Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tammuz Yartzeits (Complete)

1 Tammuz

 

R' Kalonymus Kalman ben R' Ahron Halevi Epstein of Krakow (1823) was a talmid of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of Lizensk. He was the first to spread chassidus in Krakow. His sefer, Meor V'shemesh, is one of the essential and most used seforim of chassidus.


R' Shlomo ben R' Meir Noson Halberstam, the first Bobover Rebbe (1905)

 

R' Yisroel ben R' Moshe Najara, talmid of Arizal, wrote the famous Friday night song, Koh Ribbon Olam. Wrote sefer Lekach Tov. (There seems to be some confusion between him and his father, who I listed yesterday. I'm not sure whose yahrzeit it really is and what date so I listed both)

 

2 Tammuz

R' Shmuel ben R' Yechiel of Cologne HY"D (1096) He was killed by the crusaders.

 

R' Nachman Horedenker ben R' Yitzzchok (1761) Talmid of the Baal Shem Tov and grandfather of R' Nachman of Breslov. For more see Reb Nachman Horedenker - Longing For Eretz Yisroel


R' Avrohom Twersky, the Trisker Magid (1889) He wrote Magen Avrohom and was the son of R' Mordechai of Chernobyl.

 

3 Tammuz

R' Yissachar Dov Illowy (1814-1871) one of the great Rabbonim who came to the USA in the 1800's. See here for his bio.

 

R' Yaakov HaLevi Sapir, Rov in Saana, Yemen, author of Even Sapir

 

R' Yosef Chaim Shneur ben R' Ahron Kotler, Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva(1982)

 

R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Levi Yitzchok Schneerson (1994), the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe. He was the son-in-law of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, R' Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson. They are buried right next to each other in Queens, NY, minutes away from JFK Airport. These are probably the most visited kevarim outside of Eretz Yisroel and are accessible 24 hours a day. There is a visitor's center adjacent to the Ohel with a Shul and place for people to sit and have refreshments. See here for information and directions. For those that live too far away you can send a kvitel through their website.

 

4 Tammuz

Rabbeinu Tam, R' Yaakov ben Meir (1100-1171)


R' Pinchos Halevi Horowitz of Frankfurt (1730-1805) ben R' Tzvi Hirsch of Chortkov. One of the great talmidim of the Magid of Mezrich, together with his brother, the Rebbe Reb Shmelke of Nikolsberg. He wrote Sefer Haflah, Sefer Hamkeneh and Panim Yofos and was the Rebbe of the Chasam Sofer.


R' Yisroel Ezriel Hildesheimer (1820-1899), Rov in Germany, talmid of the Aruch La'ner

 

R' Eliyahu Lupas (1938), Rov in Yeshiva Porat Yosef, wrote Sefer Imrei Pi and Ben Avichayal


R' Chaim Moshe Mandel, mekubal in Bnei Brak (1996)

 

6 Tammuz

R' Chaim De la Rosa (1786), Talmid of the Rashash and author of Toras Chochom

R' Moshe ben R' Yaakov Shimshon of Kosov (1855 - 1925) author of Leket Ani


R' Shmuel Majar (1848) Av Beis Din in Yerushalayim and Rosh Yeshiva of Chasidei Beis El.

R' Yisrael Yaakov Algazi (1756) Great Mekubal who lived in Turkey and Eretz Yisrael. He was the Rosh Yeshivah of Neveh Sholom Bris Avrohom and Beis El and was Rov of Yerushalyim

 

7 Tammuz

R' Boruch Frankel-Tumim (1828), author of Boruch Taam, father-in-law of R' Chaim of Sanz

 

R'  Gedalya Schorr (1979), Rosh Yeshiva in Torah Vodaas, author of Ohr Gedalyahu

 

R' Simcha Bunim Alter of Ger, the Lev Simcha (1992) son of R' Avrohom Mordechai, the Imrei Emes. Became Rebbe after his brother, the Beis Yisroel, passed away.

 

8 Tammuz

R' Shlomo ben R' Yehudah HaKohen (1827) Great Mekubal who wrote Yafeh Sha'ah

 

R' Meir ben R' Eliezer Horowitz of Dzikov (1877) Imrei Noam

 

R' Eliyahu Manni (1899) Great Mekubal who was Rov of Chevron and wrote Zichronos Eliyahu

 

9 Tammuz

 

R' Yekusiel Yehuda ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Halberstam (1994), the Klausenberger Rebbe. See: The Klausenberger Rebbe's Visits to Kivrei Tzadikim.

 

R' Dovid Lifshitz (1993), Suvalker Rov


R' Yosef Shlomo Dayan (1985) Talmid of R' Mordechai Sharabi


R' Zalman Sorotzkin (1966) Lutzker Rov, wrote Oznaim L'Torah


R' Moshe Chevroni (1975), Rosh Yeshiva of Chevron Yeshiva, Talmid of the Chofetz Chaim and wrote Masaas Moshe.

 

 

10 Tammuz

R' Eliezer of Neustadt ben R' Tzvi Halevi Horowitz (1843) grandson of the Chozeh of Lublin

 

11 Tammuz

R' Tzvi Hirsch of Zhidachov ben R' Yitzchok Issac Eichenstein (1831) See: Reb Tzvi Hirsch of Zhidachov and His Great Brothers

12 Tammuz

R' Yaakov ben R' Asher, Baal HaTurim (1270-1340) son of the Rosh

 

R' Eliyahu Yosef ben R' Aryeh Leib Rivlin (1805-1865) Taught Chabad Chassidus in Yerushalayim, wrote Ohalei Yosef

 

13 Tammuz

R' Elchonon Bunim HY"D (1941) ben R'  Naftali Beinish Wasserman See: Chosen to be Korbonos

R' Aryeh Leib ben R' Mordechai Halevi Epstein (1775), author of Hapardes

R' Chaim HaCohen Rappaport, Rov of Lvov

R' Mordechai of Kremnitz (1820) ben R' Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov

R' Moshe ben R' Naftoli Hirsch Rivkash (1671), the author of Be'er Hagolah on Shulchan Aruch

R' Chanoch Henoch Dov ben Elazer Rubin (1920), Sassover Rebbe of London

14 Tammuz

R' Yosef ben R' Moshe Trani, Maharit (1639)

 

R' Mordechai Attiah (1978) Great Sephardic Rosh Yeshiva in Yerushalyim

R' Yaakov Yitzchok ben Yehudah Leib HaLevi Ruderman (1987) Founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel of Baltimore, talmid of the Alter of Slabodka


R' Yitzchok Issac Rosenbaum, Zutchka Rebbe (2000) son of R' Isamar of Nadvorna

15 Tammuz

R' Chaim ben R' Moshe Ibn Atar, the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh (1743)

R' Aryeh Leib ben R' Asher Ginzberg, the Shagas Aryeh (1695-1785) One of the greatest minds of his time. The Vilna Gaon said that the Shagas Aryeh was greater than him in nigleh, but not in nistar.

R' Amram Blau, head of Neturei Karta in Yerushalayim (1974) This "Neturei Karta" is not to be confused the one in the news recently. The shita of the real "Neturei Karta" was basically the same as that of the Satmar Rebbe. He fought against the desecration of Shabbos in Eretz Yisroel and was respected by the Chazon Ish and many other gedolim of the time. His brother was R' Moshe Blau of Agudas Yisroel.

16 Tammuz

Chur, son of Kalev and Miriam (1309 B.C.E.) Was killed trying to prevent the making of the Eigel

 

R' Yitzchok Leonini Azulai, grandson of the Chida


R' Aharon Yosef Bakst, Rav of Shavel, HY"D(1941)


R' Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel ben R' Yitzchok Meir, Kapitchnitzer Rebbe (1967)

 

17 Tammuz

R' Yehuda ben R' Asher, son of the Rosh

 

R' Shmuel Yaakov Weinberg, Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel (1999)

 

R' Chaim Meir Yechiel ben R' Dov Beirish Shapiro (2007) Naroler Rov who passed away just shy of his 100th birthday

 

19 Tammuz

R' Yitzchok Issac ben R' Yoel Leib Halevi Herzog  (1959), Chief Rabbi of Ireland and Eretz Yisroel, wrote Heichal Yitzchok

R' Eliezer Yehuda ben R' Nosson Tzvi Finkel, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir (1965) His father was the Alter of Slabodka.

R' Yona Stenzel, initiator of Halacha and Mishnah Yomi

R' Bentzion Abba Shaul ben R' Eliyahu (1998), Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef, Great Sephardic tzadik who was recognized as one one of the greatest halachic authorites of his time.

 

20 Tamuz

R' Nosson Nota Hanover HY"D (1683) ben R' Moshe was a talmid of the Maharshal and author of Yaven Metzula and Shaarei Tzion, a very popular kabalistic sefer of tefilos and minhagim. He was killed by a stray bullet.


R' Avrohom Yitzchak Bloch HY"D ben R' Yosef Leib, Telzer Rosh Yeshiva (1941) Killed by the Nazis y's


R' Avrohom Chaim Noeh (1954) was one of the leading poskim in Eretz Yisroel. His "shiurim" for units of measure are among the most well known, even by those that don't use them. He is the author of Ketzos HaShulchon, Shiurei Torah and Gesher HaChaim.


R' Chaim Shaul Karelitz (2001), nephew of the Chazon Ish, Mashgiach Ruchni of Yeshiva Beis Meir and Talmud Torah Tashbar

 

21 Tamuz

R' Shlomo Machlama, author of Merkaves HaMisheneh on Rambam

R' Avrohom Mattisyahu ben R' Menachem Nochum Friedman of Shtefanesht (1933)

 

22 Tamuz

R' Shlomo HaLevi of Karlin HY"D (1792) ben R'Meir was a talmid of the Magid of Mezritch and R' Ahron HaGadol of Karlin, who he succeeded as Rebbe. After his passing R' Ahron HaGadol's son, Reb Asher, became Rebbe.

 

R' Avrohom Grodzinksi HY"D (1942), Mashgiach Ruchni of the Slabodka Yeshiva

 

R' Levi Yitzchok ben R' Avrohom Noach Bender (1989) was a talmid of R' Avrohom Chazan and was one of the great Breslov leaders of his time. See here for more and links at the bottom of the page to fascinating excerpts from his sefer.

 

23 Tamuz

R' Moshe ben R' Yaakov Cordovero, the Ramak (1570) was one of the most famous mekubalim. He studied nigleh under R' Yosef Caro and kabala under his brother-in-law, R' Shlomo Alkabetz. He wrote several seforim, including Pardes Rimonim and Tomer Devorah. The Satmar Rebbe had a kabala from the Divrei Chaim of Sanz that the sefer Tomer Devorah is a segula for the "known disease" – may Hashem save us, and if one isn't able to learn it himself, he should have someone read it in front of him. (It is available in English translation)

 

R' Gedalia Ahron ben R' Elazar Mordechai Kenig (1980), one of the leaders of Breslov, was a talmid muvhak of R' Avrohom Sternhartz, who encouraged him to establish Kiryat Breslov in Tzefas. His son, R' Elazar Mordechai Shlita, is the current leader of the community. R' Gedalia wrote Chayei Nefesh, on R' Chaim Volozhiner's Nefesh HaChaim, proving that there is no argument between Chassidim and Misnagdim on the principles and foundations of Yidishkeit, as they are beyond dispute. Parts have been translated into English by Rabbis Dovid Sears and Dovid Zeitlin, of The Breslov Center, and are available for download (PDF) - Part 1 and Part 2. They are quite fascinating and explain a lot.

 

R' Yechezkel Katzenellenbogen, the Knesses Yechezkel (1749)


R' Shaul Moshe Zilberman, the Rov of Viereshov, author of Pardes Shaul

 

24 Tammuz

R' Yaakov Yosef ben R' Dov (1902), the first and only Chief Rabbi of New York. He was a talmid of the Volozhiner Yeshiva and was known as "Reb Yaakov Charif" because of his sharp mind. He is buried in Queens, NY at Union Field Cemetery. Large crowds go to daven there on the yartzeit, and the cemetery opens earlier and closes later on the yartzeit.  The Satmar Rebbe encouraged people to go to his kever. People also go there throughout the year to daven for yeshuos. See here for more on this great leader, who gave his life for Yiddishkeit in the late 19th century.

 

25 Tammuz

R' Meir HaLevi of Apta ben R' Shmuel (1827), author of Ohr LaShomayim. He was the Rov of Apta after the Ohev Yisroel, who moved to Mezibuz, after sensing that R' Meir was supposed to become Rov of Apta. He was a talmid muvhak of the Chozeh of Lublin. One of his most famous talmidim is the Tiferes Shlomo of Radomsk.

R' Ahron Brachya of Modina, author of Maavar Yabok

 

27 Tamuz

R' Shmuel Rozovsky, Rosh Yeshiva in Ponovezh

 

 

28 Tamuz

R' Elazar of Lizhensk (1806) was the oldest son of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of Lizensk. He put together his father's sefer, Noam Elimelech, which has several letters of R' Elazar in the back. His sons were R' Naftali of Lizensk and R' Mendel Ber of Pshevorsk and his son-in-law was R' Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira of Moglenitz.


R' Moshe ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Teitelbaum of Uhel (1841), author of Yismach Moshe, was a talmid of the Chozeh of Lublin. He said he remembers himself in a previous gilgul in Mitzraim and could even describe what the house that he stayed in looked like. He said that when the machlokes of Korach took place he didn't take any sides; he stayed in his tent until the machlokes ended and only then came out, when it was determined who was correct. R' Meshulam Igra said on him: "Moshe Emes v'Toraso Emes". The Sighet and Satmar dynasties descend from him.


R' Shlomo ben Yosef Ganzfried (1886), author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch See Kitzur Shulcha Aruch online in Hebrew and KSA Yomi.

 

R' Nachman ben R' Chaim Aryeh HaKohen Kahana (1904) was the Av Beis Din of Spinka. He was the son-in-law of the first Spinka Rebbe, the Imrei Yosef. He wrote sefer Orchos Chaim on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim.

 

R' Yaakov Shaul Elishar (1906) Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Eretz Yisroel, the Givat Shaul neighborhood in Yerushalayim is named after him


R' Chaim Friedlander (1986), Mashgiach in Ponovezh (1986) author of Sifsei Chaim

29 Tamuz

R' Yochonan Hasandler, Tanna

Rashi, R' Shlomo ben R' Yitzchok (1105) Interestingly, he was 33 generations from R' Yochanan Hasandlar, whose yartzeit is the same day. See: How to gain access to Rashi's Chamber in Gan Eden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Month of Tamuz

 

Tammuz Yartzeits

1 Tammuz

 

R' Kalonymus Kalman ben R' Ahron Halevi Epstein of Krakow (1823) was a talmid of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of Lizensk. He was the first to spread chassidus in Krakow. His sefer, Meor V'shemesh, is one of the essential and most used seforim of chassidus.


R' Shlomo ben R' Meir Noson Halberstam, the first Bobover Rebbe (1905)

 

R' Yisroel ben R' Moshe Najara, talmid of Arizal, wrote the famous Friday night song, Koh Ribbon Olam. Wrote sefer Lekach Tov. (There seems to be some confusion between him and his father, who I listed yesterday. I'm not sure whose yahrzeit it really is and what date so I listed both)

 

2 Tammuz

R' Shmuel ben R' Yechiel of Cologne HY"D (1096) He was killed by the crusaders.

 

R' Nachman Horedenker ben R' Yitzzchok (1761) Talmid of the Baal Shem Tov and grandfather of R' Nachman of Breslov. For more see Reb Nachman Horedenker - Longing For Eretz Yisroel


R' Avrohom Twersky, the Trisker Magid (1889) He wrote Magen Avrohom and was the son of R' Mordechai of Chernobyl.

 

3 Tammuz

R' Yissachar Dov Illowy (1814-1871) one of the great Rabbonim who came to the USA in the 1800's. See here for his bio.

 

R' Yaakov HaLevi Sapir, Rov in Saana, Yemen, author of Even Sapir

 

R' Yosef Chaim Shneur ben R' Ahron Kotler, Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva(1982)

 

R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Levi Yitzchok Schneerson (1994), the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe. He was the son-in-law of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, R' Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson. They are buried right next to each other in Queens, NY, minutes away from JFK Airport. These are probably the most visited kevarim outside of Eretz Yisroel and are accessible 24 hours a day. There is a visitor's center adjacent to the Ohel with a Shul and place for people to sit and have refreshments. See here for information and directions. For those that live too far away you can send a kvitel through their website.

 

4 Tammuz

Rabbeinu Tam, R' Yaakov ben Meir (1100-1171)


R' Pinchos Halevi Horowitz of Frankfurt (1730-1805) ben R' Tzvi Hirsch of Chortkov. One of the great talmidim of the Magid of Mezrich, together with his brother, the Rebbe Reb Shmelke of Nikolsberg. He wrote Sefer Haflah, Sefer Hamkeneh and Panim Yofos and was the Rebbe of the Chasam Sofer.


R' Yisroel Ezriel Hildesheimer (1820-1899), Rov in Germany, talmid of the Aruch La'ner

 

R' Eliyahu Lupas (1938), Rov in Yeshiva Porat Yosef, wrote Sefer Imrei Pi and Ben Avichayal


R' Chaim Moshe Mandel, mekubal in Bnei Brak (1996)

 

6 Tammuz

R' Chaim De la Rosa (1786), Talmid of the Rashash and author of Toras Chochom

R' Moshe ben R' Yaakov Shimshon of Kosov (1855 - 1925) author of Leket Ani


R' Shmuel Majar (1848) Av Beis Din in Yerushalayim and Rosh Yeshiva of Chasidei Beis El.

R' Yisrael Yaakov Algazi (1756) Great Mekubal who lived in Turkey and Eretz Yisrael. He was the Rosh Yeshivah of Neveh Sholom Bris Avrohom and Beis El and was Rov of Yerushalyim

 

7 Tammuz

R' Boruch Frankel-Tumim (1828), author of Boruch Taam, father-in-law of R' Chaim of Sanz

 

R'  Gedalya Schorr (1979), Rosh Yeshiva in Torah Vodaas, author of Ohr Gedalyahu

 

R' Simcha Bunim Alter of Ger, the Lev Simcha (1992) son of R' Avrohom Mordechai, the Imrei Emes. Became Rebbe after his brother, the Beis Yisroel, passed away.

 

8 Tammuz

R' Shlomo ben R' Yehudah HaKohen (1827) Great Mekubal who wrote Yafeh Sha'ah

 

R' Meir ben R' Eliezer Horowitz of Dzikov (1877) Imrei Noam

 

R' Eliyahu Manni (1899) Great Mekubal who was Rov of Chevron and wrote Zichronos Eliyahu

 

9 Tammuz

 

R' Yekusiel Yehuda ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Halberstam (1994), the Klausenberger Rebbe. See: The Klausenberger Rebbe's Visits to Kivrei Tzadikim.

 

R' Dovid Lifshitz (1993), Suvalker Rov

R' Yosef Shlomo Dayan (1985) Talmid of R' Mordechai Sharabi

R' Zalman Sorotzkin (1966) Lutzker Rov, wrote Oznaim L'Torah

R' Moshe Chevroni (1975), Rosh Yeshiva of Chevron Yeshiva, Talmid of the Chofetz Chaim and wrote Masaas Moshe.

 

Will update IY"H

 

 

 

 

Thursday, June 4, 2009

12-30 Sivan Yartzeits

12 Sivan

R' Menachem Mendel of Bar (1765), one of the early great talmidei Baal Shem Tov. See The Disguised Thought of Reb Mendel of Bar

R' Dovid Pardo (1710 - 1792) Author of Maskil LeDovid on Rashi and Chasdei Dovid on Tosefta.

R' Avrohom ben R' Noach Weinberg (1981) Slonimer Rebbe, author of Birchas Avrohom

 

13 Sivan

R' Ephraim Katz of Vilna (1616-1678), Shaar Ephraim

R' Avrohom Yitzchaki (1729), Tzadik in Yerushalaim, author of Zera Avrohom

R' Chaim Yisroel Morgenstern of Pilov (1905) ben R' Dovid of Kotzk ben R' Menachem Mendel of Kotzk. Wrote Shaelu Shelom Yerushalaim and Maaseh Hamenorah, which are included in Sefer Shearis Yisroel

R' Yaakov Meir ben R' Shlomo Betzalel Biderman (1869-1941) Married into the Gerrer Dynasty, was very involved in Agudas Yisroel. Died in the Warsaw Ghetto.

 

R' Yitzchok Issac Weiss of Spinka HY"D (1944) ben R' Yosef Meir, Author of Chakal Yitzchok

 

R' Yaakov Mutzafi (1983), Mekubal & Rov of the Sefardic Eida Chareidis in Yerushalaim

 

14 Sivan

R' Chaim of Volozhin (1749-1821) Talmid muvhak of the Vilna Gaon, wrote Nefesh HaChaim, Ruach Chaim and Nishmas Chaim. Founded the Volozhin Yeshiva. See here for more and see the Segula from Reb Chaim of Volozhin.



R' Chaim Dovid Amar, talmid of the Ohr HaChaim

R' Moshe ben R' Pinchas Dovid HaLevi Horowitz (1985), Bostoner Rebbe

R' Nissim Chaim ben R' Yaakov Yagen (1999) Tzadik from Yerusalayim who was
very involved in kiruv.

 

R' Yaakov Yisroel V'Yishurin Rubin of Sasregen HY"D (1884-1944) ben R' Boruch of Gorla, scion of Ropshitz. Murdered in Auschwitz. Wrote hagaos on Shulchon Aruch.

 

15 Sivan

Yehuda ben Yaakov Avinu (1436 B.C.E.)

 

R' Yedidyah Raphael Chai Abulafia (1869) Head of Yeshiva Beis El, Yeshiva of Mekubalim in Yerushalayim

 

R' Sholom Shekalo (1919) Tzadik of the Syrian community of Aram Soba

 

16 Sivan

R' Mordechai Menachem Mendel ben R' Yisroel Yitzchok Kalish of Vorke, Talmid of the Kotzker

R' Sholom Eliezer Halberstam HY"D of Ratzfort (1944) ben R' Chaim of Sanz

R' Sholom Frischman of Satmar HY"D (1944) ben R' Yosef Areyeh Leibish of Tomashov

 

R' Boruch Yosef ben R' Yisroel Zak of Kureslov, Kobriner Rebbe of New York (1949) Son-in-law of R' Dovid Tzvi Rabinovich of Kobrin and a descendant, ben acher ben, from R' Yechiel Mechel of Zlotchov. He wrote Birchas Yosef and many other seforim. He is interred in Mount Judah Cemetery in Queens, NY.

 

17 Sivan

R' Aharon ben R' Asher of Karlin, the Beis Ahron (1872) His grandfather was R' Ahron "HaGadol", the first Rebbe of Karlin.

 

R' Tzvi Hirsh Broide, Rosh Yeshiva of Kelm

 

18 Sivan

R' Yisachor Dov Ber ben R' Yitzchok, the Sava Kadish of Radositz (1843). See: Sava Kadisha of Radoshitz on The Significance of a Rosh Chodesh Seuda

 

R' Avrohom HaKohen Sharantzil Rappaport (1651) He was a wealthy businessman
who was a Gadol in Poland. Served as Rosh Yeshiva in Lvov for over 40 years
without pay.

R' Yerucham Levovitz, Legendary Mashgiach of the Mirrer Yeshiva (1936)

R' Ahron Cohen, Rosh Yeshiva of Chevron Yeshiva (1961)

R' Yisroel Zev Gustman (1991), talmid of R' Shimon Shkop, he was on the Beis
Din of R' Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky at age 19. Opened the Netzach Yisroel
Yeshiva in Rechavia, Yerushalayim.

 

19 Sivan

R' Yehudah Ibn Atar (1733), author of Minchas Yehuda, Rosh Yeshiva in Fez, Morocco, was greatly praised by the Chida in Shem HaGedolim, from the same family as the Ohr HaChaim

 

R' Shmuel ben R' Mordechai Hominer, author of Eved Hamelech

 

20 Sivan

R' Yechiel Michel ben R' Elazar of Nemirov HY"D (1648), author of Shivrei Luchos. Killed together with the whole town of Nemirov on the first day of the Tach V'Tat massacres. This is commemorated to this day by some who fast and say slichos. See Chof Sivan for more.


R' Yisroel Dan ben R' Shmuel Eliyahu Taub of Modzitz (2003), author of Nachlas Dan.


R' Elazar Flecklesh, author of Teshuva Me'Ahava


R' Chaim Mordechai Labaton (1869) Lived in Eretz Yisroel, he was the author of Nechach Hashulchan

 

21 Sivan

R' Shlomo ben R' Elazar Shapira of Munkach (1893) Grandson of the Bnei Yisaschor and grandfather of the Minchas Elazar.

 

R' Shimon Sofer HY"D (1944) Son of the Ksav Sofer, R' Avrohom Shmuel Binyomin. He was 94 when he was killed in the Holocaust. He was a known as a great talmid chochom, tzadik and miracle worker.

 

22 Sivan
R' Isamar Rosenbaum (1973), Nadvorna Rebbe, son of R' Meir of Kretchnif


R' Refoel Shlomo Erdit (1833) Rov of Izmir, wrote Shem Shlomo


R' Eliyahu Bechor Chazan (1908) Wrote Talumos Lev

23 Sivan
R' Yaakov Pollack of Lublin (1525), outstanding Talmudist of his age. He was the Rebbe of many of the greatest gedolim of the time.


R' Rafael Tzemach ben Shimon (1780) Rosh Yeshiva of Chesed L'Avrohom


R' Shmuel Tzvi Kovalski (1993) Legendary Rosh Kolel of Sochachov


R' Yehuda Assad (1866), author of Responsa Mahari

 

Reb Yaakov Yitzchok of Balondov (1882) ben R' Chaim Meir Yechiel of Moglenitz. See: Possessor of the Chozeh's Neshama


24 Sivan
R" Moshe b. Shlomo HaKohen, one of the Baalei Tosafos from Germany


R' Avrohom Salim (1938) Mekubal, lived in Yerushalayim


R' Masaoud HaKohen Elchadad (1927) Head of Yeshiva Beis El of Mekubalim, died at age 107


25 Sivan
R' Shimon ben Gamliel, Tanna, one of the Asarei Harugei Malchus


R' Yishmael Kohen Gadol, Tanna, one of the Asarei Harugei Malchus


R' Chaninah Sagan HaKohanim, Tanna


R' Dovid Mireles, author of Korban Ha'eidah on Talmud Yerushalmi (1762)


R' Boruch Shimon Schneerson, Rosh Yeshiva of Tchebin (2001)


R' Avraham Barzani, Renowned Mekubal


R' Yissachar Dov Lifshitz (1944), Stropkover Rebbe

 

26 Sivan

R' Yonoson ben Uziel, tanna and author of Targum Yonason ben Uziel


R' Yosi ben Kisma, tanna

 

R' Yitzchak ben R' Chaim of Volozhin

 

R' Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel of Moglenitz (1878) ben R' Chaim Meir Yechiel "the Saraph" of Moglenitz. The yahrzeit of his older brother, R' Yaakov Yitzchok of Balondov, was two days ago. See there for more on their lineage.

 

R' Refoel Yosef ben Robi, author of Derech Hamelech on Rambam

 

R' Shimon Ashriki (1930), Av Beis din in Yerusholayim

 

R' Yehoshua Buchsbaum HY"D Rav of Galanta

R' Reuven Fein, Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vodaas

 

27 Sivan

R' Chanina ben Tradyon, tanna - one of the Asara Harugei Malchus


R' Meir ben R' Issac Eisenstadt, Maharam Ash, author of Panim Me'iros (1744)

 

28 Sivan

R' Meshulom Feivish HaLevi Lowy of Tosh (1873) ben R' Mordechai. Talmid of Maharam Ash (yahrzeit was yesterday) and then R' Dovid of Dinov and then became one of the important Chassidim of R' Yitzchok Issac of Kaliv. His great-grandson, the present Tosher Rebbe, who bears the same name, is one of the most respected tzadikim alive today. He has a community, called Kiryas Tash, near Montreal, and people travel to see him from all over the world, in order to receive his blessings. The Tosher Rebbe and his Chassidim are known for their love of all Jews and welcome visitors there with open arms.

 

R' Avrohom Adadi (1874), Rov in Tripoli, wrote Vayikra Avrohom


R' Shimshon Aaron Polansky, Rov of Teplik

 

30 Sivan

R' Moshe ben R' Levi Najara (1580), talmid of Arizal , wrote Lekach Tov on Rashi, father of R' Yisroel Najara

R' Chaim ben R' Yitzchok Kitza (1849), Av Beis Din of Irsha, one of the great tzadikim of Hungary

R' Shlomo Kluger (1869) ben R' Yuda Ahron, Rov of Brod, author of Chochmas Shlomo and many other seforim, He was raised by the Dubno Magid.

R' Meir Rosenbaum of Kretchnif (1908) known as a great Baal Mofes and writer of kameyas He was the son of R' Mordechai of Nadvorna

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Shavuos

 

Sivan Yartzeits

1 Sivan 

R' Eliezer David Greenwald of Satmar (1928) author of Keren L'David

R' Yechiel Aharon ben R' Dovid Leifer (2000), the Bania-Nadvorna Rebbe of Tzefas

 

2 Sivan

R' Yisroel Hager ben R' Boruch of Vizhnitz, the Ahavas Yisrael (1936)

R' Chaim Eliezer ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Shapiro of Munkatch (1937), author of many seforim, including Minchas Elazar, Shaar Yisaschor, Nimukei Orach Chaim, and Divrei Torah

See: The Vizhnitzer and Munkatcher Debate Who Should Enter Gan Eden First

3 Sivan

R' Yaakov Shimshon ben R' Yitzchok of Shpitovka (1801) Was considered a great Halachic authority; he is quoted by R' Ephraim Zalman Margolies in Sefer Zera Ephraim. Talmid of the Magid of Mezeritch, Toldos Yaakov Yosef and R' Pinchos of Koritz. Moved to Teveria, where he met Reb Nachman of Breslov. Traveled to Arab countries to collect money for the poor of Eretz Yisroel.


R' Yosef Irgas (1730) Italian Kabbalist, author of Divrei Yosef and Shomer Emunim

R' Yisrael Tzvi of Koson HY"D (1944) ben R' Yehosef , was killed, "Al Kiddush Hashem" in Aushwitz

R' Ovadia ben Avrohom Bartenura, the Rav -one of the most used commentaries on Mishna

4 Sivan

R' Yeshayah Naftali Hertz of Dinov (1885), author of HaNosain Imrei Shefer, son of R' Dovid of Dinov, the son of the Bnei Yisaschar.

5 Sivan

R' Zev Volf ben Reb Shmuel HaLevi of Zhitomir. See: Reb Wolf Zhitomir Does Teshuva For Clapping His Hands

R' Chaim Yaakov Safran of Komarna (1969) Author of Shabbos Sholom U'Mevorach and Beis Avos. He was the son of R' Avrohom
Mordechai of Bureslov. Moved to the USA and the to Eretz Yisroel.

6 Sivan

Dovid HaMelech, Dovid ben Yishai Avdicha Mishichecha

The Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760). Born in the Hebrew year "NaChaS, 5458, on Chai Elul. There is a difference of opinion whether the yahrzeit is the first or second day of Shevuos. If anyone has any knowledge of this please let me know. Thank You.

The Imrei Emes of Ger, R' Avrohom Mordechai Alter (1866-1948). He was the son of Reb Yehudah Leib, the Sfas Emes. Under his leadership, the Gerrer Chassidim grew to number over 100,000. A large portion of them were killed by the Nazis, yimach shemom. The Imrei Emes escaped and rebuilt the Gerrer Chassidus.

R' Avrohom Azriel, Mekubal of Yeshiva Beis El

R' Yehuda Rosner(1944), Imrei Yehuda

7 Sivan

Hoshea ben Be'eri, Navi

Avrohom ben Avrohom , the famous Ger Tzedek of Vilna, originally the son of Count Pototski. His family was a well respected family, but he decided to become a Jew. He was from the same family of Sofia, after whom Sofia Park in Uman is named. He was killed for refusing to give up his newfound religion. The Vilna Gaon offered to save him through the use of Kabbala, but the Ger Tzedek refused. He said he wanted to give his life up "al kiddush Hashem". He also said that the souls of converts were those individuals that wanted to accept the Torah, but weren't able to because the rest of their nation didn't want to accept it.

R' Zelig Reuvein ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Bengis (1864-1953) Av Beis Din in Yerushalaim

R' Shmuel Ehrenfeld of Mattesdorf (1990)

8 Sivan

R' Moshe Nechemia ben R' Meshulam Kahana, author of Shaar Sholom Yerusholayim (1887)

9 Sivan

R' Moshe ben R' Naftal Hirsch Rivkes, author of Be'er Hagolah on Shulchan Aruch (1672)

R' Yisroel ben R' Shmuel Ashkenazi of Shklov (1839) Talmid of the Gra who moved to Eretz Yisroel, Wrote Pe'as HaShulchon

R' Yaakov Chaim ben R' Yitzchak Baruch Sofer (1870-1938), Wrote Kaf HaChaim, for many Sephardim it is the equivilent of the Mishna Berura. The Sefer Kaf HaChaim is used in many other circles as well, and contains many things according to the Arizal.

R' Yitzchak Issac ben R' Yisachor Beirish of Ziditchov (1873)

R' Moshe Asio (1838) Tzadik of Solonika, wrote Higid Mordechai

R' Ahron Ben Azriel (1879) Av Beis Din of the Sephardim in Yerushalaim, Rosh Yeshiva of Beis El, Wrote K'fi Ahron

10 Sivan

R' Elazar Rokeach (1741) ben R' Shmuel Shmelke, Maaseh Rokeach, descendant of R' Elazar of Garmiza

R' Moshe of Rozvadov (1894) ben R' Eliezer of Dzikov

R' Yishmael HaKohen (1811) Zera Emes

R' Ezra Harari-Raful (1936) Syrian Mekubal in Eretz Yisroel

 

11 Sivan

R' Yechi ben Moshe Levi (1932) Rosh Yeshiva and Av Beis Din in Yemen

R' Yitzchok Yaakov ben R' Yosef Yehuda Weiss (1989), Av Beis Din of Eidah Chareidis in Yerushalaim, his Minchas Yitzchak is one of the most respected halacha seforim of recent times.

R' Yehuda (Yidel) ben R' Alter Yechezkel Horowitz of Dzhikov (1989)

R' Shmuel Rosenberg, Rov of Unsdorf, wrote Be'er Shmuel

R' Shlomo Zalman Bloch (1976) talmid of the Chofetz Chaim

 

Will Update IY"H

 

                                                                                                             

 

 

 

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Segulas for Good Children

(This was posted 2 years ago with slight changes)

Today is Yom Kippur Koton. There is a well known minhag to say a tefila for one's children that they should go in the proper derech, on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan. Since this year that falls out on Shabbos, it is usually recited on Yom Kippur Koton. It can be recited Friday also, or any other day of the year. The source for this is the Shlah HaKodosh (Mesechta Tamid, Ner Mitzva), where he says:

 

"There is an obligation to daven and ask from Hashem every need we have, at any time, because it all comes from Him. People should be especially careful to daven for their children to be "kosher" forever. My heart tells me that an auspicious time for this is Erev Rosh Chodesh of Sivan, because that is the month we received the Torah and we are called "children of Hashem our G-d. It is worthy for man and wife to fast and do teshuva." (It is actually Yom Kippur Koton. Some daven a special Mincha with slichos, and some also fast a whole or half day and read Vayichal from a Sefer Torah, like on a Taanis Tzibur.)

 

The tefila the Shlah lists was written by Reb Shabsei Sofer of Premishla, a talmid of the Levush, and can be found here (with an English translation).

 

The Shlah says one should also have in mind their children by Birchas HaTorah (v'nihiye anachnu v'tzetzoeinu), Ahava Rabbah (v'sein bilibeinu) and Uva Litzion (l'maan lo nega lorik v'lo neled l'beholo)

 

Tanna Devei Eliyahu says one should constantly ask for mercy from Hashem that his children shouldn't sin.

 

Sefer Chasidim says one should daven for their children and grandchildren.

 

Rabbeinu Yonah in Iggeres HaTeshuva says a woman should daven for her children, night, morning and afternoon, that they should fear Hashem and be successful in Torah. He says she should also do this while giving tzedaka and light Shabbos candles.

 

Many of the great tzadikim (from all segments, Sephardim, Ashkenazim, Litvish, Chassidish) said that all of the success of their children came about because they constantly davened and cried to Hashem for that their children should go in the proper derech.

 

Other Segulas for Good Children

There are many segulas for good children; I will list a few here.

 

It is brought down in many places that tznius is a great segula for good children. The Mishna Berura quotes the Gemara in Yoma that says a very modest woman name Kimchis, merited having many sons who became Kohanim Gedolim because of her great modesty.

 

Making sure that people who serve Hashem have parnasa is a segula that one's children won't be swayed to bad influences. (Sefer Hamidos)

 

R' Yissachor Dov of Belz told someone whose son was straying a bit from the ways of his father, to bring guests into his house.

 

Reb Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam - Shiniva Rav says that serving meat at a Bris is a segula for the child to grow up properly. (Divrei Yechezkel)

 

Learning Sefer Degel Machane Ephraim is a segula for good children. See A Simple Jew for the source. You can get a PDF of the sefer here.

 

Washing a childs hands, negel vaser, before the age of 3, even though not halachically required, is a segula for the child's yiras shomayim. (Rav Wolbe, quoting Chazon Ish)

 

Reb Nachman of Breslov says that if a boy comes to him before the age of 7, he will be saved from sin. (Chaye Mohoran/Tzadik) Reb Avrohom B'Reb Nachman Chazan says that he was referring to "mikra layla". He also says that this also applies after Reb Nachman's passing and that the boy should give tzedaka and recite Tikun Haklali (as outlined in Sichos HaRan and Chaye Mohran). (Kochvey Ohr) Many people, even ones that aren't "Breslovers", take their sons to Uman at various times during the year, before they turn 7.

 

See here for a segula to do after a child is born.

 

 

Monday, May 11, 2009

What I Learnt Last Year

In honor of the yartzeit of the Degel Machane Ephraim, I wrote a guest post on A Simple Jew about the things I learnt from my posting on the Degel last year.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

14-29 Iyar Yartzeits

14 Iyar

Rebbi Meir Baal Haness, See Pesach Sheni - Yom Hilula Of Rebbi Meir Baal HaNess Segulas & Minhagim

 

Rebbi Yehudah bar Iloy, Tanna

 

R' Akiva (ben Yaakov) of Frankfurt. There is also a minhag to give tzedaka for the neshama of Reb Akiva Frankfurter, in order to find lost objects.

 

R' Yehudah Tzvi (the second) ben Reb Uri of Stretin (1907)

 

15 Iyar

R' Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira, "the Saraph" (fiery angel) of Moglenitz (1849) He was a descendent, ben acher ben, from the Megaleh Amukos and a Son-in-law of R' Elazar of Lizensk. His father, R' Avi Ezri Zelig was the son-in-law of the Magid of Koznitz. He was raised and taught by his maternal grandfather, the Koznitzer Maggid. He was a talmid of the rebbes of Lublin, Apta, and Peshischah. His son was R' Elimelech of Grodzensk, the father of the Piazeczna Rebbe HY"D.

 

16 Iyar

R' Meir ben R' Gedalia, Maharam of Lublin, Rav in Cracow and Lemberg, wrote Meir Einei Chachomim - Maharam on Shas (1616)

R' Yechiel Michel ben R' Avrohom Yitzchok Feinstein of Bnei Brak (2003), son in-law of the Brisker Rav and nephew of R' Moshe Feinstein

 

17 Iyar

R' Yechezkel ben Yehuda HaLevi Landau of Prague, the Nodah BeYehudah (1793) See: Noda BeYehudah - The Most Important Tzadik In The History Of Chassidus ?


R' Moshe Chaim Ephraim ben R' Yechiel of Sudlikov (1800) See: The Bitul of the Degel Machane Ephraim

 

R' Mordechai ben Yochonon Twersky of Rachmastrivka (1921) and his son R' Pinchas of Ostila HY"D (exact death date is unknown, sometime in 1943, so it is observed with his fathers)

 

18 Iyar

Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai, See: Lag BaOmer - Segulas & Minhagim

R' Moshe ben R' Yisroel Iserles, the Rama, see Yitz's comment

R' Shlomo ben R' Moshe of Kishenev (1828) Talmid of the Rebbe, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk and the Rebbe, Reb Shmelke of Nikolsberg. He said he would help whoever mentions his name together with his mother's name, R' Shlome ben Feiga

R' Shlomo ben R' Shlomo Amar (1872) -Shetilei Zeitim

R' Moshe Kohen Narol (1659), Rov of Metz and author of Sefer Kel Molei Rachamim

R' Uri Feivel HaLevi , wrote Sefer Mikdash Me'at

19 Iyar

Maharam MiRuttenberg, R' Meir ben R' Boruch, died in prison because he wouldn't allow the Jews to pay an enormous ransom to free him (1293) Rebbe of the Rosh

R' Shmuel Abuchatzeira - The forefather of the Abuchatzeira dynasty, which includes the Abir Yaakov and Baba Sali. Origianally the family name was Elbaz, but it was changed to Abuchatzeira, which means master of the carpet, after the well know story of the him travelling on top of a carpet over the sea, after he was refused passage on a ship. He was a talmid of R' Chaim Vital, and is mentioned by the Chida in Shem Hagedolim as being a great tzadik. He was born in Eretz Yisroel but lived in Syria for a while.

R' Menachem Mendel ben R' Yosef "Charif" Thurm of Rimanov (1815) He said he would do a favor for one who lights a candle for his neshama. He was one of the 4 main talmidim of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk.

R' Ezra Attiah, Rosh Yeshivas Porat Yosef (1970)

R' Yaakov Moshe Soloveitchik of Zurich, Rosh Yeshiva in Lucerne (1995)

R' Avraham Chaim Pinaso (1896) Wrote sefer Beis El

R' Moshe of Brosholi, talmid of the Chofetz Chaim

20 Iyar

R' Saadia Marjok of Yerushalaim (1773)

R' Mordechai ben R' Menachem Nochum Twersky, Magid of Chernobyl (1838) See: Magid Of Chernobyl - Pure Simple Emunah

R' Chaim Avrohom ben R' Moshe Gagin of Constantinople (1848), Rishon Letzion & Rosh Yeshiva of Beit El, wrote Mincha Tehora on Menachos and Responsa Chukei Chaim.

R' Yitzchok Eizik Halevi Rabinowitz, wrote Doros Harishonim to counter the false history written by maskilim

R' Eliyahu Elejimi, Mekubal and Av Beis Din in Yerushalaim

R' Yechi ben R' Avrohom Abuchatzeira (1935)

R' Yosef Valtuch, mekubal in Eretz Yisroel (1983)

22 Iyar

R' Mordechai Shraga Feivish Friedman of Husiyatin (1894) youngest son of R' Yisroel of Rizhin

 

R' Shlomo Eliezer ben R' Yaakov Alfandri, the Saba Kadisha (1930) See here for more.

 

23 Iyar

R' Shalom Bashari, Dayan in Yemen (1773)

 

24 Iyar

R' Binyomin ben R' Menachem Mendel Mendelson, Rov of Komemiyus. He was one of the founders of Moshav Komemiut, in Eretz Yisroel, which was one of the first moshavim to keep the laws of shmita. See here for the famous story about how their crops grew better after shmitah than the ones who didn't observe shmitah. Interestingly, his yahrzeit this year comes out on Behar-Bechukosai (he died the Monday after this parsha), where it talks about shmitah and the blessings that come through its observance. This is testament to the deeds of this great Rov.

R' Yaakov ben R' Yaakov Moshe Lorberbaum of Lisa (his father died berore he was born, hence, the name), wrote Chaavas Daas and the Nesivos. Great-grandson of the Chacham Tzvi.

R' Eliezer Tzvi ben Yitzchak Issac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin of Komarna (1898), wrote Damesk Eliezer on Zohar

R' Chezkiah Aharon Chaim Pinkarli, Rov in Italy

R' Yitzchak Ibn Dana (1900), Rov in Fez, Morocco, wrote L'Yitzchok Reiach

R' David HaCohen Sakali (1948), wrote Kiryas Chanah Dovid

25 Iyar

R' Ozer ben R' Meir HaKohen of Klimintov (1710), Even HaOzer

R' Chaim ben R' Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov (1854), wrote Sefer Toras Chaim, he was the father of the first Vizhnitzer Rebbe.

R' Avrohom Yosef ben R' Meir Ash, Chassidish Rabbi in New York in the second half of the 19th century. He is buried in Queens, NY, in one of the old cemeteries.

26 Iyar

Rabbeinu Sa'adia Gaon (942)

 

Ramchal, R' Moshe Chaim Luzzato ben R' Yaakov Chai (1747), wrote many seforim, including Mesilas Yeshorom, Derech Hashem and Daas Tevunos. Died at age 39, which the Magid of Mezerich said was because the generation was not worthy of such a great tzadik. The Vilna Gaon said he did not find one extra word in the first 8 chapters of Mesilas Yesorim and that if he were still alive he would walk from Vilna to Italy to learn from him.

 

R' Yitzchok ben R' Chaim of Volozhin

 

R' Shlomo ben R' Mordechai of Zvhil (1945) See Reb Shlomke's Miraculous Cholent

 

R' Shmuel Eliyahu of Zvolin, son of R' Yecheskel of Kuzmir and father of the first Modzhiter Rebbe

 

R' Yitzchok Issac Epstein of Homil (1857), See: Reb Aizel Homiler Does a Jew a Favor

 

27 Iyar

R' Avrohom Shmuel Bacharach (1615), married the grandaughter of the
Maharal of Prague and was the grandfather of the Chavas Yair

R' Yitzchok Abulafia (1825), Av Beis Din of Tzefas

R' Shlomo Zalman ben R' Yehuda Leib Schneerson of Kapust (1900), author of Mogen Avos, grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch

R' Eliezer Zev of Kretchnif HY"D (1944) ben R' Meir of Kretchnif

R' Yerachmiel Yehuda Meir ben R' Shimon Sholom Kalish, the Amshinover Rebbe (1976)

 

28 Iyar

Shmuel Hanavi (878 B.C.E.) and his mother Chana

R' Yitzchak of Kurweil, author of the S'mak, Sefer Mitzvos Kotton (1280)

 

29 Iyar

R' Meir ben R' Aron Aryeh Leib of Premishlan. See here for more.

 

R' Shmuel Shlomo of Radzin HY"D (1942) ben R' Mordechai Yosef Elazar