family to the Nazis y's. The fascinating story of his escape can be read in Rescuing the Rebbe of Belz.
21 Av - R' Alexander Sender of Komarna (1818) ben R' Yitzchok Issac was a talmid of the Chozeh of Lublin
21 Av - R' Dovid Hager of Zebultov (1848) ben R' Menachem Mendel of Kosov was a son-in-law of R' Moshe Leib of Sasov. He wrote Tzemach Dovid.
22 Av - R' Mordechai ben R' Hillel, the "Mordechai"HY"D (1298) killed during the Rindfleisch pogroms
22 Av - R' Meir Hagadol of Premishlan (1773) ben R' Yaakov "Tam" was one of the great talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov. The Nadvorna dynasty, with it's many offshoots descend from him. His grandson was the famous R' Meir'l of Premishlan
22 Av - R' Eliyahu Dushnitzer (1949), mashgiach of Lomza Yeshiva, Petach Tikva. The Chazon Ish is reported to have said that he was one of the 36 "hidden tzadikim". He was a talmid of the Chofetz Chaim and one of the ones chosen to get the dibbuk out of a woman, in the well know story told over by R' Elchonon Wasserman.
23 Av - R' Yaakov Yisroel ben R' Chaim Peretz Kanievsky, the Steipler Gaon (1985), author of Kehillas Yaakov. His father was a chosid of R' Yaakov Yisroel of Cherkass, and named him after his Rebbe. The Steipler's son R' Chaim shlita is one of the Gedolei Hador today.
24 Av - R' Ephraim Zalman ben R' Menachem Margolies (1828), Av Beis Din of Brod and author of many sefarim, including Beis Ephraim, Olelos Ephraim and Mateh Ephraim, which is perhaps most famous, contains all the halachos pertaing to Elul and Tishrei. (1828)
25 Av - R' Yeshayahu Menachem ben R' Yitzchok of Cracow (1599), originator of the Heter Iska
26 Av- R' Yaakov Meshulam Orenstein (1839), Rov of Lvov and author of Yeshuos Yaakov
26 Av - R' Yehuda Fatiyah (1942) was a talmid of the Ben Ish Chai.
26 Av - R' Yoel ben R' Chananya Yom-Tov Teitelbaum (1979), the Satmar Rebbe, author of VaYoel Moshe and Divrei Yoel, he is buried in Kiryas Joel (Monroe), NY.
26 Av - R' Meir Ashkenazi (1954) Rov of Shanghai
26 Av - R' Eliyahu Baruch Goldschmidt, Mashgiach Ruchni Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Moshe of South Fallsburg (2000)
27 Av - R' Yehoshua Charif of Cracow, author of Maginei Shlomo (1648)
27 Av - R' Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin (1893) the Nitziv, Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin, he married the grandaughter of Reb Chaim Volozhiner, author of Ha'emek davar, Ha'emek She'ela and Meshiv Davar
27 Av - R' Yehuda Fattiah, Iraqi Gadol and mekubal, author of Beis Lechem Yehuda (1941)
27 Av - R' Yehuda Pettiyah (1942) was a great mekubal and author of 15 seforim, including Beis Lechem Yehuda and Yayin HaRokeach
27 Av - R' Shmuel Tzvi Hirsh Horowitz, known as Reb Heshele of Spinka (1997)
27 Av - R' Avrohom Mordechai ben R' Yitzchok Meir Alter, son of the Chiddushei Harim, father of the Sfas Emes
28 Av - R' Avrohom Yaakov ben R' Meir HaKohen Pam (2001) was the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vadaas and founded the Shuvu organization. He was one of those that was loved by all. He is buried in Mount Judah Cemetery in Queens, NY.
29 Av - R' Shmuel ben R' Yosef Zundel Salanter (1909) Rov of Yerushalayim.
29 Av - R' Menachem Mendel Alter HY"D (1942), Went to his death in Treblinka with "yishuv hadaas, tzidkus and prishus". He was a son of the Sgas Emes, R' Yehuda Aryeh Leib.
29 Av - R' Eliezer Zusia ben R' Yisroel Avrohom Portugal (1982), the Skulener Rebbe was a talmid of the Stefanishter Rebbe. After moving to the USA he founded the Cheseed L'Avrohom orginization. He is buried in the Vizhnitzer Cemetery in Monsey, NY. His son, R' Yisroel Avrohom, the present Skulener Rebbe, is one of the most respected tzadikim around today. See the story: Shachris with the Skulener Rebbe Brings Success.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Easiest Time to Come Close to Hashem
The Magid of Meziritch (Avodas Yisroel, Masei, Avos Chapter 2 &4) says that the period of "Bein Hamitzarim", or the 3 weeks, is one of the most opportune times to get close to Hashem. This is alluded to in a seemingly negative posuk right at the beginning of Eicha (1, 3):כָּל רֹדְפֶיהָ הִשִּׂיגוּהָ בֵּין הַמְּצָרִים – "all her pursuers overtook her within the straits". This can also teach the following: כָּל רדֶפ י ־ ה, "whoever chases after "Yud Kei" – Hashem", הִשִּׂיגוּהָ, "reaches Him", in the period of בֵּין הַמְּצָרִים.
This is analogous to a king, who it is hard to come close while he is in his palace. However, when the king goes out of the palace, everyone comes to see him. All the people call out to him and he hears everyone. Lehavdil, when the Divine Presence is in exile, so to speak, during the 3 weeks of mourning for the Beis Hamikdash, everyone has the ability to come close and call out to the King of the world. Then when it comes to the days of Elul and Tishrei, and the King is back in the palace, one already has a relationship with Him. This is the unbelievable positive lesson learnt out from the very beginning of Megilas Eicha.
Many think of this time period as just restrictions on music and other activities, but the Magid of Mezeritch is teaching us that it is so much more than that. It is such a special time to come closer to Hashem. One way would be to say Tikun Chatzos at least once in a while to show we are at least a little concerned about the loss of the King. Why wait till Elul or Aseres Yemei Teshuva to do tershuva, when we have an opportunity right now to get a head start on things in a time when we can get closer to Hashem then later on. Whether it's learning more Torah, improving davening, doing more chesed or any other Avodas Hashem, this is a special opportunity that should be taken advantage of by all. May we merit truly coming close to the King of kings and seeing the rebuilding of His palace speedily in our days.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Making Yiddishkeit Exciting & The Road to Uman
A Simple Jew: The Road to Uman (This is a little older, but hadn't had a chance to link. This topic is mentioned in the first link.)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tikun Chatzos
The Shulchan Aruch in the beginning of Orach Chaim (1, 3) says that one should mourn over the "Churban", the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. The Mishna Berura says in the name of the mekubalim that this is referring to rising at "Chatzos", midnight, to recite Tikun Chatzos. Yesod Veshoresh Ha'Avodah (2:5-6) among others speaks at length about the importance of reciting Tikun Chatzos. Reb Nachman of Breslov says that the main devotion of a Jew is to get up at Chatzos (Sichos Haran 301) and that this "sweetens" harsh judgments (Likutei Mohoran 149).
Tikun Rachel and Tikun Leah
Tikun Chatzos consists of two parts; Tikun Rachel and Tikun Leah. Tikun Rachel's main theme is mourning over the Churban. It consists of Viduy, Tehilim 137 and 79, the last chapter of Eicha, select verses from Nach and 5 Kinos (the Sephardi Siddurim do not have the Kinnos). Tikun Leah consists mainly of chapters of Tehilim praising and yearning for Hashem. The chapters of Tehilim are 24, 42, 43, 20, 67, 111, 51, 126. There are also a few additional verses and a short prayer to return the Beis Hamikdash (as said in Yom Tov Mussaf). Some siddurim include a Kinah from Rav Chaim HaKohen of Aram Soba. After, the custom is to learn the first chapter of Mishnayos Tamid, which is printed at the end of Tikun Chatzos.
There are various customs pertaining to when the different parts are said. (I will list the way I am familiar with.) On days when "Tachnun" is not recited, Tikun Rachel and Tehilim 20 and 51 from Tikun Leah aren't said. Other times both are recited. On Tish B'Av night, only Tikun Rachel is said.
There are many customs associated with Tikun Chatzos, such sitting on the floor in the doorway, taking off the shoes and putting ashes on the head, in the place of the Tefilin. Although these are hallowed customs done as signs of mourning, they are not actual requirements. The most important part is the recital.
Chatzos
Some say the time of chatzos at night is 12 hours after the chatzos of day. Rav Nachman (and the Magen Avrohom based on Zohar) insists that it is always 6 hours after nightfall and lasts for 2 hours or until daybreak, if that comes first. (Regular hours not adjusted hours. If night fall is 6:00PM, chatzos is 12:00AM; If nightfall is 9:00PM, chatzos is 3:00AM.) If necessary, it may be recited anytime up till daybreak.
If one woke up to say Tikun Chatzos he needs to recite many of the morning blessings. There are different customs and may depend on whether or not one will go back to sleep. Speak to a qualified Rabbi who will advise you in this matter.
Bein Hamitzarim – "The Three Weeks"
The Arizal says that after midday during "three weeks" one should mourn over the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. (Baer Hetiv 551:40; Mishna Berura 551:103; Kaf Hachaim 551:121; Yesod Veshoresh Ha'Avodah 9:11) The Kaf Hachaim says this is accomplished by saying the Tikun Rachel section of Tikun Chatzos, which is the general custom. This custom of reciting Tikun Chatzos by day during "the three weeks" is kept by many communities. In the Yeshiva of the Chasam Sofer they would say it together "bitzibur". There are places in Eretz Yisroel and the Diaspora where this is done today. Many who do not recite it the rest of the year do so during the three weeks.
Tikun Chatzos for All
The Noda BeYehuda, in his days, lamented the fact that Tikun Chatzos had fallen out of favor in his times. He said that first thing for scholars and average people to do is to shed tears over the Churban. He says that reciting Tikun Chatzos destroys the klipos of the wicked people that cause the lengthening of the golus. People think that this is only for the tzadikim and mekubalim, but it is incumbent on all of Klal Yisroel to mourn over the churban, each on their own level. As Reb Nachman says, "the main devotion of a Jew is Tikun Chatzos." (Sichos Haran 301). The Shelah Hakodosh says that "one who regularly gets up for Tikun Chatzos is a Tzadik".
Tikun Chatzos used to be found at the beginning of almost every siddur; that was how a Jew started his day. Although you won't find it in the typical "Nusach Sfard" siddur of today, it can be found in most "Chassidishe siddurim". It is also in the "Rav Yaakov Emden" siddur, the Siddur HaGra (there are many versions; the ones I've seen have it.) and the Sephardi siddurim (albeit without the kinos, as per their custom). There is a great version available with full Hebrew text, English translation and several fascinating chapters discussing Tikun Chatzos, titled The Sweetest Hour. (I highly recommend this. I often use this.)
Some say that women do not recite Tikun Chatzos, but others say that a G-d fearing woman may do so.
If one is not accustomed to saying Tikun Chatzos, it may seem like a big undertaking. Many great Rabbonim have suggested that one who can't recite it all, should take one or two chapters of Tehilim from each part and say it. If you're up to it, you can recite another chapter or kinah. The main thing is to think about the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and how it's been so many years that Hashem does not have His House, so to speak. If one can't do it every night then it can be done whenever one is able to. Better a little than nothing. But how can we go without increasing, at least slightly, our mourning and yearning for the Beis Hamikdash.
I know many, including myself, can't really feel the loss of the Beis Hamikdash. The solution is to ask Hashem to help us feel the loss and the desire for the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash. Surely, that is a prayer that will find favor in the Eyes of Hashem. Remember, by saying Tikun Chatzos we are mourning over the Churban, and the Gemara (Taanis 30b) says: כל המתאבל על ירושלים זוכה ורואה בשמחתה "Whoever mourns for Yerushalaim, will merit and see it (rebuilt) in its happiness". May we see it happen speedily in our days. Amen!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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