LIGHTS OF OUR RIGHTEOUS TZADDIKIM

בעזרת ה ' יתבר

A Tzaddik, or righteous person , makes everyone else appear righteous before Hashem by advocating for them and finding their merits.

Kedushas Levi, Parshas Noach (Bereishis 7:1)

 CHUKAS 

_ CHASSIDUS ON THE PARSHA + Dvar Torah

Gentle Words After Miriam passed away, the spring that provided water in her merit for the Jewish people in the desert, dried up. The people complained to Moshe that they were overcome with thirst, and he turned to Hashem for direction. “Speak to the rock in full view of the people,” said Hashem (Bamidbar 20:8), “and command it to give water.” Moshe struck the rock, and it gave forth water. Hashem then told him, “Since you have not trusted in Me to sanctify Me before the people of Yisrael, you will not lead them into the land I have given them.” What exactly was Moshe’s sin? Why did he deserve such a harsh punishment? There is a difference of opinion among the early commentators. Rashi contends that it was because he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Rambam co ntends that it was because he spoke harshly to the people, saying, “Listen, you rebels.” It would appear, says Rav Levi Yitzchok, that these two infractions are one and the same, because one led directly to the other. There are two forms of rebuke. In one form, the person who has strayed is rebuked with gentle words. He is shown the great privilege of being a member of the Jewish people, of having a special relationship with Hashem . He is told that his soul is a spark of the Divine, hewn from the Throne of Glory and that Hashem derives enormous pleasure when even the simplest Jew performs the mitzvos scrupulously. He is

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Chukas / [email protected] told stories of the great deeds and accomplishments of generations past, stories that will inspire and uplift him. And he is told of the great joy that permeates all of creation when a Jew fulfills his destiny in this world. This form of rebuke persuades the one who receives it to return to Hashem with all his heart and to embrace his role in this world with the full exercise of his free will. A person who rebukes in this manner deserves to be a leader of the Jewish people. The other form of rebuke is sharp and harsh. It seeks to shame a person into fulfilling his obligations. A person who rebukes in this way is not actually bringing the people to the fulfillment of their destined roles. He is essentially twisting their arms and browbeating them into submission even though their hearts are not in it. Such a person does not deserve to be a leader of the Jewish people. This difference is also manifest in all of creation. When the Jewish people are inspired to fulfill the will of Hashem of their own free will, when their actions infuse the entire universe with supernal joy, then all of creation subordinates itself to their will and needs. If, however, the Jewish people act only because they have been shamed into doing so, if their actions do not infuse the universe with joy, then all of creation will not voluntarily strive to fulfill their needs. In this case, the physical world must also be coerced to fulfill the needs of the Jewish people. When Moshe spoke sharply to the Jewish people, he was not inspiring them to turn away from their erroneous behavior. Rather, he was forcing them to do so with his harsh rebuke. The rock, therefore, would not willingly provide water to slake their thirst. Moshe had to force the rock to give water by striking it rather than just speaking to it. In this sense, his first mistake inevitably led to his second one. n Story One day, a tall man with a gray beard knocked on Rav Levi Yitzchok’s door. The door opened, and he asked to speak with the rav of the city. The man was shown into Rav Levi Yitzchok’s study. The man presented himself as a maggid , an itinerant preacher who earned his living by traveling from town to town preaching to the people, who gave him donations as expressions of their gratitude and esteem. “Berditchev is beyond my normal circuit,” said the preacher. “But I have special needs this year, so I have to travel farther than I normally do. You see, my daughter has come of age, and I have to marry her off. Would you give me permission to preach to the people here in Berditchev?” “You have my permission,” said Rav Levi Yitzchok, “but on one condition.” “And what is that?” “You may not say anything disparaging about the Jewish people. Do you accept my condition?” “Of course.” On Shabbos, Rav Levi Yitzchok introduced the preacher and invited him to address the congregation. The preacher stepped forward. He let his gaze sweep over the assembled

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Chukas / [email protected] crowd, and then he began to speak. He told a few stories that were both entertaining and inspiring, and he saw that he had captured the attention of the people. “So what do we learn from these stories?” he thundered, swept along by his own passion. “We learn that we have to improve ourselves. We learn that we have to turn away from our evil ways and return to our Creator with broken hearts. Just stop for a moment and think of all the terrible sins each and every one of you has committed during the past week alone.” And then he plunged into a litany of sharp accusations. Shocked, Rav Levi Yitzchok ran to the aron kodesh and flung open its doors. “Master of the Universe,” he cried out in a voice full of pain. “Don’t listen to this man. Don’t believe a single word he is saying. It’s all untrue. Your children are good and faithful. They deserve Your love. Please send this man the money he needs to marry off his daughter so that he doesn’t have to travel around and accuse the Jewish people unjustly.” n n n

הילולא The anniversary of the petira of a Tzaddik is known as a Hilula , which means “A Day of Joy”. One of the tools that Kabbola teaches is to connect to a Tzaddik (righteous person). The method to connect to a Tzaddik is to adopt the following ritual: 1) Learn the anniversary of his petira or, if this information is not available, the days of Erev Rosh Chodesh , Rosh Chodesh and the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month can be utilized for a connection. 2) Light a twenty-five-hour candle in his or her honor. There is no specific berocha . Some say the following: This candle is being lit in the merit of ______. Others say that it is the custom within Klal Yisrael to light a yahrzeit candle on the day that a relative or a Tzaddik has passed away. The lighting has no accompanying blessing, and people would like to express themselves in a tefilla when lighting the candle. This is not only true on a yahrzeit but on every Yom Tov as well. The author of the Pele Yo’etz , Rav Eliezer Papo (1785–1828), did in fact compose such a tefilla . Rav Papo was the Rav of the city of Selestria in Bulgaria. Bulgaria was a part of the Ottoman Empire at the time. The tefilla of the Pele Yo’etz is reproduced and translated below, as a public service.

Hebrew Tefilla for Lighting a Yahrzeit or Hilula Candle [ ְ פִ ילָ ה הַ נִ מְ צַ ת ַ סֵ פֶ ר אֶ לֶ  הַ מָ גֵ  מִ ַ עַ ל הַ ֶ לֶ א יוֹ עֵ  עַ ל ָ רָ ַ ת וַ יֵ צֵ א עָ מוֹ ד כ ]ד" ]ד"

הַ רֵ ינִ י מַ דְ לִ יק נֵ ר זֶ ה לִ נ&מְ חַ ת & לְ עִ יל& י נִ ְ מַ ת ) בִ י / אִ מִ י מוֹ רָ תִ י / הַ צַ דִ יק ______/ֵ ַ ת ______, יְ הִ י רָ צוֹ  מִ לְ פָ י-נֶ 'ה אֶ /קֵ ינ& וֵא/קֵ י אֲ בוֹתֵ ינ& , ֶ ְ קַ ֵל ְרַ חֲמִ י1 &בְרָ צוֹ 2ָל מַ ע3ֲֶ ה הַ טוֹב ֶ נִי עו3ֶֹ ה , ֵי ְמַחַ ָ בָ ה , ֵי ְדִ י&ר , ֵי ְמַ ע3ֲֶ ה וְ יִ הְ יֶ ה הַ 2ֹ ל 2ֹ לִ כ&זְ ת & לְ נ&מְ חַ ת & לְ עִ יל& י לִ נְ ָ מוֹ ת עַ -מְ יִ 3ְ רָ לאֵ &, ִ פְ רָ ט לְ נֶ פֶ ר& חַ & נְ ָ מָ ה ֶ ל ) בִ י / אִ מִ י / י מִ אִ / י בִ צַ דִ יק ______. יְ הִ י רָ צוֹ  ֶ ִ הְ יֶ נָ ה נַ פְ וֹ תֵ יהֶ 1 צְ ר& רוֹ ת ִ צְ רוֹ ר הַ חַ .י1יִ Translation: Behold I am lighting this lamp for the resting and uplifting of the soul of my father/my 3
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mother/the Tzaddik ______the son/daughter of ______. May it be Your will before you, Hashem , our G-d and the G -d of our forefathers, that all my good deeds w hether in thought, speech or action be done for a merit and a resting and an elevation of the souls of your nation Yisrael. It should be especially for the soul of my father/mother/the Tzaddik _____. May it be Your will that their souls be bound in the bon d of life. 3) Learn about the person including history, culture, writings and teachings. 4) Study some of his teaching or writings. See more at: www.yeshshem.com/hilulah.htm

n n n n n Y GEDOLIM BE'MISASAM YOSER Z YAHRZEITS BEGINNING SHABBOS CHUKAS http://www.chinuch.org/gedolim_yahrtzeit/Sivan Biographical information and yahrzeits compiled by Reb Manny Saltiel and www.anshe.org ththth + 999 of Tammuz ~ Begins Friday Night (Jun 18th)  Rav Zalman Sorotzkin , the Lutzker Rav and mechaber of Oznaim LaTorah (b. 1881). Learned at Volozhin and Slabodka; married the daughter of Rav Eliezer Gordon, Rosh Yeshiva of Telshe, and moved to Telshe to help run the Yeshiva . Rav of Voronova at age thirty for two years, befriending Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, then served as Rav of Zhetel for eighteen years. In 1914, he fled to Minsk and became a close friend of the Chazon Ish . Moved to Lutsk in 1930 and was Rav until World War II. He moved to Eretz Yisrael during the War. Led by Rav Aharon Kotler and the members of the Israeli Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, Chinuch Atzmai was formed in 1953. Rav Zalman Sorotzkin was chosen to hea d it, (5726/1966);  Rav Moshe Chevroni , Rosh Yeshiva Chevron Yeshiva , mechaber of the Mas’a s Moshe . He was a son-in-law of Rav Moshe Mordechai Epstein ( Rosh Yeshiva in Slobodka, Chevron) and a talmid of the Chofetz Chaim , (5735/1975);  Rav Yekusiel Yehuda ben Rav Tzvi Hirsch Halberstam, the Klausenberger Rebbe (b. 1905), great-grandson of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He spent most of World War II in concentration camps. During his last fifteen years of life, he founded Kollelei Shas in Eretz Yisrael and Americ a. These Kollelei Shas were intended for premier avreichim who were already known for their sharp intellect and hasmoda . The goal of the kollel was that in the course of three years, the members had to complete the entire Shas . Every member had to obligate himself to be tested on seventy -five blatt Gemora with Tosafos each month and know them by heart! Then, in 1983, at his house in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, he laid the cornerstone for what would ultimately become Mifal HaShas , where avreichim would learn thirty blatt of Gemora with Tosafos with a built-in review program and be tested monthly on the material learned. In addition to his tremendous efforts on behalf of Torah learning, the Rebbe also used his experiences from the war to stimulate him in another are a. Having survived the horror of witnessing the murder of his wife and their eleven children, Rav Yekusiel vowed to dedicate his life to welfare and good health of all Jewish children. He founded Laniado Hospital in Netanya in 1975 after fifteen years of f und -raising. His vision of a proper Jewish hospital was confirmed in 1990, as it was one of the only hospitals in Eretz Yisrael to have every employee working during the 127 -day doctors’ strike. After his 4
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petira , his eldest surviving son, Rav Zvi Elimelech Halberstam, became the new Sanz Rebbe in Eretz Yisrael, as well as president of the hospital, (5754/1994);  Rav Dovid Lipschitz , president of Ezras Torah welfare program in the US, and dean of Yeshiva Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon (b. 1906). Known as the Suvalker Rav , he was born in Minsk, but moved to Grodno as a child, where he later studied in Yeshiva Sha’ar HaTorah of Rav Shimon Shkop. He transferred to the Mir Yeshiva where he studied under Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel and Rav Yerucham Levovitz. At age twenty-four, he married Tzippora Chava Yoselewitz and two years later, in 1935, he succeeded his father-in-law as Rav of Suvalk, a title he carried for the rest of his life. One-half of Suvalk’s six thousand Jews (including the Lifshitz family) escaped to Lithuania. In June 1941, Rav Lifschitz arrived in San Francisco on a boat that carried several other leading sages. Rav Lifschitz’s first position was in the USA was in Chicago, but he soon moved to Yeshiva Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon (the rabbinical school that later became Yeshiva University), where he remained for the rest of his life. A small number of his shmuessen were printed posthumously under the title Tehilla LeDovid , (5753/1933);  Rav Mendel Falik . Born in Paterson, New Jersey, his family moved to Brooklyn when he was eleven years old so that he could have a proper chinuch . He attended Yeshiva Torah Vodaas until the age of fifteen, when his parents sent their ben yochid to the Yeshiva of Philadelphia. He then went to Bais Medrash Govoha . After several years, he moved to St. Louis, to begin his career as a marbitz Torah . For close to forty years, Rav Mendel was a mechanech par excellence. For most of those years, he was a Rebbe in Yeshiva Torah Temima , (5767/2007);  Rav Yosef Shlomo Dayan , a talmid of Rav Mordechai Sharabi, a great Sefardi sage of the twentieth century, (5745/1985). ththth + 101010 of Tammuz ~ Begins Motzai Shabbos (Jun 19th)  Rav Binyomin Levy of Smyrna, (5481/1721);  Rav Mordechai of Kremnitz, one of the five sons of the Maggid of Zlotchov, Rav Yechiel Michel. One of his four brothers was Rav Moshe of Zvhill, the first Zvhiller Rebbe . Rav Mordechai was also the father-in-law of Rav Aharon II of Karlin (the Bais Aharon ), (5573/1813); Rav Eliezer of Neustadt ben Rav Tzvi HaLevi Horowitz, grandson of the Chozeh of Lublin, (5603/1843). ththth + 111111 of Tammuz ~ Begins Sunday Night (Jun 20th)  Rav Yitzchok Chiyus (Chayes; Chayus), Rav in Prossnitz (Prostejov) and Prague and mechaber of Pnei Yitzchok (which sets Yoreh Dea to rhyme); Siach Yitzchok (which sets Hilchos Pesach to rhyme); and Pachad Yitzchok , a commentary on the passage in Masseches Gittin which deals with the destruction of the Bais HaMikdosh , as well as Api Rav’reve , (5376/1616);  Rav Aharon Moshe Toibish , Rav and Av Bais Din of Jassy (Yassy; Iasi; Yosser; Tirgu- Yasski), Romania, and mechaber of Karnei Re’em and To’eifos Re’em . Yassy, the capital of Moldova, once had forty thousand inhabitants, but fires in 1822 and 1827 reduced that number by a half. In 1854, the whole of Moldova was in Bessarabia, a province of Russia. In 1849, 20 percent were Jews, and in 1908, close to 50 percent were Jews, (5612/1852);

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 Rav Tzvi Hirsch of Zhidatchov (Zidichoiv) ben Rav Yitzchok Isaac Eichenstein was born in Sambor, Ukraine, in 1763 (some say 1785), and passed away June 22, 1831 (5591), in Zhidatchov, Galicia. He was a famous Chassidic Rebbe , a noted Talmudist, Mekubol and mechaber of chiddushim on Torah and responsa. He founded the Zhidatchov Chassidic dynasty. Rav Tzvi Hirsch was the oldest of five brothers, all of whom were great Rabbonim . He was a talmid of the Chozeh of Lublin; Rav Moshe Leib of Sassov; the Maggid of Kozhnitz; and Rav Mendel of Rimanov. He was very involved in the study of Kabbola and wrote seforim on Kabbola and the revealed Torah – and championed the position that the practice of Chassidus had to be firmly based on the study of the Kabbola of the Ari HaKodosh . His many seforim include Ateres Tzvi on Zohar (he is known by the name of this sefer ) and Bais Yisrael on Torah . It is related in Eser Kedushos (Piotrkow, 1906 – Maarekhet Moharaza Mi-Zidachov , p. 39), that Rav Tzvi Hirsch of Zhidatchov said to his brother Rav Moshe of Sambor that in one of his transmigrations he had been the Riba (Rav Yishmoel ben Elisha), the Kohen Godol . There is a story told about his father Rav Yitzchok Isaac Eichenstein, who once let out a great sigh. When asked by his wife what that was about, he replied that he was worried about how they (he and his wife) would go to Gan Eden. His wife replied with two words ”.Bamidbar 20:19) – “On the highway we will go up ) , ל : from Parshas Chukas , we will go up to Gan Eden, and – ל “ :What she really meant by these words was has the first letters of their sons’ names: Beirish; Moshe; Sender; Lipa and Hirsch. Through the merit of our great sons we will merit Gan Eden”, (5591/1831);  Rav Avrohom Damesek of Cracow, mechaber of Avnei Kodesh , (5601/1841);  Rav Yehuda Leib Tzirelson , (b. 1859). In 1908, he became Rav and Av Bais Din in Kishinev. In 1912, he was among core Jewish leaders and Rabbonim who laid the foundation of the Agudas Yisrael movement. In 1918, Bessarabia became part of Romania and Rav Tzirelson was nominated chief Rav of the whole Bessarabia. In 1920, having enough knowledge of the Romanian language, he was elected to represent Jews of Bessarabia in the Parliament of Romania in Bucharest. In 1922, he became the only Bessarabian Jewish representative in the parliament, (5701/1941);  Rav Elchonon Bunim Wasserman (b. 1875), mechaber of Kovetz Shiurim; Kovetz Heoros ; Kovetz Maamorim and Ikvesa D’Meshicha . Born in the town of Birz, Lithuania, he learned at Telshe under Rav Eliezer Gordon and Rav Shimon Shkop. He then lived with and learned from Rav Chaim Soloveitchik from 1897 to 1899. He learned from the Chofetz Chaim 1907–10, becoming his closest talmid , and then went to Brisk to be Rosh Yeshiva . He became Rosh Yeshiva of Baranovich after World War I in 1920 and expanded it from sixty to five hundred bochurim [12 th of Tammuz , according to some), (5701/1941);  Rav Shmiel Shmelka Rubin , the Sulitzer Rebbe , (5773/2013);  Rav Shmuel (“Shmelke”) Pinter , the Bukovsker Rebbe , (5679/1919–5754/1994). ththth + 121212 of Tammuz ~ Begins Monday Night (Jun 21st)  Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Osher, the Ba’al HaTurim (1268 [some say 1270/5030]–1340/5100), son of the Rosh . He wrote a major work named Tur . The mechaber is simply known as Ba’al HaTurim , meaning author of the Turim . The Ba’al HaTurim revealed many secrets from the Torah in the Gematria of words, acrostics, forming of letters and word patterns within the Scriptures, and he revealed many novel Torah understandings from similar words

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used in other parts of the Tanach . His illustrious father, Rav Osher ben Yechiel, famous as the Rosh , was o ne of the greatest Talmudists of his day. He was a talmid of the famous Rav Meir of Rothenburg, leader of German Jewry, who was imprisoned by the German government and held for ransom. Count Meinhard of Goitz, then head of the government, would have none b ut Rav Osher as surety for the raising of the ransom money. Rav Meir, however, forbade his people to ransom him, in order not to encourage the governors of other places to imprison Jewish scholars and leaders for ransom. While Rav Osher and the count negot iated for the release of Rav Meir, and Rav Osher tried to raise the huge sum from the various Jewish communities in Germany, Rav Meir was niftar in prison. Rav Osher now considered the negotiations as null and void, but the governor still demanded the rans om money and held Rav Osher responsible for it. Rav Osher, therefore, had to flee Germany, and he successfully made his escape together with his family, among whom was Rav Yaakov, still a young boy. For many years before this happened, German Jewry had suf fered terrible persecution and massacres, with the result that the great Talmud academies were slowly being destroyed. With the departure of Rav Osher from that country, a great period of Talmudic study in Germany came to an end, but it began to flourish a new in Spain, where Rav Osher finally settled. The Jewish community of Toledo accepted the German refugee as its chief Rav . He immediately set up a Yeshiva there, and he, with his children after him, exerted a strong influence upon Jewish life and scholars hip in Spain, as well as elsewhere. When his father fled Germany with his entire family to Spain in 1803, Rav Yaakov first lived with his brother Rav Yechiel in Barcelona, and then moved to Toledo, where his father was Rav . His younger brother, Rav Yehuda, who would marry Rav Yaakov’s daughter, succeeded the Rosh as Rav of Toledo, while Rav Yaakov himself preferred to take a position on the Bais Din . His monumental halachic work, the Arba’a Turim , includes virtually all opinions available to Rav Yaakov, as well as a wealth of customs. The many commentators on the Tur include those of Rav Yosef Karo (the Bais Yosef ); Rav Moshe Isserles ( Darchei Moshe ); Rav Yoel Sirkes (the Bayis Chodosh ); Rav Yehoshua Falk ( Derisha uPerisha ); and Rav Yosef Escapa (the Rosh Yo sef ), who deals with only a part of the work. The Chida comments that without a proper study of the Tur and its commentaries, one cannot begin to determine Halocha . Rav Yaakov also authored Sefer HaRemozim (also known as Kitzur Piskei HaRosh ), an abridged version of his father’s compendium of the Talmud , quoted in Sefer Meshorim . Rav Yaakov was niftar in Toledo, (5100/1340);  Rav Eliyohu Boruch Kamai , Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva (b. 1840). A descendant of Rav Avrohom, the brother of the Vilna Gaon , Rav Elya was born in Telz. His father passed away when the boy was only two, and the boy’s teacher was his stepfather and future father -in- law, Rav Chaim Zev Jaffe. Beginning in 1868, Rav Elya Boruch also succeeded Rav Chaim Zev as Rav of the town of Shk od, Lithuania. In 1899, Rav Elya Boruch was called to serve as Rosh Yeshiva of the Mirrer Yeshiva . In 1901, Rav Elya Boruch also became Rav of the town of Mir. When his co-Rosh Yeshiva , Rav Avrohom Tiktinsky, retired in 1907, Rav Elya Boruch named his own son -in-law, Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, to the faculty of the Yeshiva . Some of Rav Elya Boruch’s lectures were published under the title Zichron Eliyohu . He was succeeded as Rav of Mir by his son, Rav Avrohom Zvi Kamai, who was massacred with

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2,300 of his congregants on the 18 th of Cheshvan in 1942, (5677/1917);  Release of Rav Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson of Lubavitch from Soviet prison, (5687/1927);  Rav Eliyohu Yosef ben Rav Arye Leib Rivlin. He taught Chabad Chassidus in Yerushalayim, and wrote Ohalei Yosef , (5565/1805–5625/1865). ththth + 131313 of Tammuz ~ Begins Tuesday Night (Jun 23rd)  Rav Yitzchok Leib Sofer , of Drohovitch, (5667/1907);  Rav Moshe ben Rav Naftoli Hirsch Ravkash, the mechaber of Be’er HaGola , a commentary on Shulchon Aruch . During the fury of the Cossacks in Vilna, most of the community did not believe that the danger was imminent, so they did not escape. A few of the great Torah scholars of that generation did, in fact, escape to freedom. Among them were the Shach , the Sha’ar Ephraim and the Be’er HaGola . He spent a few years in Amsterdam until it was safe to return, (5431/1671);  Rav Arye Leib ben Rav Mordechai HaLevi Epstein, mechaber of HaPardes , (5535/1775);  Rav Mordechai of Kremnitz [Kremnica], one of the five sons of the Zlotschover Maggid , Rav Yechiel Michel, who were referred to as Chamisha Chumshai Torah . One of Rav Mordechai’s brothers was Rav Moshe of Zvhill, the first Zvhiller Rebbe , (5580/1820);  Rav Dovid of Rachmistrivka, (5710/1950);  Rav Chanoch Henoch Dov ben Elozor Rubin, the Sassover Rebbe of London, (5680/1920); · Wearing of the yellow star was decreed mandatory for all Jews in the Baltic States, (5701/1941); · Minsk (Russia) was captured by the Germans, trapping about forty thousand Jews, (5702/1942); · The German army command, led by Erwin Rommel, reached El Alamein in Northern Egypt, 96 km west of Alexandria. After Gedolim in Eretz Yisrael held massive tefilla rallies, the Germans retreated. ththth + 141414 of Tammuz ~ Begins Wednesday Night (Jun 24th )  Rav Yitzchok Isaac Rosenbaum of Zutchka (b. 1906). Born in Romania to Rav Issomor Rosenbaum of Nadvorna, he was named after his mother’s ancestor, Rav Yitzchok Isaac of Komarna. At an early age, his family moved to Czernovitz, whose 45,000 Jews constituted about 45 percent of the city’s population. The first Maskilim settled in Czernovitz at the start of the nineteenth century, and their influence had grown so fast that, by 1849, they controlled the Board of the Jewish Community. It was in Czernowitz that secular Yiddishism held a major convocation and proclaimed Yiddish as the Jewish national language in 1908. After Rav Yitzchok Isaac married his wife, Chana, his father asked him to preside as Rav and Admor in the town of Vashkowitz. Two years later, he moved to Zutchka, where he remained until World War II. Soon after the war, Rav Yitzchok Isaac moved to Boro Park. After Rav Yitzchok Isaac’s father passed away, he settled in Tel Aviv to take over his father’s Bais Medrash , in 1973. In 1981, he relocated to Bnei Brak. One of the Rebbe ’s sons, Rav Nosson Dovid, took over the Zutchka Bais Medrash in Bnei Brak, (5760/2000);  Rav Yosef ben Rav Moshe Trani, the Maharit (b. 1568). Born in Tzefas, he married a descendant of Rav Yosef Caro, but fled Tzefas due to plague outbreak, returning to Tzefas

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to head a Yeshiva in 1594. He moved to Constantinople in 1604, becoming Rav of the city and leader of Turkish Jewry a few years later. He is best known for his teshuvos , (5399/1639);  Rav Shmuel Shatin , the Kos Hayeshuos . [According to some, 18 th of Tammuz ], Rav of Dramesht, (5479/1719);  Rav Yaakov ben Rav Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ruderman (b. 1901), Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisrael, Baltimore. Born on Shushan Purim in 1901 in Dolhinov, Russia, he studied in Yeshiva Knesses Yisrael in Slobodka, then headed by Rav Nosson Zvi Finkel (the Alter ) and Rav Moshe Mordechai Epstein. Among his colleagues in Slobodka were Rav Reuven Grozovsky; Rav Ruderman’s first cousin, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky; Rav Aharon Kotler; and Rav Yitzchok Hutner. In 1926, Rav Ruderman published his only written work, Avodas HaLevi . In 1930, Rav Ruderman joined his father-in-law, Rav Sheftel Kramer, at the latter’s Yeshiva in Cleveland. In 1933, Rav Ruderman moved to Baltimore and founded the Ner Yisrael Yeshiva , leading that Yeshiva for fifty-four years until his passing. His petira in 1987 followed less than one-and-a-half years after the passing of Rav Kaminetzky and Rav Moshe Feinstein. Rav Ruderman’s students have published two volumes of his teachings posthumously: Sichos Levi contains mussar /ethical insights based on the weekly Parsha , while Mas’as Levi contains lectures on the nineteenth-century work Minchas Chinuch and other Talmudic and halachic insights, (5747/1987);  Rav Mordechai Attia , great Sefardi Rosh Yeshiva in Yerushalayim, (5738/1978). ththth + 151515 of Tammuz ~ Begins Thursday Night (Jun 25th )  Rav Chaim ben Rav Moshe Ibn Attar, the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh (b. 1696). Born into a well-respected family in Sali, Morocco, Rav Chaim spent his early years learning with his grandfather, whose name he shared. Rav Chaim’s dream was to go to Eretz Yisrael. He arrived in Eretz Yisrael with thirty followers, four days before Rosh HaShana in 1742 and settled in Acco. Rav Chaim and his students spent Yom Kippur in the cave of Eliyohu HaNovi on Har Carmel. For Purim they were in Tzefas and Meron, where a great deal of time was spent studying the holy Zohar . On the 15 th of Elul 1743, Rav Chaim finally arrived in Yerushalayim with his group. He immediately established a Yeshiva called Knesses Yisrael and a second secretive Yeshiva for the study of Kabbola . One of his new students was Rav Chaim Yosef Dovid Azulai, the Chida , who was only eighteen years old at that time, (5503/1743);  Rav Arye Leib Ginzberg , the Shaagas Arye (b. 1695/5455). Born in Pinsk, he was the son of Rav Osher, Av Bais Din of Pinsk. He is considered one of the greatest minds of his time. The Vilna Gaon said that the Shaagas Arye was greater than him in nigleh (revealed Torah ), but not in nistar (concealed Torah ). When he was still young, his family moved to Minsk. A widow in the city had a complete set of the Shas in her home and would loan masechtos to any Talmid Chochom who needed them. When Arye Leib was still a child, he borrowed 9
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masechtos from her. Thus, every day, he would complete one masechta , and then ask her to exchange it for a different one. In 1725, when he was only thirty, Rav Arye Leib was invited to serve as the Rosh Yeshiva of Minsk, but the laypersons forced him out, since he was unashamed to rebuke them when he felt that it was necessary. Shortly afterward, he was invited to serve as Rav of Volozhin (where he authored Shaagas Arye ), and later in Metz, Germany. Prior to his petira , the Shaagas Arye made a siyum of Shas , which he had reviewed one thousand times during his lifetime. [ Yated 2005 says 28 th of Tammuz and 25 th of Tammuz , according to Yated 2007], (5545/1785);  Rav Dovid Moshe Rosenbaum of Kretchnif (Kretchinev, Kretchniv, Kretshniff), son of Rav Eliezer Zev Rosenbaum and son-in-law of Rav Chaim Mordechai of Nadvorna. Lived in Rechovot, (5729/1969);  Rav Mordechai Weinberg , Rosh Yeshiva of Montreal, (5752/1992);  Rav Amrom Blau , head of Neturei Karta in Yerushalayim (b. 1894). He was close with the Brisker Rav , the Chazon Ish and many other Gedolim of the time and earned their respect. There is more than one Neturei Karta in Yerushalayim. The shita of his Neturei Karta was basically the same as that of the Satmar Rebbe , Rav Yoel. He fought against the desecration of Shabbos in Eretz Yisrael. His brother was Rav Moshe Blau of Agudas Yisrael . The Neturei Karta movement broke off from Agudas Yisrael in 1935 because of their insistence on total separation from the Zionist Jewish community. In 1938, Rav Blau and Rav Aharon Katzenellenbogen seceded from the Eida Chareidis . For the most part, the members of Neturei Karta are descended from Hungarian Jews who settled in Yerushalayim’s Old City in the early nineteenth century and currently number about five thousand. Rav Blau was forced to surrender leadership of Neturei Karta in 1965, after he married Ruth Ben-Dovid, who was a divorced woman and a convert from Catholicism, two years after his first wife, Hinda, was niftar . She was also a former member of the French Resistance, who had rescued Rav Blau during the Holocaust. In December 2006, Satmar leaders condemned six Neturei Karta adherents as reckless outcasts for attending the Holocaust denial conference hosted by Iran. Rav Amrom Blau, as well as his successor, Rav Aharon Katzenellenbogen, was vehemently opposed to activities of this sort. As an indication of his disfavor, Rav Katzenellenbogen went to the Zionist Israeli secular court to enforce an order forbidding Moshe Hirsch to leave Eretz Yisrael, to prevent him from engaging in joint activities with Jew-hating Arabs, (5734/1974).  Y HILLULA DE’TDE’TZADDIKAZADDIKA Z WHAT’S BEHIND YAHRZEIT MEANINGS & CUSTOMS The Maharil, in Hilchos Taanis, teaches us that the reason why there is a custom to visit the Bais hachaim on a fast is because “this place is the resting place of the Tzaddikim and is therefore sanctified, pure and holy and our tefillos are more readily heard, accepted and answered when davened on holy ground. When you daven there, do not make requests of the

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Chukas / [email protected] dead who are buried there; rather ask Hashem to answer you mercifully in their merit. Then circle around the graves and donate charity before reciting tefillos.” בית הקברות הוא מקו מנוחת הצדיקי ומתו כ הוא מקו קדוש וטהור התפילה נתקבלה ש יותר , א אל ישי מגמתו נגד המתי , א יבקש מהשי“ ת שית עליו רחמי בזכות הצדיקי שוכני עפר , ויקי הקברות , וית צדקה קוד שיאמר התחינות. The Zohar in VaYeira page 71 teaches us that if we suffer any calamity or tragedy we have the custom to go and daven at the kevorim of Tzaddikim . The reason for this is that we approach them with fasting, remorse and repentance, and we have in mind that the departed souls ask and daven for us before Hashem on High, as opposed to the prohibition against speaking to the dead which is an idolatrous practice where the idol worshippers sought out the impure dead souls and bodies using sorcery and witchcraft. Instead, beseech our Tzaddikim who, in gan eden , are truly alive, and ask through tefilla and fasting and teshuva alone. 

Y GEDOLIM BE’MASAYHEM Z STORIES & ANECDOTES Rav Yitzchok Isaac RosenbaumRosenbaum,,,, 141414 ththth of Tammuz Zutchka Rebbe The Zutchka Rebbe was my Rebbe ’s the tefillos poured out with emes . I will uncle; I merited seeing him a few times. never forget how he broke down weeping One Friday night when I was a bochur , I when he recited the berocha in Chazoras wandered the streets of Bnei Brak looking HaShatz asking Hashem to rebuild for a minyan and asked where the Yerushalayim. Nadvorna Bais Medrash was. Since I was  only a block away from the Zutchka shul , the passerby figured I meant his shul ; the The Admor of Zutchka Zutchka shtiebel was very close but when I By A. Cohen went in I realized that this was not Nadvorna. Being that the Rosenbaums are A throng of thousands accompanied all the Admor of Zutchka, Rav Yitzchok Isaac Nadvorna Rosenbaum, on his last earthly journey. He einiklach was niftar at the age of ninety-five. and that the The levaya , leaving his Bais Zutchka Medrash on Be’er Mayim Chaim Street in Rebbe was Bnei Brak, was attended by many Admorim the and Rabbonim , headed by the Admorim of Nadvorna Vizhnitz, Gur, Sadigora, Alexander, Sanz, Rebbe ’s Lublin, Strikov, Nadvorna, Chernobyl, uncle, the passerby directed me there and Machnovka, Bohush, Cleveland, so did Hashgocha Protis , for it was my only Kretchinef, Darag and Viaslava. opportunity to have been zoche to daven Before the departure of the with the Rebbe . His davening was on fire procession, hespedim were delivered by and unreal. He was elderly and weak but 11
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Rav Shmuel HaLevi Wosner and Rav righteous Malka, daughter of Rav Osher Shmuel Unsdorfer, who announced that in Yeshaya Rubin of Kolbisof, grandson of the line with the custom of the Admorim of Rav of Ropshitz. Rav Yitzchok Isaac was Nadvorna, all sons of an Admor who has named after his grandfather, Rav Yitzchok passed away then preside as Admorim . Isaac of Komarna. Thus, the niftar’s son, Rav Nosson Dovid, From his youth, he was known for will preside in the niftar’s Bais Medrash in his tremendous hasmoda and Bnei Brak, while the sons who live abroad industriousness, traits that characterized will preside in their places of residence. him throughout his entire life, even in his Hespedim were also delivered by the final days. His father hired one of the Admor of Nadvorna-Chadera, as well as by prominent Chortkover Chassidim , Rav Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, the Av Bais Din Yitzchok Shapira, to teach his sons. of Ramat Elchonon, and by the niftar’s son, When Rav Yitzchok Isaac was eight, Rav Nosson Dovid. he and his family moved to Austria, and In Yerushalayim, the levaya set out from there to the home of his grandfather from Kikar Shabbos, where the niftar’s son, in Kretchinef. Later on, they returned to the Admor of Stanislav, arriving from Chernobyl, where he married Chana, abroad directly to the levaya in daughter of Rav Nosson Dovid HaKohen Yerushalayim, delivered a hesped . Yet Hollander, the Rav of the Galician city of another hesped was delivered by the Amsana. Immediately after his wedding, niftar’s mechutan , the Admor of Erloi. his father asked him to preside as Rav and From Kikar Shabbos, the levaya proceeded Admor in the city of Vashkowitz. Two years on foot to Har HaZeisim, where the niftar’s later, he moved to Zutchka. forbears are buried. During the Holocaust, Rav Yitzchok Among the masses of mourners in Isaac left Zutchka on foot, along with his Yerushalayim were many Admorim , family and the entire community. On his including the Admorim of Belz, Shomrei back he bore a bag containing his Emunim , Rachmastrivka, Mazhmigrad, manuscripts, of which he said: “This is my Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok, Zvhill, Stropkov, share of all my toil.” Nazis, suspecting that the gaavad of the Eida HaChareidis , they were espionage documents, members of the BaDaTz and many confiscated them. In order to salvage the prominent Rabbonim and Marbitzei documents, the Admor gave all of his Torah . money to a Nazi officer who promised to Toward twilight, the Admor of return the manuscripts. Of course, the Zutchka was buried in the cemetery on Har promise was not kept. HaZeisim, where hespedim were delivered During the Holocaust, while living in by the Admor of Shomrei Emunim and the the city of Balta, he experienced a miracle. Admor of Cleveland. The Admor , who occupied an upstairs  room, hid fifty Jews in the cellar. Nazis arriving at his dwelling conducted a search, Biography and found the Admor reciting Tehillim . They decided to hang him then and there, The Admor Rav Yitzchok Isaac and asked, “Are you afraid of G-d?” Rosenbaum was born on the 21 st of Teves , 5666 (1906), in the city of Chernobyl in the “Yes!” he decisively replied. They Bokivina region of Romania. His father was snatched the Tehillim and threw it out of Rav Issomor, the venerable Admor of the window, into the muddy yard. (He Nadvorna, and his mother was the saved that sefer Tehillim until his final

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Chukas / [email protected] day.) Then they removed the Rebbetzin and For ten consecutive years, he the children from the room and placed a grappled with this problem, until he finally rope around his neck. The Nazi jeered, succeeded in closing all stores for Shabbos . “Now pray.” He also succeeded in closing a nearby The Rebbe began to say Vidui from movie theater that was operating on oshamnu, bogadnu until rachum Shabbos . Today, no one believes that stores vechanun . were open on Shabbos in the heart of a When he reached these words, the chareidi neighborhood. Nazi stopped him and said, “Enough!” A He initiated a novel idea in the commanding officer then entered and said, United States of those days. He would place “Let the Rav live a bit longer.” a set Shabbos table on an open truck. A As the Nazi was leaving, the Admor’s driver would then drive through the Jewish son heard the Nazi mutter, “He’s a saintly neighborhoods and announce the time of man. G-d will punish.” candle lighting. The Admor publicly commemorated For many years, he tried to find that miracle every year. halachic solutions for the problem of opening bottle caps on Shabbos . In time, Immediately after the war, the he founded the Shoneh Halochos Rebbetzin became deathly ill. However, she enterprise in Bnei Brak for the review of recovered miraculously and lived until Hilchos Shabbos . 5742 (1982). After the war, the Admor reached Prague, and in 5707 (1947) In 5724 (1964), his daughter Shifra, published his HaMe’oros HaGedolim about who had been the wife of the Admo r of the Aseres HaDibros . At the end of the Varadan, Rav Yosef Leifer, passed away. sefer , he printed a letter of gratitude to his She was survived by three small daughters. brother-in-law, the Admor of Kachnia of Rav Yitzchok Isaac accepted his lot with the United States, and to the Admor’s wife, love. his sister, who helped secure his release. He was outstanding in his kibbud ov He then left for America, where he lived vo’eim , even in his final days. A long time until 5733 (1973). after his father had passed away, he would He established his Bais Medrash in send letters to his sisters every erev Rosh Boro Park, where he was beloved by all. He HaShana , saying that by honoring his was best known for his efforts to safeguard oldest sister he was fulfilling the mitzva of the honor of Shabbos Kodesh . During that lerabos ochicha hagodol . period, a number of Jewish stores in the After the petira of his father, he area were open on Shabbos . When he tried moved to Eretz Yisrael and began to to correct the situation, people attempted preside in his father’s Bais Medrash in Yad to dissuade him, claiming that the Eliyohu, Tel Aviv, where he was active on storekeepers wouldn’t listen to him out of behalf of the education of Jewish children. fear that competitors might deprive them In 5741 (1981) he established his of their livelihoods. But he ignored these Bais Medrash in Bnei Brak, and two years warnings and, every Shabbos , went to the later, moved to the current Bais Medrash stores with his Chassidim and pleaded with on Be’er Mayim Chaim Street, where he the storekeepers in a genial manner to founded a kollel and Talmud Torah . Later close their shops. Sometimes he was forced on, he also built a mikve in the building. to promise them financial help, in exchange His home was open to all Jews at all for the damage that they believed would be hours, and he refused to designate incurred by closing their shops on Shabbos . reception hours. He claimed: “The Jews

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Chukas / [email protected] who seek me need a yeshua or an eitza On Sunday, the 13 th of Tammuz , he now,” stressing that this practice might felt ill, and was taken to Laniado hospital. arouse rachamim with HaKodosh Boruch During the ride to the hospital, his Hu , so that all hours would be those of situation deteriorated. At the hospital, rachamim and eis rotzon . efforts were made to revive him, and top- His tremendous diligence was ranking doctors were brought to his bed. At exemplary. Once, a great-grandson from 1 a.m., he returned his pure soul to its abroad, studying in Eretz Yisrael, came to Maker. At the time of his petira he was visit him. The Admor was so immersed in surrounded by a minyan , which recited his studies that he did not recognize his Pesukei HaYichud and Nishmas . own kin, and asked who he was. When the Despite the late hour, the bitter news youth explained that he was the Admor’s spread rapidly throughout the Kiryat Sanz great-grandson, the Admor blessed him, neighborhood, and at 2:15 a.m. the levaya and returned to his studies. In his sefer , left the hospital toward Bnei Brak. HaTzniyus VeHayeshua , he apologizes to He is survived by an illustrious his offspring for this behavior. family. Thirteen years ago, he merited He pored over his seforim day and seeing a fifth generation. His sons are: Rav night, and the old-fashioned typewriter on Meir of Caracas, Rav Yisrael of Stanislav; which he personally typed out his many Rav Nosson Dovid, the Rav of the chiddushim was constantly on his table. Chassidei Zutchka community; and his His Avodas HaKodesh was sons-in-law, Rav Osher Yeshaya of remarkable. He would go before the teiva Nadvorna-Chadera and Rav Yosef Leifer of on Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur during Varadan. He is also survived by all of the services, from the eve of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all holiday until its end, including the Torah of whom are following in his footsteps. reading and the shofar blowing. After the www.chareidi.org/archives5760/mattos/azuchka.htm prayer services, his face would glow, and he  did not seem tired from the exertion. He would often restore sholom bayis Zutchka vs. Rabbi X to families, and make peace among people. I wanted to begin by telling a story of He did this in a most unassuming manner. an encounter a friend had with a semi- He drew many closer to their Father in prominent Rav , and then juxtapose it with Heaven. a story describing how the Zutchka Rebbe Once, a ba’al teshuva told him about reacted in a similar situation. his many difficulties. The Admor advised My friend had been married a few him to study Orchos Tzaddikim . When the years, but things were not going well. The young man claimed that he had no one couple had decided on divorce, and they with whom to study, the Rebbe held a daily were on their way to the Rav to finalize the shiur with him, which continued for two arrangement. But before they went inside years. When questioned about that they began to talk. They mutually practice, the Admor replied, “What can I do experienced a longing that they had not if I benefit from the shiur ?” experienced in months, or even years. Just Once, he became very weak, and the before they crossed that irrevocable community was asked to daven for his threshold they had decided that it was not recovery. He recuperated, and during the too late to reconcile. Their deep weeks in which he felt better, he would attachment, which had been latent for shower berochos upon Am Yisrael. much time, began to manifest itself in

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Chukas / [email protected] feelings ever closer to the surface, and lasted for several years. When the man decided that they wanted to make the came to the Rebbe , and said, “I feel as marriage work. though I’m taking up the Rebbe ’s valuable They walked into the Rav ’s quarters, time,” the Rebbe answered, “if you only and said with beaming faces, “We’ve knew of the great satisfaction I get every changed our minds! We decided not to go day from learning with you.” through with the divorce!” The Rav opened On one occasion, a couple had come his eyes wide, a vein about to burst from to him in the evening. They wound up his forehead, and barked at them, “For this staying for four hours, past midnight. you waste my time? I’ve been sitting here When his grandson later questioned him FIFTEEN MINUTES waiting for the two of about the unusual amount of time spent you. I could have been doing a hundred with this couple he responded, “This couple other things. Don’t you know that I’m a was going to get a divorce. I was their last busy man?” stop. I sat with them, and I delved deep The previous Zutchka Rebbe was into their hearts, and saw that there was known never to utter a mundane word. He much hope and yearning between the two learned, he taught Torah , and accepted of them. We talked out the matter, and now petitioners. Torah was his entire life. He they are going to stay married. After all, did not even engage in worldly or mundane doesn’t it say that when a couple gets speech with his own family. When a divorced the mizbei’ach (the altar) sheds granddaughter who lived close by and tears? Well, tonight I am full of joy visited often came into his study one day, knowing that I spared the mizbei’ach any he asked, “Who is this?” So much was he unnecessary sorrow. Four hours? Even a involved in his learning. But when someone whole night would have been worth it for had a serious problem or a Torah matter to two precious neshomos (souls).” discuss, he availed himself completely to A Tzaddik , concerned with the him. Once, after his daily Halocha shiur in depths of the human soul. the morning, a man came up to him, and www.rebbestories.blogspot.com/2009/07/zutchka-vs- said that he was having trouble following rabbi-x.html the Rebbe . The Rebbe established with him a one-on-one shiur on the spot, which  ththth Rav Yaakov HaLevi Ruderman, 141414 of Tammuz Rosh Yeshiva Ner Yisrael Baltimore This article originally appeared in Shushan Purim in 5660 (1900) in Yated Neeman . We abbreviated it because Dolhinov, a small shtetl near Vilna. He was of its length. born late in life to his parents, Rav Yehuda As we enter the Yahrzeit of the Leib and Sheina, the first son after six revered Rosh Yeshiva and founder of daughters. Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky, Rav Yeshiva Ner Yisrael of Baltimore, the Ruderman’s illustrious cousin who is Yated presents highlights of his life as told named after the same person, related a by his talmidim . We thank the talmidim fascinating story about how Rav Ruderman who shared with us their oral and written got his name. A year before his birth, an memories of the Rosh Yeshiva . elderly, childless Jew named Reb Yitzchok Hallowed Beginnings assured Rav Yehuda Leib that he would have a son and made him promise to name Rav Ruderman was born on 15
Chukas / [email protected] the child Yitzchok. Thinking that it was special care to withstand wartime unlikely that he would have a son, Rav difficulties. Toward that end, unbeknown Yehuda Leib half-jokingly agreed. A year to Rav Ruderman, Rav Chaim arranged for later, when his son was born, his mother a certain wealthy Yid to provide him with wanted to name him Yaakov after her extra money so that his learning would not father. A shaila was asked and the psak be adversely affected by hunger. Only after was that he be given both names: Yaakov Rav Chaim’s passing in 1918, when the Yitzchok. support ceased, did Rav Ruderman become Rav Yehuda Leib was a melamed . aware of Rav Chaim’s role in caring for Rav Ruderman often stated that his father him. knew Shas with Tosafos well, but even The Alter also displayed an though he may have eclipsed his father in enormous amount of affection toward the learning, he did not even approach his level youngster. He assigned Rav Yechezkel of avoda and Yiras Shomayim . Rav Sarna to serve as his eltere bochur . Yehuda Leib recognized his young son’s Rav Ruderman learned with prodigious talents and encouraged him to tremendous hasmoda , but he was learn. The child was awakened early to completely unable to keep to sedorim of learn a blatt before davening and was the Yeshiva . The Alter gave him latitude to rewarded for every daf memorized. As a learn in his own way as long as he achieved result, he mastered Seder Noshim and the pre-set goals. It was decided that he Nezikin before his bar mitzva . would attempt to complete Shas that Shortly before his bar mitzva , Rav winter. Rav Ruderman would take long Yehuda Leib took him for a berocha to the walks during which he would review Lubavitcher Rebbe , Rav Sholom Ber. The Gemoros and Sedorim by heart. He was Rebbe was so impressed that he blessed the well on the way to reaching his goal when boy that he should grow to be an odom the Alter received a telegram shortly after godol . The Rebbe wanted the youth to learn Sukkos advising of the petira of Rav in Lubavitch, but Rav Yehuda Leib chose Yehuda Leib. Not wishing to interfere with instead to send him to Slonim. his talmid ’s learning regimen, the Alter The young illui from Dolhinov soon chose not to tell him the terrible news. Only developed a remarkable reputation. At that after Pesach , when he had achieved his time it was customary for Slabodka goal, was he informed of his father’s talmidim to seek exceptional bochurim to passing. The Alter remarked that the join Slabodka. The future Chevron Rosh completion of Shas would be a far greater Yeshiva Rav Yechezkel Sarna, who was zechus for his father’s neshoma than all the already one of the Alter of Slabodka’s recitations of Kaddish that he missed. closest talmidim , convinced the young His talmidim in Baltimore genius to join Slabodka. That decision was understand their great zechus to have had a undoubtedly a watershed in his life. Rebbe whose every action was a reflection It was in the middle of World War I of the Alter . On the Alter ’s fiftieth Yahrzeit , when Rav Ruderman joined Slabodka when Rav Ruderman and Rav Yaakov it was in the city of Minsk after it had fled Kaminetsky were invited to Lakewood to eastward, away from the approaching speak. Rav Schneur Kotler related that German Army. In Minsk, he merited when Rav Yaakov was unable to attend he meeting the revered Godol HaDor , Rav stated, “The Baltimore Rosh Yeshiva is the Chaim Brisker. It seems that Rav Chaim most reflective personality of the Alter in discerned tremendous potential in the our generation.” young illui and realized that he would need One thing in which Rav Ruderman 16
Chukas / [email protected] particularly took pride was the fact that he to Cleveland, where the latter served as merited receiving semicha from Rav Meir Menahel Ruchani . Atlas, the revered father-in-law of Rav In 1933, Rav Ruderman decided to Elchonon Wasserman. This semicha traced accept a position as Rav of the Tiferes back to the Vilna Gaon , as Rav Meir Atlas Yisrael Shul in Baltimore with the had received semicha from Rav Eizele understanding that he could use the Charif, who was in turn a musmach of Rav facilities for a Yeshiva . Abbale Peslover, who had received semicha The Yeshiva ’s early growth directly from the Gaon ; thus Rav intensified through the recognition and Ruderman was a direct link in this chain of support of prominent Rabbonim . Rav the mesora back to the Vilna Gaon . Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, Menahel of  Mesivta Torah Vodaas and unquestionably one of the most important figures in the Building Torah in America development of Torah in America, sent In 5684 (1924), Rav Ruderman bochurim from New York whom he married the daughter of Rav Sheftel thought would benefit. Rav Yaakov Kramer, a son-in-law of Rav Shraga Feivel Kaminetsky sent his children from Frank and brother-in-law of Rav Isser Toronto, which in those days was Zalman Meltzer, Rav Moshe Mordechai considered a major distance away. Rav Epstein and Rav Boruch Horowitz. Yehoshua Klavan, one of the foremost The Rebbetzin was his partner and talmidim of Rav Boruch Ber and the Rav of helpmate in all his undertakings on behalf Washington, D.C., was among the of Yiddishkeit . Not only did she free him staunchest supporters of the Yeshiva . He from the yoke of responsibility in the not only sent a son to learn in the Yeshiva , material aspects of the house, but she was he even raised funds for the upkeep and also instrumental in helping him achieve growth of the Yeshiva . Furthermore, lofty spiritual pursuits. Later, when they during the winter months, when Rav moved to America and Rav Ruderman Ruderman would occasionally suffer from sought to build a Yeshiva in a country that laryngitis, Rav Klavan would come from had no understanding of the concept, it was Washington to deliver the daily shiur . Rav the Rebbetzin who constantly encouraged Naftoli Zvi Yehuda Riff, a grandson of the him to persevere rather than be deterred by Netziv and the Rav of Camden, New the numerous stumbling blocks placed in Jersey, was also extremely helpful. his way. It was the Rebbetzin who  organized fundraisers and donations of staples for the Yeshiva . The Rosh Yeshiva Total Immersion in Torah was eternally grateful for all that she had Without a doubt, it was the power of done and, many decades later, upon her the Rosh Yeshiva ’s total immersion in passing several years before his petira , the Torah ; his contagious Ahavas Torah and Rosh Yeshiva was simply inconsolable. his complete belief in the eternity of Torah During the first years after their that enabled him to become the marriage, the Rosh Yeshiva devoted quintessential Rosh Yeshiva and Torah himself to complete immersion in learning. builder. His love of Torah was such that it In 1931, the Rosh Yeshiva , Rebbetzin and overcame even the most natural human their baby daughter immigrated to the limitations. Once, during the early years of United States. Rav Ruderman joined his the Yeshiva at its current campus, a fire father-in-law, Rav Sheftel Kramer, in the broke out in the building where the Rosh Yeshiva of New Haven that had relocated Yeshiva lived. Everyone immediately 17
Chukas / [email protected] evacuated the building. Suddenly Rav he was learning in Slabodka and a visitor Ruderman ran back into the burning arrived bearing a copy of the newly building, exclaiming, “I forgot an published sefer Ohr Somei’ach . The young absolutely irreplaceable item!” What was bochur asked to borrow the sefer but was the item for which he risked his life? His refused permission as the man planned to very rare copy of the sefer Nesivos continue his journey the following day. Rav HaMishpot on Rabbeinu Yeruchem. Ruderman was undaunted. He borrowed His dedication to learning knew no the sefer for one night promising to return bounds. His encyclopedic knowledge of it in the morning. Overnight he went Talmud Bavli , Yerushalmi , Rishonim , through and mastered the sefer in its Poskim , Acharonim and teshuvos set a entirety! lofty standard for which to strive. The Rosh On another occasion, the Rosh Yeshiva stimulated lively discussions, Yeshiva was once undergoing a lengthy thereby deepening interest and broadening medical procedure. The doctor, wishing to horizons, by challenging his students to distract the Rosh Yeshiva from the pain bring proof from one Gemora to a and unpleasantness, engaged him in small seemingly unrelated issue. talk. Throughout the procedure the Rosh He constantly focused the attention Yeshiva continuously nodded his head in of his talmidim and their awareness to the agreement. After leaving the clinic, he breadth and inter-relationship of all of explained to the talmid accompanying him Torah . He was always involved in a a wonderful approach to the sugya that kushya . In fact, he would say that he used had occurred to him in the midst of the questions as memory keys with which to procedure. He then suddenly interrupted remember the Gemora . Therefore, he was himself, “By the way, perhaps you heard always ready with a penetrating query or what the doctor was saying to me? I comment that would lend insight to nodded to him out of respect, but what did whatever Gemora one mentioned. He lived he want?” with his questions and was constantly seen The Rosh Yeshiva once complained with his lips moving, as he was totally and to his talmid , Rav Yisrael Dov Kaplan, consistently absorbed in learning. today Rosh Kollel in Bayit Vegan, Rarely was his sleep at night not “Nowadays, people do not learn. When I disturbed by the kushya with which he was fifteen, learning in Slabodka we would went to bed. This total involvement was get up at five in the morning and go to transmitted to his talmidim . sleep after midnight. We learned fifty blatt On par with his love for Torah , was a day, every day!” the Rosh Yeshiva ’s love for his students. If Once on a long trip, the Rosh ever a talmid asked him a good question or Yeshiva was accompanied by two bochurim related a nice sevora , his face would from the Yeshiva , who decided to utilize radiate delight. When one of the talmidim the duration of the journey to go over had the good fortune to ask or say several pages of Maseches Berochos that something that was new to him, he would they had committed to memory. The Rosh be ecstatic. Many talmidim had the fortune Yeshiva was seated right in front of them to be embarrassed by the Rosh Yeshiva and they noticed that he was shifting about when they would be reminded years later of in his seat uncomfortably. From time to an insightful Torah thought that they time he walked around and fixed them with themselves had long since forgotten. a piercing look. “What kind of Gemora are A revealing incident occurred when you using over there – is it a different girsa ?” he asked. Scarcely concealing their

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Chukas / [email protected] pride, the bochurim replied, “We don’t learn Torah from him. We know that a have a Gemora , we’re going over what we Maloch cannot do more than one shelichus , learned by heart!” The Rosh Yeshiva , with a one job at a time. Teaching talmidim smile on his face, proceeded to quote the preoccupies me so completely that I cannot exact language of the Gemora . sit and write seforim .” Indeed, the Rosh When he was already in his eighties, Yeshiva invested tremendous effort into a talmid relates, “I went to daven Mincha teaching and shaping each talmid . with the Rosh Yeshiva and he complained The Rosh Yeshiva established that the strong medicines he was taking for thousands of talmidim . Among them, his numerous ailments caused him to hundreds became Gedolei Torah and forget. The talmid asked, “Has the Rosh Marbitzei Torah who continue his legacy Yeshiva forgotten any Tosafos in Shas ?” and illuminate the Torah world with their Immediately, the Rosh Yeshiva banged his shiurim and chiddushei Torah . Although of cane and forcefully said, ‘No! No! No course, there was a special focus on Tosafos . I mean a chiddush in a difficult establishing talmidim who would become Rambam that I once said – I have trouble Torah giants in their own right, the Rosh remembering in its entirety.” The talmid Yeshiva understood the individual related that the way in which he could not character of each talmid and encouraged even contemplate the horror of forgetting a them, each in his own way, to make Torah Tosafos was an indication of Ahavas Torah a central part of their lives. and devotion to Torah that remained with  him forever. Chinuch  Individualized Talmidim of Ner Yisrael felt that the Transmitting Torah Rosh Yeshiva loved them as a father loves Rav Ruderman would show his son. He took an active interest in their talmidim a letter that he received from the needs, listened to their problems and Steipler Gaon in 5719 (1959). The Steipler shared their burdens. They, in turn, sent him a letter requesting financial became greatly attached to him. His assistance for printing the first volume of relationship with his talmidim was very his magnum opus Kehillas Yaakov . In the much predicated on an explanation of letter, the Steipler wrote that he had seen Chazal on the pasuk “and you shall teach and learned Rav Ruderman’s sefer Avodas them to your sons”. Chazal say that sons HaLevi that he had written in his youth are referring to talmidim . “Why, then,” the and it features “wonderful chiddushim on Rosh Yeshiva asked, “did the pasuk not the most difficult areas of the order of write, “and you shall teach them to your Kodshim ”. In the letter, the Steipler pupils?” encourages Rav Ruderman to write more “In order to teach us,” he explained, such seforim . After showing the letter to “that talmidim are akin to sons. Just as a the talmid , Rav Ruderman said, “I have son never stops being a son, neither does a enough chiddushim to write ten more talmid stop being a talmid . A Rebbe must volumes of Avodas HaLevi , but I am now never imagine that his talmid is beloved to writing leibidige seforim , living seforim , him only when he is under his tutelage, my talmidim .” receiving his guidance and instruction and The Rosh Yeshiva continued, that when this period comes to an end, so “Teaching takes full concentration, as the does the special relationship. The truth Gemora teaches that only if a Rebbe is goes far beyond this, for upon becoming a similar to a Maloch should one seek to talmid he becomes a son of his Rebbe . Even 19
Chukas / [email protected] when he embarks on his own path, he the requisite counsel and comfort. should remain a son; the bond should not Throughout the years there were many weaken.” This is the way in which the Rosh bochurim who came to the Yeshiva as Yeshiva interacted with his talmidim . refugees or from homeless and troubled Talmidim who visited him after intervals of backgrounds. They found a home in the ten years or more still felt the same warm Yeshiva and a father in the Rosh Yeshiva . relationship they remembered from their In addition, Rav Ruderman loved his years in Yeshiva . talmidim and took great pride in those His emulation of the Alter was not talmidim who entered the great profession simply in treating his students as children; of Melamdei Torah . The clearest proof of rather, it was in all facets of chinuch . He this love and pride was his almost regular would try to handle each of his talmidim in referral to the verse in Doniel (12:3): a manner suited to that individual. When it V’hamaskilim yazhiru k’zohar horokia , came to delivering rebuke, Rav Ruderman umatzdikei horabim kekochovim l’olom would explain that if he would dare speak vo’ed . Rav Ruderman would cite the to his students in the way the Alter rebuked comment of the Maharsha that says, “Just even the greatest Baalei Mussar publicly, as the stars and moon are in the sky they would have fled the Yeshiva throughout the day, even though they are instantaneously. In fact, when the Rosh not seen, so too the teacher remembers and Yeshiva found it necessary to rebuke the ponders his students even years later.” whole Yeshiva , he would speak very  positively even while calling the talmidim to task. The Beauty of Middos Rav Ruderman often cautioned that Rav Ruderman’s middos , his dealing with bochurim is dinei nefoshos , a sensitivity to others and feelings of matter of spiritual life and death, and another’s pain, were legendary. These cannot be taken lightly. There were middos were the product of a lifetime of instances when members of the Yeshiva ’s Avodas Hashem . A talmid relates how in Hanhola thought that a specific bochur 1982 he came to the Rosh Yeshiva ’s house should be expelled. The Rosh Yeshiva to walk him to Mincha . When he greeted consistently held firm to his convictions, the Rosh Yeshiva , he noticed a broken- explaining that one never knows what the hearted expression on his face. The Rosh future holds for such a talmid ; perhaps Yeshiva said, “I just heard that Rav with a bit more patience he would develop Schneur Kotler is very sick. The Gemora properly. By and large, he lived to see his says,” continued Rav Ruderman, “that if a position vindicated. Talmid Chochom is sick, one must beg From the manner in which the Alter Hashem for his recovery to the extent that cared for Rav Ruderman’s every need, he one must become sick over his plight .” learned that it is every Rosh Yeshiva ’s Right then and there, the Rosh Yeshiva obligation to deal with every aspect of his burst into bitter tears. Only after somewhat talmid’s life, spiritual and material. The composing himself did he go to Mincha . talmidim of Ner Yisrael all attest to their For the next two days, the Rosh Rebbe ’s exceptional care and concern for Yeshiva was unwell and unable to emerge them. He served as a source of strength, from bed. Dr. Jakobovitz, the resident inspiration and advice when they were Yeshiva Lane physician, came to check him beset with problems. Regardless of the and could not find anything wrong. “I, difficulty or complexity of a situation, the however,” explained the talmid , “knew Rosh Yeshiva could always be relied on for what had happened. The Rosh Yeshiva had 20
Chukas / [email protected] davened with such effort – he became sick tremendous impact on the Rosh Yeshiva over Rav Schneur’s plight just as the and was a clear depiction of how a Rebbe ’s Gemora dictates.” actions influence his talmidim . A group of Rav Ruderman was a treasure trove women, wives of talmidim of the Rosh of stories, many of which provided his Yeshiva who live in Eretz Yisrael, asked for talmidim with insight and understanding an audience with the Rosh Yeshiva when of his own behavior. The special care and he attended the last Knessia Gedola in deference that he exhibited toward his 5740/1980. After inquiring after their Rebbetzin had its source in a story he had families, the Rosh Yeshiva questioned why heard from the Chofetz Chaim . The Chofetz they had requested this meeting. They Chaim once happened to be with Rav replied that they wished to express their Nochum of Horodna on Chanuka evening. hakoras hatov ; they felt that their It was several hours into the night and still, husbands treated them with greater respect Rav Nochum had not lit the candles. and deference because they had seen how Finally, very late at night, long after the the Rebbe treated his Rebbetzin . streets had emptied of people, Rav The Rosh Yeshiva taught many Nochum’s wife returned home. Only then lessons in consideration for others by did Rav Nochum light the Menora , long personal example. A talmid recounts that after the time prescribed by Halocha . before joining the Yeshiva , he came to the Unable to contain his curiosity, the Chofetz Rosh Yeshiva ’s house to be tested. In mid- Chaim asked Rav Nochum for an conversation, he suddenly pushed over an explanation. Rav Nochum answered, “The inkwell, leaving what would become a Halocha dictates that if one only has permanent stain on the sofa. The talmid enough money for ner Shabbos or ner was in a quandary, but the Rosh Yeshiva Chanuka , ner Shabbos takes precedence continued speaking as though nothing had because of its sholom bayis component. My happened while simultaneously attempting wife,” continued Rav Nochum, “is moser to cover the stain to ease the bochur ’s nefesh to ensure that I devote my life to anguish. When he saw that his attempts Torah and Avodas Hashem . She enjoys were not helping, he began to reassure the being present for lighting the Chanuka talmid that nothing happened! Menora and that makes it my True, words alone are often responsibility to wait for her and forgo somewhat of a cliché and the expression on lighting at the proper time.” a host’s face usually reveal a true picture of The talmidim witnessed many his feelings. “In this case,” the talmid occasions when the Rosh Yeshiva related, “the Rosh Yeshiva was able to patterned his actions on the lessons of this genuinely persuade me with his great story. A case in point was at the Agudah wisdom that nothing had happened.” Any convention. One of the highlights of the damage to the sofa paled into convention was Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky’s insignificance compared to the suffering of address after Sholosh Seudos . The audience a human being. would sit in rapt attention listening until The same talmid paid the Rosh long after Shabbos was over. Invariably, Yeshiva a visit more than three decades Rav Ruderman would leave in the middle later. Drinks were served and another to call his Rebbetzin . He would always accident occurred. This time, a cup of apologize to Rav Yaakov and they would cream spilled, not on the sofa but on the remind one another of the story of Rav Rosh Yeshiva ’s pants. The reaction was Nochum. identical. The conversation continued as if One poignant incident made a nothing had happened. The Rosh Yeshiva

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Chukas / [email protected] shifted his legs under the table and once of his Rebbetzin and added immeasurably again managed to convince the talmid that to the quality of his later years. The Rosh nothing happened! Yeshiva was constantly grateful and The Rosh Yeshiva and Rebbetzin continuously expressed his tremendous had one child, Rebbetzin Chana Weinberg. hakoras hatov to the Weisbords. His son-in-law, Rav Yaakov Weinberg, The Rosh Yeshiva ’s entire eighty- succeeded him as Rosh Yeshiva until his seven years comprised one long song of passing twelve years later. They were Torah , limud haTorah , teaching Torah , blessed with six grandchildren and living with the middos dictated by the numerous great-grandchildren, who were Torah and giving kevod haTorah . On the privileged to surround the Rosh Yeshiva 14 th of Tammuz , 5747 (1987), the Rosh during his last days. After the petira of the Yeshiva passed on to join his exalted Rebbetzin , their grandchildren, the Rebbeim , the Alter of Slabodka and the Yeshiva’s Menahel Ruchani , Rav Beryl and giants of the era who pre-deceased him. Mrs. Aviva Weisbord, moved with their His levaya in Baltimore was one last children into the Rosh Yeshiva ’s home to manifestation of kevod haTorah , as care for him. The beauty and grace with thousands flocked to Ner Yisrael to bid which they discharged their obligation farewell to the last link to the greatness of helped the Rosh Yeshiva cope with the loss Slabodka in our times.  Rabbeinu Chaim Ben AttarAttar,,,, 151515 ththth of Tammuz The Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh [Some say 14 th of Tammuz – see Rav with us in this world.” (Gloss Menachem Moshe Franco of Leghorn/Livorno, intro to Tzion to Shem HaGedolim Seforim Alef Meor Chaim ) Siman 54) The Ner HaMaarovi has Gone Out  In the year 5503 on Parshas Balak during Sholosh Seudos , the Ba’al Shem Tov Winning the War suddenly told the talmidim , “I believe that When the Husyatiner Rebbe was the Ner HaMaarovi , the Western Candle, visiting Eretz Yisrael during the Second has been extinguished.” After Havdola the World War, the Germans had already talmidim asked the Ba’al Shem what he reached Syria and General Rommel was meant. He explained to them, “The holy near Egypt. The Rebbe and his Chassidim Tzaddik , the mechaber of the Ohr arrived on the 15 th of Tammuz , the Ohr HaChaim , has left this world. The way I HaChaim ’s Yahrzeit , at his kever . know this is because there is one secret Everyone feared that the Nazis would reach regarding Netilas Yodayim (when we wash Eretz Yisrael and the Rebbe poured out his our hands before HaMotzi ), and this secret heart with Tehillim to prevent this. After is only revelead to one Tzaddik in each the Tehillim , the Rebbe ’s face was aflame generation. Until today, this secret was and he lay his head on his arm for a given to the Ohr HaChaim – and now that moment. When he lifted his head he was secret has been revealed to me. I realized smiling and he declared, “The trouble has that if I have been given this secret I must passed and is gone. No sword of war shall be the only one who knows – and this must pass through our holy land!” The Tepliker mean that the Ohr HaChaim is no longer Rav asked the Husyatiner how he could

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Chukas / [email protected] confidently say such a thing. The Rebbe reached the kever of the Ohr HaChaim the answered that he gazed at the tziun of the tractor overturned, killing the Arab driver. Ohr HaChaim and saw on it the Divine That did not deter them, however, and they Name YHV”H . He took this as a clear sign sent a second tractor, which for some that the danger had passed. A day or so reason broke down just as it reached the later the German Nazis, may their bones Ohr HaChaim ’s kever . They fixed the decay, suffe red devastating defeats near tractor and had the engine repaired, and Egypt and Syria, and they lost the Russian then the second tractor also turned itself front of the war. Thus, in the merit of the over and the driver was seriously injured. Ohr HaChaim , Eretz Yisrael was saved and Finally, they decided to use a metal spared from the Nazis. sledgehammer to demolish the kever by  hand, but this time somehow the hammer flew out of the worker’s hands and struck After Three Times They Gave Up the foreman in the head. Finally, they admitted that the Divine Hand must be Rav Chaim Uri Lipshitz used to tell involved and they gave up! From then on this story about the Ohr HaChaim that he their nefarious plot was over; never again heard from the Arabs: did the Jordanians try to demolish the After the Six-Day War, when tziun of the Oh r HaChaim , and eventually Yerushalayim was under Jordanian rule, control of the Bais HaChaim returned to the Jordanians decided to renovate and Jewish hands. ( Hillula Kadisha , 15 th of destroy the Jewish cemetery at the Mount Tammuz , page 612)  of Olives. They began using a tractor to demolish kevorim but when the tractor  לזכר נשמת אמנו החשובה , נפש יקרה ועדינה אשה יראת ה ' ובעלת מדות טובות מרת זיסל ל''ז ל''ז בת הרה" ה מו " ה מאיר זאב הכה כ " "ע ה הי ד" מעיר נירעדהאז יע א" א" ונכדת הרה" ק רבי אהר צבי טערקלטויב זי" ע מבריד אשת הרה" ח מו " ה אברה חיי ה"ע גאלדענבערג She was a Holocaust survivor who never let that period of time define her life. Although she lost most of her family - she claimed that Hashem gave her an amazing life. She had a unique knack of making everyone who encountered her feel like they were the m ost important loved person. Her inimitable smile never left her face. She transmitted a strong value system stressing Emunas Hashem and Tzaddikim . Her love for stories of tzaddikim gave her chiyus and she conveyed that chizuk to anyone who met her. In her eighty-nine years of life, there wasn’t one person who had an untoward word or adverse feelings about her. She loved her family deeply and immensely. May Hashem console . אמ , her family and may she be a constant melitza yeshura ( מתו אמונה טהורה ) בדר המ סורה ( והתנהגה כאשה כשרה) לכל משפחתה , היא הודה היא הדרה  נקיה וטהורה היוצר וצר צורה ( וקיבלה הגזירה) נפטרה בש" ט בת תשעי שנה ביו ד"כ לחודש כסלו ( ערב חנוכה ) שנת תשע ח" ק"לפ ותקי לתחיה לק" הימי במהר תמלי" טוב בעד משפחתה היקרה 'ה'ב'צ'נ'ת 23
Chukas / [email protected]

Ohr HaChaim

“The gates of heaven opened up and I saw G-dly visions, the Creator of the four corners of the earth, and I gazed and meditated upon that which I had permission to, and began to explain at the beginning of Hashem’s holy words.” (Ohr HaChaim, Bereishis)

The Holy Lights of the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh – Chukas

The Pora Aduma Alludes to Harsh Judgments and their Cleansing

“A red heifer that never carried a yoke” (19:2).

The Ohr HaChaim points out that all the different aspects of the Pora Aduma allude to different aspects of harsh judgments. The fact that the pora must be a red heifer, for example, alludes to din, because the color red symbolizes dinim. The fact that the pora must be temima, entirely red with even just two black hairs rendering it unfit for use (Mishna Maseches Pora 2:5) and requiring that even the extremities such as the horns and hooves must also be red and not black and surely not white, all these hint at the overwhelming emphasis on harsh judgment.

In addition, the Halocha that the Pora must never have carried any burden also alludes to dinim, because, explains the Ohr HaChaim, carrying a burden is a sweetening and easing of judgment. This is the deeper meaning behind the statement of Chazal in Berochos 5a, that pain and suffering [like carrying a heavy burden] ease and atone for all a man’s iniquities. The Halocha that the pora must be burned in the fire also alludes to din, since fire represents dinim. When all the aforementioned aspects and allusions to dinim are gathered together in one pora and that pora is now burned in fire, this chases away all forms of impurity that had been attached to a dead body [which the ashes of the pora purify].

The Ohr HaChaim cites the Sifri Zuta and the ruling of the Rambam Hilchos Pora 1:1 that we may not use an eigel (a calf) or raise one until it is old enough to be a pora. The deeper meaning of this Halocha is also because of the allusion to dinim which we seek to cleanse, purify and burn away into ash, because the word Pora alludes to the gematria of the mystical numerical value of the Par: 280 dinim, as explained by the Arizal. We are therefore commanded to take the animal only when it is old enough to be named a pora and not an eigel, because we want her proper name to allude to the Par Dinim and have an equivalent gematria value to them.

Segulos Yisrael

Segulos Sources & Meanings

This Week's Segulah

In Honor of the Yohrzeit of the holy Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh:

Segulah as a Shemirah - to Guard Rav Pinchas of Koretz said that a copy of the sefer Ohr HaChaim was a shemirah that

Page 1 of 36 guarded the entire city from harm and that to have a copy in one's home was also a segulah for shemirah. (Ner Maarvi, page 216).

Segulah for Health Rav Pinchas Koretzer's son grew ill, and Rav Pinchas accepted on himself to study the Ohr HaChaim commentary daily as a segulah for refuah to heal him. (Ner Maarvi, page 200/216).

Rav Avrohom Elimelech of Karlin HY”D used to say, that “Dem Lernen Ohr HaChaim das iz a segulah tzu heintige machlos — studying the Ohr HaChaim is a segulah against today's ills." (Ner Maarvi, age p200/216).

Segulah for Teshuva It is a segulah that you will not leave this world without having repented and done teshuva to study the Ohr HaChaim's commentary to parshas Achrei Mos - Kedoshim. (Kiymu veKiblua II, page 256 in the name of Rav Chaim Halberstam).

Segulah for Avodas Hashem and Against Tzaros The Skver Rebbe told a yungerman that complained of lack of feeling and lack of motivation in avodas Hashem to study the Ohr HaChaim on parshas Kerias Shema, that it would give him vitality and give life to his avodas Hashem. Similarly to a Reb Avrohom Shtern, who complained that he was beset by woes and troubles, the Skver Rebbe told him to study the comments of the Ohr HaChaim on parshas Kerias Shema forty days straight with no interruption because it would soothe his soul and comfort him in his time of need. (Cited by Rav Mendel Felberboim – uBecharta BaChaim – Shikun Skver).

Segulah for Yiras Shomayim Rav Yissachar Dov of Belz would tell all the young chassanim, the newly engaged young men, to study the comments of the Ohr HaChaim on VaYikra (18:3) Kemaasay Eretz Mitzroyim."Az di vest das lernen yeden tog, vesti haben a hadracha vi azoy tzu firen nuch der chasuna — if you study this," he explained to them, "than you will know how to conduct yourselves once you are married."

It is a tradition among the tzaddikim that studying the Ohr HaChaim is a segulah for yiras shomayim. (Rav Yosef Greenwald of Pupa).

The commentary of the Ohr HaChaim on parshas Achrei Mos especially VaYikra (8:13) Kemaasay Eretz Mitzroyim, is a source and fountain for drawing good character traits and yiras shomayaim. (Rav Eliezer Zisha of Skulen) - (Ner Maarvi, page 213).

Segulah for Zera Shel Kayama The Amshinover Rebbe Shlit’a said that it is a well-known tradition from tzaddikim that studying the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim on the pasuk VeHigadat LeVincha BaYom

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HaHu, on the Seder Night is a segulah for having zera shel kayama , children that will live and be healthy.

Rav Yosef Meir of Spinka once showed Rav Dovid Sparber of Broshov a section in the Ohr HaChaim and pointed out that it was a segulah for children. When this was told to Rav Simcha Bunim of Ger, the Rebbe said, “The entire Sefer Ohr HaChaim is a segulah for having children, it is well-known that he himself had no children and so he put that power and energy investing it into the entire sefer. (Ner Maarvi, page 215).

Segulah as a Preparation for Shabbos Many Rebbes and Tzaddikim studied and taught a shiur in Ohr HaChaim on Leil Shishi, Thursday night, as a hachana, a preparation, for Shabbos Kodesh, including: Rav Moshe Yehoshua and Rav Yisrael of Vizhnitz; Rav Menachem Mendel of Deeshz; Rav Avrohom Elimelech of Karlin HY”D; Rav Yochanan of Karlin who said, “besides the fact that it uplifts all who study it, it is a preparation for Shabbos and it is a segulah to uplift the spiritual levels for all who engage in learning the Ohr HaChaim, each according to their respective level,” and that “Az MiLernt Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh Donerstog BeiNacht Hat Der Yedid Nefesh an underen ta'am! — If you study the holy Ohr HaChaim Thursday Night then your song Yedid Nefesh on Shabbos will have a different feel and flavor!" (Rav Avrohom of Slonim, Rav Sholom Noach of Slonim, Rav Shamshon Aharon of Teplick, Rav Aharon Yehudah Leib Vilner of Sheeris haPleita & Kloizenberg) (Ner Maarvi, page 214).

Segulah to Purify the Soul on Shabbos Because Shabbos is the Yoma DiNishmasa,day of the soul and the study of Ohr HaChaim purifies the soul and refines it, it is therefore a segulah to study it on Shabbos. (Rav Dovid Moshe of Tshortkov) (Ner Maarvi, page 215).

Segulah for Emunah Rav Mordechai of Lechovitch and Rav Moshe Kobriner both told their talmidim to study the Ohr HaChaim on Bereishis during the month of Elul because it contained pure refined emunah and faith.

Rav Yochanan of Karlin said that the Ohr HaChaim is a segulah for emunah, faith. (Ner Maarvi, page 215).

Weekly Stories

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Yohrzeit 11 Tammuz

Rav Yehuda Leib Tzirelson, Rav of Kishinev – (5701/1941)

Rav Yehuda Leib Tzirelson was born on the 28th of Kislev, 5620/1859, in Kozelets, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine. He was the son of Rav Moshe Chaim, Rav of Kozelets.

He learned under Rav Yisrael Noach Schneerson, the son of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, who gave him semicha.

An iluy, he was appointed Rav of Priluki when he was just nineteen. At that time, he began writing for periodicals in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Russian on ongoing Jewish issues, mostly of a political nature. In 5668/1908 he became Rav of Kishinev.

In 5671/1911 he was one of the three hundred prominent Russian Rabbonim who signed a letter defending Mendel Beilis against an anti-Semitic blood libel. That same year he received the title Honorary Citizen of the Russian Empire.

Rav Yehuda Leib was among the core group of leaders and Rabbonim who laid the foundation for the Agudas Yisrael movement in Katowicz in 5672/1912. He was named to the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah.

In 5678/1918, Bessarabia became part of Romania, and Rav Yehuda Leib was named chief Rav of Bessarabia. He developed a Jewish educational system from kindergarten through Yeshiva. After the Soviet Union collapsed, the new Kishinev Yeshiva was established in the building of the old one.

In 5680/1920, having a fluent knowledge of the Romanian language, Rav Yehuda Leib was elected to represent the Jews of Bessarabia in the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest. By 5682/1922, Rav Yehuda Leib was the only Bessarabian Jewish representative in the parliament. Rav Yehuda Leib tried to warn about growing anti-Semitism in Romania, but the delegates refused to publish his speeches in the parliament periodical. As a result, he resigned from parliament in 5686/1926.

In 5680/1920 Rav Yehuda Leib established the Agudas Yisrael branch in Kishinev, which later became autonomous.

Rav Yehuda Leib chaired the Knessia Gedola of Agudas Yisrael twice: in 5683/1923, when he strongly supported Rav Meir Shapiro’s innovation, the Daf Yomi, and again in 5689/1929.

After the Soviet annexation of Bessarabia and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Rav Yehuda Leib was labeled by the Communist-backed newspapers as an anti-Soviet agent. Despite this, he did not forsake his responsibilities.

On the 11th of Tammuz, 5701/1941, Rav Yehuda Leib was killed in the first bombardment of Kishinev by German forces. He was sixty-one.

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He was buried in the old cemetery in Kishinev. Later, in 5711/1951, when the local authorities planned to construct train tracks over the cemetery, the kevarim were emptied and the meisim were reinterred near the memorial for the many Jews killed in Kishinev.

Rav Yehuda Leib wrote several seforim, including many teshuvos: She’eilos U’Teshuvos Atzei Levanon, on all four sections of Shulchon Oruch; Hegyon Lev; Maarchei Lev, his drashos; and Lev Yehuda, on halocha.

Zecher tzaddik livrachah. Hashem yinkom damo. www.hamodia.com/features/day-history-11-tammuzjuly-9/  

Yohrzeit 11 Tammuz

Rav Shmiel Shmelka Rubin, the Sulitzer Rebbe

Far Rockaway, NY – The End of an Era

Rav Shmuel Shmelka Rubin, the Sulitzer Rebbe, represented, to all who knew him, the authentic Chassidishe Yiddishkeit of Europe.

Rav Rubin was born in 1925, and was a scion of the Ropshitzer dynasty of Chassidus, descendants of Rav Naftoli Tzvi Horowitz of Ropshitz. Rav Naftoli Tzvi was a contemporary of the author of the famed Nesivos HaMishpot on Choshen Mishpot, and studied with him. Rav Naftoli Tzvi was the author of the Zera Kodesh, a work that inspired those who learned it to reach remarkable heights in Dveikus BaHashem.

“What defined him? He came to Far Rockaway when only the White Shul was here,” remarked Rav Amnon Nissan, a congregant. “He remained true to his Chassidish Mesora – unwavering.”

Rav Rubin came from an illustrious family. His father, Rav Yaakov Yisrael Yeshurun Rubin, was the Av Beis Din of Sulitza and Sasragen in Romania. He was the son-in-law of Rav Yissochor Ber Rosenbaum, the Rebbe of Stroznitz. Both of his parents were murdered in the Nazi Holocaust. A twenty-year-old Rav Rubin saw what he must do – help rebuild Torah and the communities that no longer existed.

Rav Rubin had a special relationship with the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum. After the war, the Satmar Rebbe found his own unique task: to build up the Kehillos that were devastated by the Nazis, yimach sh’mom. He saw a kindred spirit in the Sulitzer. At the Rebbe’s prompting, Rav Rubin and his Akeres Bayis moved to Far Rockaway. The Sulitzer represented the dynamicism and vibrancy of Ropshitzer Chassidus. He arrived in Far Rockaway only a few years after the war.

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They gave up all the conveniences of Brooklyn and came to a place where there were no Chassidim. The Rubin family had a number of children, who had few peers to play with. Rav Rubin was undeterred. He had come to establish a religious community. And establish he did.

Many times, in the beginning, they had no minyan. The Rubin home was the only house in town where a meshuloch could eat and sleep without a problem. He and his Rebbitzen were the paragons of Hachnossas Orchim. And Meshulochim flocked to stay in his home, even sleeping on the floor when there were no beds.

“He always had a kind word and very insightful advice whenever we went to him,” remarked Mrs. Bruchie Goldfedder. “I was also quite surprised at his mastery of English.”

Yet although he could communicate in perfect English, in the shul and at home, the family spoke Yiddish all the time. All the drashos he delivered were in Yiddish, because they wished to hold on tightly to their Mesora – their holy inheritance of Ropshitz. It was so very important to them.

Once, one of his mispallelim gave the Rebbe a ride to the Catskills in New York. Rav Rubin related to him that after they were released from the camps and entered the Displaced Persons camps, the need for Seforim was most acute. He and another bochur found in a Tahara house of a Jewish cemetery just two Seforim: One was the Me’or Einayim of the Chernobyler Rebbe, and the other was the Siddur of the Baal HaTanya. Rav Rubin had found the Me’or Einayim. The bachur, however, was a descendant of the Chernobyl Chassidish dynasty. He asked Rav Rubin to exchange the Seforim. How could Rav Rubin refuse?

Years later, in Far Rockaway, as the shul was being built, Rav Rubin was in dire need of funds. A contractor was pressuring for payment with threats. That Friday night, a Lubavitch Mispallel in the shul wished to use the Siddur with his own Nusach. Rav Rubin went to the attic to retrieve the old Siddur he had saved after the war. The Siddur fell down. In the binding there were thirteen one hundred American dollar bills.

The Rebbe, in his remarkable honesty, did not take the money. He searched high and low for the original owner of the Siddur. Only when he was satisfied that it was truly hefker did he take the money and use it. He felt it was a Matona (gift) from HaKodosh Boruch Hu.

At one point when the Beis Medrash became too small for their living room, there was a large piece of land available on Beach 9th and Roosevelt Court. The land was adjacent to their house and was going on public auction. Mr. Fox, a lawyer, loved the Rebbe with heart and soul. He stood up at the platform of the auction and declared, “Please – do not bid against the Rebbe.” Those around listened. How could they not?

The entire lot was sold for $15,000. The lot currently occupies the new building of the Rebbe’s shul, which was gradually improved until the beautiful structure we see today was completed. This, too, of course, was one of Hashem’s nissim.

The Rebbe would always write a Jewish date. He was trying to hold onto his Mesora.

The Rebbe personified the Midda of humility. Once, an incident occurred in shul where someone had received Revi’i, the fourth Aliya on a Shabbos morning. He felt that this Aliya was not in accordance with his honor and became angry. The Rebbe, from that point on, would take Revi’i himself, so that no one would ever feel slighted that it was not an important Aliya.

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His love of people transcended barriers. Once, a child in a local Yeshiva was facing difficulty. He was acting out, as teenagers are wont to do. The mother was at her wit’s end as to what to do. Rav Rubin offered to learn with the young man himself. To everyone’s shock, he did. What was even more surprising was that the young man turned around and developed into a beautiful Ben Torah.

The Rebbe would never compromise, regardless of the pressure he faced. Rav Rubin personified the notion of Ki Haim Chayeinu, yet he was not a supporter of learning Shas in English. When the Artscroll Schottenstein Talmud first came out, he did not initially want it in the shul. No one, however, was terribly upset with him in this regard because they knew that it came from his strong regard for the Mesora. Eventually he had to capitulate and people did bring it to the Gemara Shiurim.

He was an extraordinary Ba’al Chessed. Many times he was short of funds; in order to survive, he would often have to borrow money. At no time, however, was he ever late in repaying. He would even pay his obligations a day before they were due.

A number of years ago, this author were zocheh to house an emergency guest, a Rosh Kollel from Meah She’arim who was stranded at Kennedy airport without his luggage. His Shtreimel and Kapota were on the way to England on a Thursday midnight flight and he was not allowed to board the plane. When this author went to the Rubin house to borrow a Shtreimel, the Rubins offered the Rosh Kollel a choice of three. Such was the Rubin family’s Hachnossas Orchim and Chessed.

He was humble and always tried to play a role in not showing off his vast knowledge of Torah and Chassidus.

The neighborhood of Far Rockaway soon deteriorated to the point where people started to move to Lawrence and beyond. This greatly grieved the Rav personally and affected the attendance of the shul as well. The Rav thought hard and invented the term West Lawrence. This was his brainchild.

Eventually, people did stop moving, but he went a step further. He assured them that things would change and the market would rise again. The Rav’s words were prescient. Far Rockaway became one of most expensive neighborhoods in New York. Much of this was on account of his wisdom. In spite of the neighborhood’s initial decline, those who did move away walked to shul on Shabbos. Sometimes it would even be a half hour or an hour walk. They did this to attend the Kehillas Yaakov shul of Rav Shmuel Rubin.

Approximately twenty-five years ago, the Rav established a Tehillim Kollel in Yerushalayim. The Rav traveled to Eretz Yisrael and many people came to seek his advice there. He was loved by all.

The loss of the Sulitzer Rebbe certainly leaves a great void, not only in Far Rockaway, but throughout New York and the world. But the one consolation is that his dear son, Rav Yankel, a prodigious talmid Chochom in his own right, is following in his remarkable father’s footsteps – in all of his mesoras. As a Ba’al Hachnossas Orchim, Rav Yankel hosts the most important guests, as well as the near-homeless. His friendly smile and behavior to all will assure that he will be successful just as his father was.

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The author can be reached at [email protected] www.vosizneias.com/133782/2013/06/19/far-rockaway-ny-the-end-of-an-era-the-sulitzer- rebbe/  

Yohrzeit 12 Tammuz

Rabbeinu Yaakov Ben Asher The Ba’al HaTurim

We are going to tell you of a man, who perhaps more than any other single person shaped our practical everyday life. He is the author of a gigantic work, which even to this day-more than six hundred years later-is still studied by the students and authorities of Jewish law. For this work, of which we shall speak later in greater detail, is the basis of the Shulchan Aruch (Prepared Table), the standard code of Jewish law throughout the world, and through the ages.

The name of this great man is Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Asher, and the name of his great work is Tur. The author is simply known as Ba’al Haturim meaning author of the Turim (see explanation further on).

Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Asher (Circa 5029-5100; 1269-1340) was born in Germany about seven hundred years ago. His illustrious father, Rav Asher ben Yechiel, famous as the ROSH, was one of the greatest Talmudists of his day. He was a disciple of the famous Rav Meir of Rothenburg, leader of German Jewry, who was imprisoned by the German government and held for ransom. Count Meinhard of Goitz, then head of the government, would have none but Rav Asher as surety for the raising of the ransom money. Rav Meir, however, forbade his people to ransom him, in order not to encourage the governors of other places to imprison Jewish scholars and leaders for ransom. While Rav Asher and the Count negotiated for the release of Rav Meir, and Rav Asher tried to raise the huge sum from the various Jewish communities in Germany, Rav Meir passed away in prison. Rav Asher now considered the negotiations as null and void, but the governor still demanded the ransom money and held Rav Asher responsible for it. Rav Asher, therefore, had to flee from Germany, and he successfully made his escape together with his family, among who was Rav Yaakov, still a young boy.

For many years before this happened, German Jewry had suffered terrible persecution and massacres, with the result that the great Talmud academies were slowly being destroyed. With the departure of Rav Asher from that country, a great period of Talmudic study in Germany came to an end. But it began to flourish anew in Spain, where Rav Asher finally settled. The Jewish community of Toledo accepted the German refugee as its chief rav. He immediately set up a Yeshiva there, and he, with his children after him, exerted a strong influence upon Jewish life and scholarship in Spain, as well as elsewhere.

After the petira of Rav Asher, his son Rav Yehuda succeeded to his post. He, too, became famous for his zeal to spread the knowledge of the Torah throughout the province of Castile, and his influence was felt far and wide. But Rav Yehuda was overshadowed by the great figure of his younger brother, Rav Yaakov.

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As a child, Rav Yaakov was taught by his famous father. He was completely immersed in his studies. He had witnessed the cruelties of his non-Jewish neighbors and government officials, and only in the study of the Torah could he find comfort and peace.

Under the guidance of his father, Rav Yaakov became fully acquainted with the entire Talmud and commentaries, especially with the works of Rav Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides) who lived less than a hundred years before him. He studied the Talmud discussions and decisions of the great German, French and Spanish scholars, which he was later to harmonize into his major life work.

Very little is known of Rav Yaakov's private life. It is known that he lived in great poverty, although he was, well known as a great scholar. He refused to accept any paid rabbinical post, which would have diverted his attention from the study of the Torah and Talmud. His father had lost practically all his possessions when he fled from Germany, and upon his death had little to leave to his children in the way of material things. Rav Yaakov ben Asher could not even afford special garments for the holy Shabbos and holidays, or special food in honor of these holy days. But all this did not worry him, for he truly led a saintly fife. The only thing that took him away from his studies and writings was his efforts to help the poor and needy. Although he had no money to give to them, he did not spare his time or effort, and used his influence to raise funds for those whose poverty was their greatest misfortune.

Wishing to make it easier for his brethren to acquire knowledge of, Jewish law, so that they could regulate their daily life according to the Torah, Rav Yaakov ben Asher decided to create a uniform code for his people.

First, however, he prepared a digest of his father's notes on the Talmud, the Piskei HoRosh (Decisions of the Rosh). Using this as an authority, together with the Rambam's Mishne Torah, which in turn was based on the traditions of the Geonim and other forerunners, such as the RIF (Rav Isaac Alfasi) and others, Rav Yaakov ben Asher molded all this vast knowledge into one comprehensive code. But unlike the code of the Rambam which included all phases of Jewish life both in the Holy Land and in Exile, Rav Yaakov ben Asher concentrated on every aspect of Jewish life in Exile, both of the individual and the community. There is also another difference between the two great codes. The Rambam devotes much attention to the basic Jewish ideology and philosophy, in an effort to strengthen it against foreign influences, while Rav Yaakov's work is almost exclusively interested in the practical side of Jewish life and in its regulation according to the law of the Torah. He touches but briefly upon the various aspects of ethics and the Jewish view of life.

Rav Yaakov ben Asher divided all the laws into four divisions, called in Hebrew Arba Turim (Four Rows), after the four rows of jewels in the breastplate of the High Priest.

The first, Tur Orach Chaim (Way of Life), deals with the laws and precepts of the Jew's daily life, including the Shabbos and festivals, the prayers and the Mitzvos which one has to observe every day.

The second, Tur Yore Deah (Teacher of knowledge), deals mainly with the laws of kashruth, shechitah and all questions of the Jewish dietary laws. It also contains the laws of idolatry, vows, charity, the study of the Torah, laws of mourning, etc.

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The third, Tur Even Haezer (Stone of Help) contains the laws of marriage and divorce and Jewish family life.

The fourth, Tur Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment) is a code of Jewish civil and criminal law.

It should be also mentioned that unlike the Rambam, who gave a final decision without discussion, the Turim quote the views of many Poskim, (codifiers), and many customs which acquired the force of law.

The Arba Turim is the standard reference books of rabbonim and scholars to this very day. Their clear and simple style makes them highly popular and understandable.

Rav Yaakov ben Asher also wrote a commentary on the Torah, which shows his deep knowledge of the secrets of the Torah. His commentary, in abbreviated form, is generally printed together with most standard Chumashim, under the name of Ba’al Haturim. It is a treasure chest of hidden meanings which he discovered in the letters and words of the holy text, through combinations, numerical additions, etc., showing the profound depth of the Torah. www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/111937/jewish/Rabbi-Jacob-Ben-Asher.htm

By Nissan Mindel ~ published and copyrighted by Kehot Publication Society

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Yohrzeit 12 Tammuz

Rav Elya Boruch Kamai, Rav of Mir, Poland

Rav Eliyohu Boruch Kamai was born in 5600/1840. His father, Rav Avrohom, was a grandson of Rav Avrohom, the brother of the Vilna Gaon. At two years of age, he lost his father, and his mother married Rav Chaim Zev Yaffe, a descendant of Rav Mordechai Yaffe, the Levush. Rav Chaim Zev raised the boy as his own child. When Rav Eliyohu Boruch was ten years old, his step-grandfather Rav Tzvi, Rav in Shkod, was niftar. Rav Chaim Zev was named Rav in his stead, and the family moved to Shkod. At the age of seventeen, Rav Eliyohu Boruch married and settled in Shkod. In 5628/1868, Rav Chaim Zev was niftar, and Rav Eliyohu Boruch was named his successor as Rav. In 5638/1878, Rav Eliyohu Boruch visited Brisk, where he met Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, who, after talking with him in learning, attested that Rav Eliyohu Boruch was one of the Torah giants of the generation.

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At that time, the kehilla of Karlin asked Rav Yosef Dov to suggest a suitable Rav for them, and he suggested Rav Eliyohu Boruch. He was Rav in Karlin for seven years. Later, Rav Eliyohu Boruch served as Rav in Weckshna for three years, and then in Tchnovtzi until 5659/1899, when he was appointed Ra”m in Mir, alongside Rav Eliyohu Dovid Rabinowitz Te’umim, the Aderes, who was Rav in the city. In 5661/1901, the Aderes moved to Eretz Yisrael and Rav Eliyohu Boruch then became Rav of Mir, where he stayed for the rest of his life. Rav Eliyohu Boruch was niftar on the 12th of Tammuz 5677/1917, at the age of seventy- seven. He was then in Minsk, where he had gone for the summer, and he was buried in Minsk. Many thousands participated in the levaya, among them the Gedolei HaDor. Zecher tzaddik livrachah. www.hamodia.com/features/day-history-12-tammuzjuly-10/

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Yohrzeit 14 Tammuz

Rav Yitzchok Leib Sofer of Drohovitch

Rav Yitzchok Leib Sofer, born on the 24th of Elul 5608/1848, was the son of Rav Avrohom Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, the Ksav Sofer, son of the Chasam Sofer. He learned in the famed Yeshiva of his father.

In 5628/1868, he married the daughter of the naggid Rav Dovid Lindenbaum from Drohovitch. For a few years after his marriage he continued to learn in his father’s Yeshiva, where he was one of the leading talmidei chachamim. Later he moved to Drohovitch, the city of his father-in-law.

Rav Yitzchok Leib was wealthy, a fact which he utilized for the good of his brethren.

In 5647/1887, following the petirah of his uncle Rav Shimon Sofer, Rav of Cracow, Rav Yitzchok Leib was appointed Rav in his place.

All his life he worked to raise the honor and prestige of the Torah and those who learn it, at the same time waging a war against those who sought to uproot traditional Yiddishkeit.

In 5651/1891, when Rav Yitzchok Aharon Ittinger, Rav of Lvov, was niftar, Rav Yitzchok Leib was appointed to the prestigious post of Nasi of Eretz Yisrael in Poland.

Rav Yitzchok Leib was known for his open house. He was always available to help his brethren, most notably those who were most in need, orphans and widows.

His son Rav Avrohom Chaim Dovid succeeded him as Rav. He also left two sons-in-law: Rav Akiva Sofer, Rav of Pressburg (son of Rav Simcha Bunim Sofer, the Shevet Sofer), and Rav Avrohom Freidiger, Rosh Hakahal in Budapest.

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He wrote two sefarim: Shem MiShimon, his hesped for his uncle Rav Shimon Sofer, and Sofer Mahir, a collection of his chiddushim on Shas.

Rav Yitzchok Leib was niftar on the 13th of Tammuz 5667/1907 at the age of fifty-eight.

Zecher tzaddik livrachah. www.hamodia.com/features/day-history-13-tammuzjuly-11/  

Yohrzeit 15 Tammuz

Rav Chaim Ibn Attar The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh

(Sale, Morocco, 1696 – Eretz Yisrael, 1743) Rav Chaim ben Atar, the Rav of Sale was born in 5456/1696 into a wealthy family and spent the majority of his time engrossed in Torah study, His saintly way of life gained him the name Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh (the holy one), and only on a temporary basis engaged in his profession, weaving threads of gold and silver into fancy garments.

Once, the governor of Sali, where the Ohr HaChaim lived, was marrying off his daughter. The entire family bought expensive clothing and sent them to the Ohr HaChaim to weave gold threads into the material. He said to them, "Every month I work enough for my livelihood, and the rest of the time I devote to Torah study. This month I have already earned enough money for my livelihood. Come back next month." They then told him that the wedding was taking place already that month. The Ohr HaChaim still refused the job, and returned to his studies. When word got back to the governor about Rav Chaim's refusal to perform the work for his daughter's wedding, he was incensed. He immediately ordered that the lions in his courtyard be starved and sent a warning to Rav Chaim that if he doesn't accept the job at once he will be cast into the lion's den. He ignored the warning and continued learning. The governor's men eventually came and took Rav Chaim from his home and threw him into the lion's den. He sat in the middle of the lions, which formed a circle around him, and sang chapters of Tehillim in a sweet, pleasant voice, as all the lions watched and listened. It was quickly reported to the governor what was happening, and he came to see the amazing miracle with his own two eyes. As soon as he looked into the den, he ordered that Rav Chaim be lifted from the den, and begged the sacred rav for forgiveness, entreating him with gifts. Thus, through the great rav the verse was fulfilled - "And your fear and intimidation will be cast over all the beasts of the land." Chazal teach us that anyone within whom the image of Hashem rests in totality instills fear upon the animals, "and no animal overcomes a person unless he appears to the animal as another animal" (Shabbas 151b), that he has lost his Tzelem Elokim, image of Hashem.

Rav Chaim's dream was to go to Eretz Yisrael. After receiving spiritual signs approving his desire, he went on his way. He stopped over in Livorno (Italy), where he raised large sums of money for publishing his books and establishing a yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael. With 30 followers he arrived in Eretz Yisrael, four days before Rosh HaShanah 5402 (1742) and settled in Acco. Rav Chaim and his students spent Yom Kippur in the cave of Elijah the Prophet on Mount Carmel

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(Haifa), where they all felt a great sense of holiness and witnessed seeing a great light at the spot where according to tradition Elijah used to pray. The holiday of Purim was spent in Tzfas and Miron, where a great deal of time was spent studying the holy Zohar . They later moved to live in Pki'in for a few months. On the 15th of Ellul 5402 (1742), Rav Chaim finally arrived in Yerushalayim with his group. He immediately established a yeshiva called Knesset Yisrael and a second secretive yeshivah for the study of Kabbalah. One of his new students was Rav Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida), who was only eighteen years old at that time.

Rav Chaim and his students were constantly going on many journeys (sia'ros) around the land of Eretz Yisrael visiting grave sites of the tzaddikim. They used the opportunity to pray for the welfare of Jews all over the world, the success of their yeshiva and its financial supporters. His happiness knew no bounds. In his yeshiva learned two future gedolim, the Chida and the Maharit Algazi. Sadly this dream only lasted one year as the Ohr HaChaim was niftar on 15th Tammuz 5503/1743, at the young age of forty-seven.

The most famous of Rav Chaim's works is Ohr HaChaim, a commentary on the Torah. In this work he employes the four methods of exegesis: peshat - explaining the simple meaning; derash - homiletic interpretation; remez - allusion; and sod - the kabbalistic esoteric approach. This book was enthusiastically accepted by Sephardic and Ashkenazi rabbonim alike. His book Chefetz Hashem was his first sefer, it was a commentary on tractates Shabbas, Horayos and Chulin. His second sefer was Pri Toar, a commentary on Yoreh De'ah (one of the sections of Shulchan Aruch). Rishon LeTzion was a sefer he wrote when living in Yerushalayim; it's a commentary on Prophets and Writings (NACH) and a few tractates of the Talmud.

The Ba’al Shem Tov

The founder of the Chassidic movement, the Ba’al Shem Tov maintained that if he could join forces with Rav Chaim, together they could bring the Mashiach. The Ba’al Shem Tov made several failed attempts to reach the Holy Land. In fact, the Ba’al Shem Tov believed that Rav Chaim was the Mashiach of that generation. On the day that Rav Chaim came to Yerushalayim, the Ba’al Shem Tov told his students: "Today Mashiach ben Yosef entered Yerushalayim". Rav Chaim departed the world at the time of Mincha of Shabbos Pinchas. At that exact moment the Ba’al Shem Tov was eating the third meal of Shabbos and cried out: "the western candle has been extinguished". After Shabbos he explained: "The tzaddik in the west, Rav Chaim ben Atar left the world. The proof for that is: there is one secret about the washing of the hands (netilas yadayim) which is revealed to only one person in each generation. This secret was known to Rav Chaim. When I washed my hands for the third meal, that secret was revealed to me, and that was my sign that the western candle was extinguished."

Turning Tractors Upside-down

Rav Chaim ben Atar was forty-seven when he departed the world. He was buried outside the walls of the Old City of Yerushalayim, on Mount Olives. Before the Six Day War in 1967, the Jordanians had control over the cemetery where Rav Chaim was buried; they destroyed many tomb stones and paved a new road. When the tractor touched the grave site of Rav Chaim, it turned upside down and the driver was killed. They tried a second time, and again the tractor turned upside down and the driver was killed. Someone tried to use a hammer, it turned on himself and he was killed too. The grave site was left intact. The beginning of earlier road is still visible today.

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Rav Chaim had two wives. His first wife Patzonia was unable to bear children for him and encouraged him to marry a second wife. His second wife Ester gave birth to a few daughters. Both of his wives passed away within a few years after Rav Chaim's death, and were buried next to him. www.breslev.co.il/articles/breslevpedia/ohr_hachaim_hakadosh.aspx?id=1298&language=engl ish

Rommel and The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh

(Excerpt from The Rabbi of 84th Street: The Extraordinary Life of Haskel Besser:)

And that Tuesday was the yohrtzeit of one of the greatest rabbonim in history, Rav Chaim ben Atar, also known as the Ohr HaChaim. Rav ben Atar lived during the eighteenth century and was renowned for perhaps the most brilliant commentary on the Bible – one that is studied to this day. He is buried in Har Hazeisim, Mount of Olives, the famous cemetery in Yerushalayim.

So, with Rommel poised at Palestine's doorstep and no conceivable protection for the population, thousands of religious Jews turned to the only power they knew. They turned to Hashem and fervent prayer – one that seemed to come from their souls.

A fast day on the yohrtzeit was declared by the rebbes. Upwards of twenty thousand people went to pray at this man's grave. Beryl Ludmir accompanied the Husiatiner Rebbe to the grave, and while the rebbe prayed, Beryl noticed that he seemed to fix his eyes on the words chiseled on the gravestone.

After a long while, the rebbe turned to Beryl and said simply, "It will be good. Make the wedding."

No one understood why the rebbe said this. But afterwards Beryl went directly to the hotel and signed the contract for the celebration.

Much later, Rav Besser went to the grave to try to figure out how the rebbe came to this conclusion.

"I saw nothing special," the rav recalls. But the rebbe told Beryl that he had seen the Hebrew name of Hashem written in gold letters, floating in the air, above the gravestone. And he saw it written in the correct way – with all four letters in a row. "For him, this was the sign."

The yohrtzeit in 1942 began an amazing confluence of events that would change more than just Haskel and Liba's lives. The rebbe had not based his decision solely on what he saw over the grave. He had seen something else. While studying the week's Torah parsha, the rebbe interpreted a commentary written hundreds of years before that he claimed (correctly, it turns out) freed the Jews from their death sentence.

The commentary was written by the Ohr HaChaim in the eighteenth century on the Torah parsha, Bamidbor (24:17). He interpreted the following story: In the Chumash, Yaakov Avinu is called by two names, Yaakov and Yisrael. When he is referred to as Yaakov, things don't work very well for the people of Yisrael. But after he wrestles the angel and he becomes known by the new name, Yisrael, the nation prospers. In the commentary, it says that if he is called Yaakov, he will be killed by Rommel. The name Rommel was actually spelled out in Hebrew – almost two hundred

Page 14 of 36 years before the war. The commentary goes on to say that if Yaakov is called Yisrael, Rommel will not destroy him and the nation will prevail.

It is more probable that the reference is to Romulus, one of the founders of Rome. But seeing the name Rommel spelled out phonetically, along with the lettering over the grave, was enough a sign for the rebbe to declare that the Jews of Palestine would not be harmed.

At that moment, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel had advanced to the point that there were practically no British defenses in front of him. Had he continued, there would be nothing to stop him from capturing Palestine and then possibly Syria, Iraq, and Iran. With the capture of Iran, the entire underbelly of the Soviet Union would have been open to attack and the Russians would have had to divert troops to protect the border.

But that week, a huge sandstorm blew up out of the desert. It was impossible to go forward in those conditions. Rommel planned a tactical redeployment to a point where his tanks would be protected by hills. But Hitler had given his commanders strict orders that no German soldier could retreat without his personal approval. Rommel sent Hitler a cable explaining his situation. Hitler cabled back saying absolutely not, no retreat.

Rommel sent another telegram trying to explain that this was not retreat; it was only a temporary redeployment because of conditions. But Hitler would not okay it. Angry and frustrated, Rommel actually got on an airplane and flew back to Germany to see Hitler and explain the situation in person. Of course, it was not an easy trip. Rommel had to fly first to Tripoli, then to Sicily, and then on to Germany. The trip took close to twenty-four hours.

When Hitler finally saw Rommel, he asked why he had come. Again Rommel explained his request for the redeployment of his troops. One more time, Hitler, now agitated, said there would be no retreats. One more time Rommel tried to make his point that this was not a retreat but a redeployment to service the tanks and give them new tracks, which were badly needed. Finally, Hitler understood and he gave Rommel the green light. But the trip wasted three days and proved to be the undoing of the Germans' African campaign.

When the Germans were ready for their next attack, they lost that month's full moon (attacks in the desert were made at night). So Rommel was forced to wait for the next full moon. The following month the weather did not cooperate. July is normally clear, but that year it rained and the skies were cloudy. So the attack was put off for another month. By this time, Churchill had placed a new commander in charge, Montgomery. It was Montgomery who stopped Rommel and his Afrika Korps in its tracks. The Germans never came any closer to Palestine.

After the war, Field Marshal Keitel, the commander of the German Army, wrote that June 30, 1942, was the moment that Germany reached its zenith. After that point it was all downhill. From that day forward, the Germans continuously gave up ground until Berlin was conquered and the Third Reich lay in ruins.

June 30, 1942, was the same day that Beryl Ludmir stood with the Husiatiner Rebbe when he saw the name of Hashem over the Ohr HaChaim's headstone.

The Jewish population settled down, life slowly went back to normal, and the Besser and Ludmir families planned their celebration. www.asimplejew.blogspot.co.il/2006/12/rommel-ohr-hachaim-hakadosh.html

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The Ohr HaChaim - Rav Chaim ben Attar, Untouchable In Life And Untouchable In Death

On Motza'ei Shabbos the 15th Tammuz 5503/1743 at the same time Rav Chaim ben Attar, better known by the name of his peirush on Chumash called Ohr HaChaim, was niftar in Yerushalayim, the Ba'al Shem Tov was washing for Seudah Shlishis and commented to his talmidim, "The Ner Ma’aravi has been extinguished." In Teveria at that same time Rav Chaim Abulafia fainted. When he woke up, he said that he accompanied the Ohr HaChaim to the gates of Gan Eden.

His sefer Ohr HaChaim is a famous commentary on the Torah, which merited being included together with the commentaries of the Rishonim like Rashi, ibn Ezra, and the Ramban, in the Mikraos Gedolos.

Rav Chaim came into prominence in the mid-eighteenth century, at around the same time as the Ba’al Shem Tov and the Chassidic movement. The Ba’al Shem Tov found a kindred soul in the Ohr HaChaim, in terms of their outlook and method like two prophets who prophesied in the same style. When the Ba’al Shem Tov received a copy of the sefer Ohr HaChaim, he cherished it, and recommended it to all of his talmidim. Indeed, in addition to the Sephardim, Chassidim of all the various groups learn it regularly.

So close is the Ohr HaChaim's train of thought to those of Chassidim, that a Rav with whom I am privileged to learn the sefer Ohr HaChaim refers to him as the "Galicianer from Morocco."

A Note in the Wall

A story is told of the Ohr HaChaim, who had a beloved disciple who was very poor. The rav wrote a note on parchment and told his student to place it between the stones of the Western Wall. On his way to the Wall, a great wind blew his hat off his head. However, he refused to fetch it, for fear of dropping the parchment. Then the wind blew off his kippa. Having no choice but to fetch it, as he stretched for the kippa, the wind blew the note from his hand. When he told the rav what happened, the Ohr HaChaim took it as a sign of Heavenly decree and decided not to write another note. Later, a rolled parchment was found blowing through the streets of Yerushalayim, addressing the Divine Presence on behalf of a poor Torah scholar, and signed Chaim ben Atar. [In] the kvittel (personal petition) that the Ohr HaChaim had sent to be placed in the cracks of the Kosel (the Western Wall), he addresses the Shechina with the words of Shlomo HaMelech: “My sister, my beloved, my dove, my perfect one.”(Shir HaShirim 5:2). (Taamei HaMinhagim, p. 270).

The Songs of Shlomo

In the above-mentioned Rishon LeTzion, Rav Chaim asks why Shlomo HaMelech begins Shir HaShirim asher l’Shlomo — the Song of Songs of Shlomo.” It appears that the verse should read, Shir asher l’Shlomo,”or "Shirim asher l’Shlomo?”

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His answer is that Shlomo HaMelech wrote this for the time when the Jewish people would be in exile. He used a mashal, a parable, of Hashem as the king, and the Jewish people as the queen. The king had banished the queen, and the neighbors thought that he was finished with her, that he would never see her again, and she was gone from the thoughts of his heart and mind. However, a prince [who was a child of the king and queen] visited his father, and discovered that he still loved the queen. And upon visiting his mother, he found that she still loved the king. He then authored a song about the king’s love for the queen, and another song about the queen’s love for the king, based on this knowledge.

Thus, Shir HaShirim can be explained to mean a Song composed of Songs – two songs. One, that of Hashem’s love for Knesses Yisrael [the Jewish people], and the other, that which the Jewish people sings to her beloved, Hashem.

Exile and Redemption

One week, nearly three hundred years ago, in the area of Sali, Morocco, a plague broke out among the cattle. As a result, all the Jewish-slaughtered animals were found to be traif (unfit- disqualified). Only one calf was kosher l’mehadrin, acceptable without question, and that was the one slaughtered specifically for the tzaddik, Rav Chaim ben Atar, the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh. When one of the wealthy men in the city heard about this, he rushed to Rav Chaim's house, hoping to get some meat in honor of Shabbos. He offered an enormous price for a piece, but the Ohr HaChaim refused, saying, "This is not a butcher shop, and the meat is reserved for the poor Torah scholars of our city." Indeed, every week it was his custom to distribute meat to the poor Torah scholars in honor of Shabbos. While they were speaking, one of Rav Chaim's customers walked in. Upset, the rich man exclaimed, "Huh? You call this one a talmid Chochom [wise student-i.e., accomplished Torah scholar]?" The Ohr HaChaim ignored his comment and gave the scholar his portion. The rich man realized the futility of his endeavor, and stalked out in anger. That night, the Ohr HaChaim had a dream in which he was told from Heaven that since he had not protested against the embarrassment of a talmid Chochom, he would have to go into exile for a full year. Immediately, Rav Chaim packed his few belongings and set out on his long, arduous journey, traveling from one town or village to another, making sure not to sleep two nights in the same place. He often went to sleep hungry, yet he accepted his pain with love and prayed to the One Above to forgive him for his sin. One Friday, many months later, the Ohr HaChaim found himself on the outskirts of a city. He sat down on a stone to rest his weak body and reflected on the first posuk of the weekly Torah reading, “Im b'chukosai tailaichu”. As he continued walking toward the city, deep in thought and attachment to the Creator, forty-two original explanations of this verse occurred to him! Later, when he arrived in town, he went directly to the local shul. The shamash [caretaker] invited him to his home for Shabbos. At the conclusion of the Friday night meal, the shamash told his guest of the local custom to join the meal at the house of the Rav of the city. So they went together, joining the throngs already gathered, waiting to hear the Rav's pearls of wisdom. When the time came and all eyes turned toward the head of the table, the Rav was still sitting quietly, in a trance-like state. After a few more moments, he roused himself and began to speak. He transmitted fourteen brilliant explanations on the first verse of the weekly Torah reading, "Im b'chukosai tailaichu", and then concluded, " I just heard these explanations in Heaven, in the name of the holy tzaddik, Rav Chaim ben Atar."

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"Mr. Chaim ben Atar [i.e. not a tzaddik, not a Rav – ed.]!" the unknown guest called out. All eyes turned to see who had the chutzpa to dishonor the Ohr HaChaim, and were prepared to punish him. However, the shamash, feeling responsible for his guest, requested them to leave the poor man alone. At the conclusion of his Shabbos day meal, the Rav expounded on a second set of fourteen interpretations, saying that these too he had heard in Heaven in the name of the holy tzaddik, Rav Chaim ben Atar. The scenario repeated itself. Again the anonymous guest screamed out, "Mr. Chaim ben Atar," heightening the irritation of the townsmen. Before the third meal, the shamash warned his guest to behave properly – but to no avail. The scene repeated itself. They decided to lock the disrespectful guest in a room until after Shabbos, and to keep him locked up until fitting measures would be decided upon. That night, a sudden strong storm swept through the city, causing much damage. The townspeople frantically rushed to the Rav for his prayer and blessing. The Rav told them that he had just been informed from Heaven that Gehinom closes on Shabbos, and it does not reopen on Motzo’ei Shabbos until the Ohr HaChaim recites Havdola [the separation ceremony to enter the new week]. Since the tzaddik could not make Havdola, being that he was currently locked in a room, a great uproar ensued above, which is the cause of such a harrowing storm below. Upon hearing this – and realizing their mistake, the townsmen immediately released their holy guest from his confinement. Rav Chaim understood that this was a sign that his teshuva had been accepted in Heaven, and the next day he set out to return home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from a passage in L’ma'an Yishme'u #72, , translated from Toldot Ohr HaChaim. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An Exclusive Pair of Tefillin - What happened to the tefillin of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar after he passed away?

When the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, was nearing the end of his life, his wife cried to him that she would have no means of supporting herself. The Ohr Hachaim set her mind at ease, reassuring her that she would always have enough money to live on. “After I depart from this world,” he said, “a man will come here from Constantinople in the hope of buying my tefillin. He will offer you a vast sum of money. Accept his offer, but warn him that he must never talk while wearing the precious tefillin.”

The Ohr Hachaim’s wife calmed down and promised to do as she was instructed. In the year 5503 (1773), the Ohr Hachaim’s neshamah left this world, and he was buried on Har Hazeisim. One day a short while later, a stranger approached the Ohr Hachaim’s wife. “I have traveled to the Holy Land from Turkey in the hope of purchasing your husband’s holy tefillin,” he said. “I am willing to pay a huge amount of money.” The Ohr Hachaim’s wife immediately agreed to the deal, but on one condition. “Just remember,” she cautioned him as she handed the tefillin over, “you must refrain from talking while wearing them.” The man agreed and eagerly took the tefillin. He then traveled back home, clutching the tefillin bag close to his heart the entire journey. Every morning when he put on the tefillin, the man felt as if he were being transported to a different world.

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The tefillin were very powerful and enabled him to have tremendous kavanos he had never been able to achieve on his own. True to his promise, he always refrained from speaking while wearing them. One day a business associate burst into the synagogue and began to talk to him in the middle of davening. The man automatically replied, only to realize a second too late that he was still wearing the tefillin. He immediately closed his mouth, but it was too late; the words were out. Like an electric cord being pulled from the socket, he suddenly felt that the tefillin had no effect on him. The man was devastated.

The next day he tried again and waited for the tefillin to exert their spiritual effect, but to no avail. He put them on the next day and the next, but nothing happened. Finally realizing that there was nothing he could do, he took them to a sofer as a last resort to look for any possible imperfections. The sofer took the tefillin and opened them up. When he removed the parchment from the batim, however, he saw that they were blank. All of the letters had flown away.

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Yohrzeit 15 Tammuz

Rav Amram Blau Head of Neturei Karta in Yerushalayim

In a recent published book on Rav Blau from a secular Israeli, the author states that during his extensive interview process – he couldn’t find one person who interacted with Rav Blau that didn’t respect and like him. Even those Zionists whom he antagonized had a grudging respect for Rav Blau – because his fight was never personal. In fact, his Shabbos table was filled by secular Israelis and chayalim whom he treated with the utmost respect. He never harbored any personal hatred to any Jew – secular or otherwise - even those that beat and imprisoned him. He meant it as the song they composed, Me’Kadesh Shem Shamayim.

Rav Amram Blau in Prison

He held a shiur for the prisoners who came to shul. Once, policemen entered and without him realizing it, they snapped a photo of him saying the shiur and printed the picture in their organ newspaper.

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Mr. Spector was the prison director. Although he was a Zionist, he was a gentleman who treated him decently. He said that when he’s in prison, the other prisoners behave better and he doesn’t suffer from their quarrels and brawls.

The prison published a wall newspaper called Patience. The director asked him to write an article for the newspaper. Rav Blau wrote a short article quoting Rabi Yochanan ben Zakkai’s words before his petira: “I would be afraid if I was being brought to a human king who doesn’t imprison a person for life, and when he puts to death, it’s not forever. But now that I am being taken to the King of kings, who can imprison forever, and kill forever, how much more so should I be afraid!” He meant it as inspiration for the upcoming Day of Judgment. “When you sit in prison, it’s a little easier to feel it.” They made it the main feature in the newspaper.

He was in the Ramle prison for five months for demonstrating over the women’s army draft, and the mixed swimming pool. The director apologized to him for not having a place to daven, and he gave them a room. In the beginning, he had just a minyan, but by the time he left, there were seventy people davening regularly.

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When describing Rav Amram Blau, a little introduction is called for. The world knows Rav Amram as a kanai, someone who always cried out “Shabbos” when he observed Shabbos desecration in the Holy City, and as someone willing to pay any price to sanctify the Torah, even if it meant sitting in prison during his own child's wedding.

And yet perhaps a lesser known aspect is the fact that along with his fiery zeal and iron- like courage, Rav Amram possessed an incredible love for his fellow Jews. A man who was often a guest at the Blau home said: “You could find every drifter in town there. Rav Amram's door was open to every broken-hearted soul. At one of the campaigns that Rav Amram organized as an outcry against chillul Shamayim, he went to demonstrate in the streets of Yerushalayim. The police responded brutally, using clubs and batons to beat the protesters. That night Rav Amram attended a family simcha where he noticed a teenager who had earlier that day helped the police carry out their brutal treatment of the protesters. The teenager looked troubled and in need of help. Rav Amram, with his silken heart, felt he had to go out of his way to help this youth, so that he would not harbor personal resentment against him for siding with the policemen.”

This anecdote illustrates Rav Blau's incredible fusion of forces – lion-like tenacity when fulfilling his duty to defend Hashem's honor and his silken softness when Ahavas Yisrael was the call of duty.

Rav Amram's father was Rav Yitzchok Shlomo, a close talmid of Rav Yehoshua Leib Diskin, who established and led the Yeshiva Ohel Moshe. Rav Yitzchok Slomo's father was Rav Amram Blau, a talmid of the Ksav Sofer, who served as a Rav in several towns in Slovakia. Rav Yitzchok Shlomo's father-in-law was the well-known gaon from Yerushalayim, Rav Yehoshua Orenstein, who was a talmid of the Maharil Diskin.

Steely Strength

Following his marriage, Rav Amram joined a group headed by Rav Shmuel Deitch that was at the fore of defending Torah Jewry against the Zionists. Rav Shmuel foresaw the potential in Rav Amram, and him becoming a leading figure in Torah Jewry.

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Rav Amram's activities began as a member of the Tzeiri Agudas Yisrael. He was one of the founders of the Agudah newspaper Kol Yisrael and served as its editor for thirteen years. Within the framework of Tzeiri Agudas Yisrael, Rav Amram launched other chinuch organization such as Chanoch Le’naar and Pirchei Torah Veyirah.

In 5693/1932, following the petira of Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld zt”l, Rav Amram established a movement called Irgun Chaim, which later evolved into Neturei Karta, and began publications in Yiddish including Dos Torah Leben and Di Yiddishe Shtime, as well as the weekly Hachomah. He also was a member of the Moetzes Hashivim of the Eidah Hachareidis city council. In 1945, the Neturei Karta won the elections for the city council of the Eidah Hachareidis, putting Rav Amram at the helm of the Eidah's activities in Yerushalayim.

Rav Amram's self-sacrifice in defense of Shabbos Kodesh was legendary. He would do anything and everything in defense of Shabbos. One Shabbos he showed up at a theater where tickets for a movie where being sold and positioned himself in front of the ticket counter thwarting the sale of tickets. The secular theater director responded with brutal beatings, but Rav Amram refused to surrender, and all attempts to remove him were futile. His goal was achieved: tickets could not be sold.

At one demonstration as he was being beaten by officers, Rav Amram who was already elderly, suddenly grabbed one of the officers and picked him up and said “All Shabbos long you are beating me for protesting against chillul Shabbos, but don't think that I lack the strength to do the same to you. Look at how I can pick you up despite my old age. And if you want to know why I don’t hit you, there are two reasons: First, I am happy to be beaten for the sake of Kedushas Shabbos, and second, it is possible that one day you will do teshuva and regret your actions...”

Close ties with the Chazon Ish

Rav Amram had an especially close relationship with the Chazon Ish. Once, when going to visit Rav Amram in Ramle Jail, where he had been imprisoned following a demonstration, the Chazon Ish told those accompanying him “I am going to visit Shabbos.”

Rav Chaim Kanievsky once accompanied the Chazon Ish to visit Rav Amram in prison. The Chazon Ish told Rav Amram “we are all sitting in one big prison.” Rav Amram said it had all been worth it to merit that one visit from the Chazon Ish.

Rav Amram was also close to the Brisker Rav. He used to say “It is hard for me to say Kiddush on Shabbos before exchanging a Gut Shabbos with Rav Yitzchok Zev.” And indeed there wasn't a single Shabbos that Rav Amram failed to visit The Rav. The Brisker Rav displayed an equal fondness for Rav Amram. “If Rav Amram says something, you need to consider his words, because he has a profound sense of understanding.” The Rav said of him.

The Brisker Rav Gives Rav Amram Blau A Lesson In The Importance Of Negel Vasser

Rav Moshe Shternbuch says that he was present when Rav Amram Blau once visited the Brisker Rav and complained about an institution Rav Amram was financing. He said that the children were not learning properly and he didn't feel it was worth his continuing efforts.

The Brisker Rav asked if the children wash Negel Vasser each morning K'Halacha. Rav Blau answered that this they certainly do. The Brisker Rav was very happy and said if so then it is

Page 21 of 36 definitely worth continuing for this alone. Now, let’s sit and discuss how we can improve the rest of the situation; however the institution is certainly worthy of existence.

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Rav Amram passed away on Erev Shabbos Parshas Pinchus, the 21st Tammuz, 5734/1974, at Shaare Zedek Hospital. He was sevety-four. Scores of Yidden escorted his aron that Friday afternoon from his house to Har Hamenuchos.

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Yohrzeit 15 Tammuz

Rav Aryeh Leib Ginzberg of Metz Author of Sha'agas Aryeh

The famed Gaon Rav Aryeh Leib, son of Asher, better known as the Sha’agas Aryeh, after his outstanding Talmudic work by that title, meaning The Roar of a Lion, was head of the Yeshiva in Minsk (Russia), and later served as Rav in Pinsk and Volozhin.

Just at the height of his fame throughout the rabbinic world, after the publication of his important Talmudic work, and already in his old age, he decided to give up his rabbinic post and wander forth through various communities in Lithuania and Poland. His Rebbetzin insisted on going along with him and sharing the hardships of their future life. Try as hard as he did to dissuade her from this idea, he failed to convince her to change her mind. So off they wandered together from town to town.

Most Jewish communities had a public shelter for poor and homeless people, and that is where the elderly couple also stayed, usually for a few days, or as long as they felt they were not attracting too much attention. They did not want it to be known who they were. People took them to be a couple of wandering beggars. Certainly no one even suspected that they were the famed Gaon Rav Arye Leib, author of Sha’agas Aryeh, and his Rebbetzin. Arriving in a town, the old Rav spent most of the day studying quietly in the beis medrash, while the Rebbetzin earned a little money doing housework and similar chores. When her husband came to the shelter in the evening, she would have a plate of warm soup ready for him, as well as a piece of bread, and he would then continue studying late into the night. They had always been poor and were accustomed to living simply, and they were content to continue that way.

At that time, there lived in Frankfurt (Germany) the Gaon Rav Nosson Hakohen Adler, who happened to be also a wealthy man. He did not accept a paid rabbinic position, but headed a great Yeshiva with outstanding students (among who was a brillant young man, Rav Moshe Sofer, who later became famous as the Chasam Sofer, after his important rabbinic work).

Rav Adler (the name means eagle) got to know that the Sha’agas Aryeh and his Rebbetzin had taken up a life of wandering about from place to place. It grieved him to think that such a brillant Talmudic scholar and his Rebbetzin should suffer such discomfort and hardship in their old age. He decided to make every possible effort to find out where they may be, so that he could

Page 22 of 36 take care of their needs, He would bring them to his house and would treat them with the honor they so richly deserved. However, his efforts to locate them through his contacts in different communities were not successful. So he had no choice but to wait until the couple would come to Frankfurt, as he fervently hoped they would do sooner or later.

To make sure that he would not miss them on their arrival in this city, Rav Adler spoke to the manager of the local shelter, and asked him to be on the alert for an elderly refined couple who may come any day to avail themselves of the shelter's hospitality. Should such a couple turn up, the manager was immediately to inform the Rav and, indeed, receive a reward for his trouble.

Weeks and months went by with no word from the manager. He had, in fact, forgotten about the whole matter.

One night, at a late hour, an elderly couple arrived at the shelter, each carrying a bundle on their shoulders. The other guests were already sleeping. The man took out a candle, lit it, and sat down to study. The Rebbetzin took out some potatoes and put them in the still hot oven to bake. After they had eaten, the woman lay down to sleep, but her husband continued learning. Several of the residents complained that the new arrival was disturbing their sleep. One of them angrily blew out the candle. The man said nothing, but took his book to the window where he sat down and continued studying by the light of the full moon.

As dawn was breaking, the man suddenly jumped up and began dancing with joy. He had solved a knotty Talmudic problem and, in the excitement, apparently forgot where he was. His Rebbetzin woke up and began to clap her hands. The noise woke up others in the house, and the manager came in, asking: "What's going on here?!"

The protests flew at him from all sides: "A couple of crazy people arrived here late last night and didn't let us sleep!"

The manager rebuked them for being so unfriendly to the newcomers. "Everyone is welcome in this place, and should make others welcome, too," he said.

Now, it suddenly occurred to him that the new arrivals might be the couple about whom the Rav had asked him to be on the lookout. He lost no time, and went to the Yeshiva and told Rav Adler that they had arrived. The Rosh Yeshiva turned to his favorite student: "Moshe, come with me. We will go and greet a very important guest! We'll have the Zechus — the privilege and honor, to greet and welcome the Sha’agas Aryeh. You and I have often discussed sections of this book in depth; now we'll have the opportunity to discuss some unsolved topics with the author personally!"

Rav Adler invited the Sha’agas Aryeh and his Rebbetzin to accompany him to his home. Rav Aryeh Leib, seeing that his secret was a secret no longer, allowed himself to be persuaded.

An animated Talmudic discussion ensued between the guest and his host on the way to Rav Adler's house, while the young Moshe Sofer was thrilled to listen to the two Talmudic giants, the lion and the eagle, as they debated some fine points of the Halachah.

When they arrived at the home of Rav Adler, and seeing the long rows of bookcases and shelves packed with books of Talmudic and Rabbinic literature, Rav Aryeh Leib remarked with a smile: "If I had access to these treasures, I would have no need to burden my brains to carry all these books in my head!"

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Rav Arye Leib spent several weeks in the home of Rav Adler. The host invited his guest to deliver a shiur in his Yeshiva, which was a great Torah delight both for the lecturer and the students.

Once, Rav Adler said to his guest: "Tell me, dear teacher, is it right or fair to withhold so much light and goodness? Isn't it time to end this wandering around from place to place in disguise, and accept a position as Rav or Rosh Yeshiva in any of many Jewish communities that would be honored and delighted to have such a teacher and leader? And wouldn't that be a better way to honor the Torah?"

"You are right, Rav Nosson," answered Rav Aryeh Leib earnestly. "Truly, I am somewhat tired of all the traveling, and I should have pity on my poor Rebbetzin, who has accompanied me so willingly with never a complaint. Indeed, if there would be a suitable rabbinical position for me in a city with a Yeshiva, I would be prepared to consider such a position seriously."

Rav Adler's face lit up. He opened a drawer in his desk and brought out a document.

"This is a formal invitation from the community heads, of Metz, in France, stating that they are offering me the position of Chief Rav in that ancient city. I have not yet replied to it, though it is several months since I received it. I was waiting for your coming. If you agree to accept this position, I shall write and tell them that I have a better candidate for them than I. As a matter of fact, the great titles with which they address me are more fitting for a lion than for an eagle, and I could even add some titles to theirs in your case. The conditions they offer are excellent, both materially and spiritually."

Rav Aryeh Leib read the manuscript and said, "I agree to accept the position."

When the heads of the Metz community received Rav Adler's reply and recommendation, they immediately sent a contract to Rav Aryeh Leib, assuring him that the community would be more than happy to have him serve as their Rav and Rosh Yeshiva.

Rav Adler could no longer keep Rav Aryeh Leib and his Rebbetzin as his guests. The lion and the eagle took a warm, friendly leave of each other.

Fully rested from their long wanderings; and well dressed – thanks to their generous host – Rav Aryeh Leib and his Rebbetzin left for Metz. A warm and most respectful welcome awaited them on arrival. However, Rav Aryeh Leib noticed that some of the community leaders looked a little concerned when they saw their new Rav. The Sha’agas Aryeh understood the reason for their concern. So, in his first public address to the community in a packed synagogue, he concluded his learned and inspiring sermon with the following words: "I have the feeling that you expected and hoped to engage a younger rav, one like my distinguished colleague and friend, Rav Nosson Adler. Indeed, our sages of the Mishnah say, 'Forty is the age of understanding.' You would like to have a rav who would be able to hold the position for at least thirty years, till the age of seventy years, and not have to look for a new rav after ten years or so. Let me, therefore, assure you, good friends, that though I am sixty years old, I hope and am confident that you will have no need to look for a replacement for another thirty years, G-d willing."

And so it was. The Sha’agas Arye held his position in Metz for thirty years, until he was niftar in 1785, at the ripe old age of ninety years.

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By Nissan Mindel ~ www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/112502/jewish/Shaagas- Aryeh.htm

The Sha'agas Aryeh Gives A Bracha To Two Brothers In Volozhin

There was a wealthy Jew who lived in Volozhin named Rav Yitzchok, who was not only wealthy, but was a great talmid chacham and was stringent in mitzvos. He traveled often on lengthy trips for business, and when he returned he was always laden with expensive gifts for his family.

One time before Rav Yitzchok left on another trip, his wife requested that instead of bringing her a gift, he should buy a complete Shas for their home. In those days, a complete Shas was very expensive, but Rav Yitzchok decided to fulfill his wife’s request, and he bought a beautiful Shas on that trip.

When he returned, Rav Yitzchok and his wife decided to benefit the community with the Shas, by lending out the mesachtos to the people of the city. Rav Yitzchok was busy with his business, so his wife took responsibility for lending out the Shas.

One day, the Gaon, Rav Aryeh Leib, author of the Sha’agas Aryeh, arrived in Volozhin. The Gaon heard that it was possible to borrow masechtos Shas in a certain home, and he immediately made his way to Rav Yitzchok’s house. Rav Yitzchoks’ wife was very excited that such a great Gaon was gracing her house. She told the Sha’agas Aryeh that anytime he needed a mesechta, she would send one of her servants to the Gaon’s lodging place so he wouldn’t have to exert himself to come to the house. The Sha’agas Aryeh stayed in Volozhin for an extended period of time, and whenver he needed a new mesechta, Rav Yitzchok’s wife would send it to him. Before Rav Aryeh Leib left the city, he visited Rav Yitzchok’s house, and blessed him and his wife. He said, “I bless you that you should be zocheh to two sons who will light up the eyes of Yisrael with their Torah. One son will be zohech to teach the Shas to others, and the second son will be so well-learned in the entire Torah that he won’t need a Shas at all!

The tzaddik’s bracha was fulfilled in full, and Rav Yitzchok and his wife subsequently had two sons. One was the Gaon Rav Chaim of Volozhin who established a yeshiva and was zocheh to many students, and the second son, Rav Zalman, knew the entire Torah by heart backwards and forwards.

(Ukarasa LeShabbos Oneg). http://www.revach.net/stories/story-corner/The-Shaagas-Aryeh-Gives-A-Bracha-To-Two- Brothers-In-Volozhin/3743

The Sha’agas Aryeh's Rebbetzin Did Not Know How To Make A Good French Coffee

Rav Eliezer Kleer in his hakdama to his sefer writes: the Sha’agas Aryeh, Rav Aryeh Leib Gunzberg, lived a life of deprivation. He never ate meat, fish, chicken or any living thing during the week and never slept on a bed. He lived a difficult life of great suffering and poverty that followed him wherever he went.

In his later years, the Shaa’gas Aryeh was appointed Rav of Metz. The minhag of the city was that the new Rav would host the leader of the Kehilla for coffee after his appointment. A day

Page 25 of 36 before the Rebbetzin was sent a list of things to prepare for this meeting including, coffee, milk, sugar, and utensils needed.

The next day during the meeting the Rebbetzin brought out a pot of fresh coffee and milk. When the distinguished guests tasted the coffee each one realized that the sugar was missing but no one said anything.

There was great shock in the room when after clearing the empty cups the Rebbetzin proudly brought out a plate full of sugar. When she understood what happened, she apologized profusely and said that in Volozhin where they came from they never saw coffee or sugar and certainly not the two of them together.

Despite the community's concern that the Sha’agas Aryeh came to Metz to be buried there, the Sha’agas Aryeh served as Rav of Metz for thirty years until his petira. Some people attribute this arichas yamim to a letter written by the Vilna Gaon telling them to accept the Shaagas Aryeh as their Rav despite his advanced age. www.revach.net/hanhagos/maaseh-rav/The-Shaagas-Aryehs-Rebbetzin-Did-Not-Know-How- To-Make-A-Good-French-Coffee/3914

"And Pharaoh said to Yaakov: how long have you lived?" (Bereishis 47:8).

The Gaon Rav Aryeh Leib Ginzberg the author of Sha’agas Aryeh was already sixty years old when he was appointed as the chief Rav of Metz.

When he arrived to take up his new role he heard the rumor that some of the townspeople were quite upset that such an old man had been appointed as their new chief rav. They were hoping for a younger man full of life and vitality with many good years ahead of him.

That Shabbos, Parshas VaYigash, he gave his Shabbos derasha and addressed this very topic:

"We find in this week's parsha that when our forefather the patriarch Yaakov to Egypt, Pharaoh asked him "how old are you?" and he answered him, "the days of my life are one hundred and thirty, they have been few, hard and difficult years these days of my life and they have not reached the days of the lives of my forefathers."

This poses several difficulties, firstly, why did Pharaoh bother asking Yaakov Avinu how old he was. And why did Yaakov answer Pharaoh that "the days of my life . . . have been few, hard and difficult?" He wasn't asked that at all? He should have simply answered that he was one hundred and thirty years old?!

"The answer is," explained the Sha’agas Aryeh, "that Pharaoh observed that as soon as Yaakov arrived, the land of Egypt was blessed and the hunger and famine ceased, he therefore worried over Yaakov's apparent old age, perhaps he would soon pass away and all these blessings would end and leave with his passing? This is why he asked Yaakov his age. However, Yaakov understood all this, therefore he answered Pharaoh that he was one hundred and thirty years old. However, he explained that these years were few, since they did not reach the days of his forefathers who lived to ripe old ages of one hundred and eighty years. And further Yaakov explained that his apparent old age was a result of the difficult life he had lived, this had caused him to age prematurely so that he appeared older than he really was."

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"So is the case with me," continued the Sha’agas Aryeh, "I am not as old as you think; my life has had certain trials and difficulties which have caused me to age. And Hashem willing, I shall serve as your rav for over thirty years to come." And so it was that the tzaddik's words were fulfilled and he served as the chief rav of Metz for over thirty years!

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Yohrzeit 16 Tammuz

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Heshel

The Kapyscznitz Rebbe

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Heshel was born in Husyatin on the 4th of Iyar, 5648/1888. His father was Rav Yitzchok Meir, the Rebbe of Kopischnitz. He spent his early childhood with his illustrious maternal grandfather, Rav Mordechai Shraga, the Rebbe of Husyatin, son of the Ruzhiner Rebbe. When Rav Avrohom Yehoshua was six years old, his illustrious grandfather was niftar, and his father became Rebbe in the nearby town of Kopycznitz.

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua traveled often to his great-uncle, Rav Dovid Moshe of Chortkov, who showed him great affection. (The Chortkover Rebbe was also his step-grandfather, as he had married the mother of Rav Yitzchok Meir.)

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua married Rebbetzin Sarah Brachah, the daughter of his paternal uncle, Rav Moshe Mordechai of Mezhibuzh-Warsaw. The young couple began married life in her parents’ home in Warsaw. During this period, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua became known to the Gedolim and tzaddikim of Poland, who held him in high esteem. Afterward, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua and his family returned to his father’s court in Kopycznitz.

With the outbreak of World War I, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua moved with his father and his own young family to Vienna. There, during those troubled times, his massive deeds of chessed reached their peak. His home became a center for the thousands of refugees who fled to Vienna. They found in Rav Avrumenyu — as he was fondly known — a listening ear and a fount of practical advice and assistance.

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua was his father’s right hand throughout his life. Upon his father’s petira, on the first day of Rosh HaShana, 5696/1935, he succeeded his father as Kopycznitzer Rebbe.

In 5698/1938, when the Nazis entered Vienna, the first ones to experience their cruelty were the Rabbonim. Like the rest, the Kopycznitzer Rebbe was arrested and forced to do degrading labor. The Nazis made a point of cutting off the beards of distinguished Rabbonim, but the Kopycznitzer managed to avoid this. When his turn came, he stuck out his hand and said to the Nazi officer, “Cut off these two fingers, but don’t touch my beard!” The Nazis were so taken aback by the Rebbe’s courage that they left him alone.

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On the advice of his uncle, Rav Yisrael, the Husyatiner Rebbe (who was then already living in Eretz Yisrael), he moved to America where he settled on the Lower East Side of New York. As always, he set out immediately to work helping others, never turning down a request from institutions or individuals. His tzedaka and chessed provided significant aid to the recipients, and he did it all with profound respect for their dignity.

On the 15th of Tammuz, the Rebbe planned a trip from his home in Boro Park to Monsey. Taking leave of his aron kodesh and mezuzos and reminding his children to take along a copy of the Ramban’s Sha’ar HaGemul, he set out. That night in Monsey, on the 16th of Tammuz, he returned his holy soul to its Maker.

Upon his request, the Rebbe was buried in Teveria, near the grave of his uncle, Rav Yisrael of Husyatin.

He was succeeded by his son, Rav Moshe Mordechai of Kopycznitz.

Zechuso yagen aleinu. www.hamodia.com/features/day-history-16-tammuzjuly-14/

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The sixteenth of Tammuz marks the yohrtzeit of the Kapyscznitz Rebbe, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Heshel zt”l. Renowned for his supreme kindness and great ahavas Yisrael (love of ones fellow Jew), the Rebbe was already a legend during his lifetime. On his weak and frail shoulders he carried the pain and suffering of countless individuals, and often when he heard of the problems of others he would break down weeping uncontrollably. The grief of his fellow Jews tormented him much more than his own afflictions, and indeed the Rebbe often put his name and honor at risk in an attempt to help others.

A man once came to the Rebbe crying hysterically. He had just arrived from Europe and was hoping to settle in America. His wife, however, had been refused entry due to her ill health and was on Ellis Island awaiting deportation. "Don't worry," the Rebbe told him, "I promise you that by next week your wife will be here together with you." Hearing the Rebbe's words the man calmed down and went away a new person.

One of the chassidim who had witnessed the scene plucked up his courage and asked the Rebbe how he was able to make such a promise with such ease. "You saw how hysterical that man was," the Rebbe replied. "My first concern was to calm him down, and Boruch Hashem I succeeded. At least for the next week he will feel better. If after a week, he sees that I was wrong and his wife was deported, he will say that Avrohom Yehoshua is not a real Rebbe, Avrohom Yehoshua is a liar. But at least for a week I succeeded in helping him." With that the Rebbe took out a Tehillim (Psalms) and started to cry: "Please Hashem, see to it that Avrohom Yehoshua didn't say a lie, please don't make me a liar!" Hashem heard his prayers and within a week the woman was granted permission to stay in America, and was reunited with her husband. www.nishmas.org/gdynasty/chapt17.htm

The First Kapyscznitz Rebbe

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Rav Yitzchok Meir zt"l was born on the fourth of Iyar 5648 (1888). Rav Avrohom Yehoshua was named after the Apta Rav, the Oheiv Yisrael, of whom he was a direct descendant. The first six years of his life were spent in the town of Husyatin where his mother's father, Rav Mordechai Shraga, was Rebbe. After the Husyatiner Rebbe was niftar in Iyar 5654 (1894), Rav Avrohom Yehoshua moved to Kapyscznitz where his father Rav Yitzchok Meir established a large court. Although Rav Yitzchok hadn't inherited any chassidim, his great tzidkus (righteousness, integrity) drew many chassidim and Kapyscznitz soon became established as a major chassidus. With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Rav Yitzchok Meir fled with his family to Vienna. It was here in Vienna that the fame of his son, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua, began to spread. It was a time of upheaval, a time of hunger, turmoil and tragedy, and Vienna became a haven for thousands of homeless and penniless refugees.

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua went every day to the train station to welcome those who arrived. Taking their heavy suitcases on his shoulders, he accompanied them to their new accommodations. After he had jotted down the refugees' addresses he would regularly drop money and food at their doors for their daily upkeep.

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua's house became a center of tzedaka (charity) and chesed (kindness). His kindness knew no bounds. He was particular not to go to sleep at night until he had distributed every penny in his possession to tzedaka. Astronomical sums of money went through his hands, and when his funds were exhausted he would borrow from anyone who was willing to lend him. Even when he was already heavily in debt to his creditors, he didn't stop borrowing money and giving it away to the first needy person he met.

On the first day of Rosh HaShana 5696 (1936), Rav Yitzchok Meir, the Kapyscznitz Rebbe, was niftar, and was succeeded by his son, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua. At first, people were sure that the pressure of being Rebbe would force Rav Avrohom Yehoshua to give up his chesed work, but it was not so. The new Rebbe carried on just as before, dividing his time equally between his chassidim and the needy. Outside his door were two queues: those who had come to give the Rebbe a pidyon and receive his bracha (blessing), and those who had come to receive a donation. Often the queue of those who had come to receive money was longer than that of those who had come to give.

Many years later, during a visit to the Klausenberger Rebbe, which at the time was lying ill in bed, the Rebbe advised him that if he wanted to make a quick recovery from his illness, he should stop taking kvitlach (written petitions). He added, "When I was a young man, I was unusually strong. I even managed to undergo an operation without an anaesthetic, and I hardly felt the terrible pain. This was all before I started to accept kvitlach. Since then, my strength has left me and I have become weak and frail. Therefore I suggest that if you want to regain your strength and become healthy, you should stop taking kvitlach."

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Only two years after Rav Avrohom Yehoshua became Rebbe, Yiddishe life was shattered by the German occupation of Vienna. The Rebbe was seized and forced to clean the streets to the amusement of the jeering Germans. The Yidden tried desperately to free their beloved Rebbe from his humiliating job, but to no avail. Finally, the Nazis agreed to allow one of the Rebbe's chassidim to take his place in exchange for a large bribe. The Rebbe, however, refused to leave his post. He told his family, "What do you think? Should I stop at another Yid's expense? Chas veSholom!" (G- d forbid!)

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After a time, the Nazis let the Rebbe free, realizing that their plan to degrade and humiliate him had backfired. The Rebbe hadn't felt degraded in the slightest. In his humility he hadn't felt it below his dignity to scrub the city streets.

On another occasion, in an attempt to humiliate the Rebbe, the Germans sent one of their officers to cut off his beard. The Rebbe promptly stuck out two fingers and told the officer, "Cut off my fingers, but don't touch my beard." The German, startled by the Rebbe's courage, left without carrying out his evil orders.

In a drasha (speech) given many years later in America about Akeidas Yitzchok (the Binding of Isaac), the Rebbe said, "The test of the Akeidah wasn't just to see if Avrohom Avinu would listen to Hashem, for who wouldn't do so after Hashem had explicitly asked him? Indeed, if Hashem would have asked Avrohom to give away his own life it would not have been a chiddush. Here, however, Avrohom was commanded to offer up someone else. To have to watch how the second person is suffering, that takes true mesirus nefesh (self- sacrifice)." The Rebbe ended his words, adding, "When I was in Vienna under German control, I accepted all my suffering with love, but when I heard about the suffering of others, it was just too much for me to bear."

Despite the pleas of his chassidim that he flee Vienna, the Rebbe stayed put, refusing to leave his followers behind. Tortures and threats did not bother him. Only when it became increasingly difficult to keep the Torah and mitzvos did he finally give in and reluctantly agree to leave Vienna. After intense efforts, a visa was secured for him and his family, but surprisingly, the Rebbe did not leave Austria. The fact was that he simply didn't have the money to pay for the trip. Hearing of his plight, one of the Rebbe's wealthy chassidim gave him money for the journey to America.

The Rebbe later confessed that this money proved to be a test for him. At first, he decided to keep the money for himself, to pay for the tickets, but on second thought he decided not to change from his usual practice of not keeping money in his possession and he distributed it all to tzedaka. The Rebbe's family was shocked when they found out that he had given all the money away, but the Rebbe remained unperturbed and consoled them, telling them to put their trust in Hashem. They didn't need the money for another few days, until the planned date of their departure, and he was confident that Hashem would help them.

The days passed and nothing happened, but still the Rebbe didn't lose his bitachon (faith, trust). Finally, on the morning of their planned journey, a couple came to bid farewell to the Rebbe. When they heard that he didn't yet have the money to pay for the tickets, the woman took off her jewelry and sold it to raise the money for the trip. (After the war's end, the couple arrived in America and the Rebbe returned to them the exact amount that they had given him.)

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On his arrival in America, the Rebbe settled in the Lower East Side of New York where he opened his beis medrash (shul and study hall). The Rebbe had hardly unpacked his bags, and he was already out of the house dedicating himself to the task of saving the lives of the Yidden he had left behind in Europe.

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There was hardly a rescue meeting at which the Rebbe wasn't present. His whole being was given over to helping and saving his fellow Jews in Europe. Once, as the Rebbe was traveling in a car, the sea coast came into sight. At the sight of the sea, the Rebbe burst into tears, saying, "We are sitting safe and sound on this side of the sea. Who knows what's going on, on the other side? Who knows what's happening?"

Hearing that the Rebbe neglected himself and didn't eat properly, one of the gedolim (sages) wrote him a letter asking the Rebbe to take better care of himself and to eat a healthy diet including meat and other nutritious foods. The Rebbe sent him back a letter in which he wrote, "I have taken upon myself not to eat any meat products during the week until Hashem has mercy and saves His people. I tremble in fear when I think about the terrible agony of our fellow brothers. My hair stands on end at their plight. And therefore, even though I would very much like to fulfill your request, I am not able to do so until I hear some good news from our fellow Yidden. Hashem should have mercy on them that they should at least have bread to eat."

Right after the war ended, the Rebbe traveled to Eretz Yisrael to thank Hashem for having saved him from the Holocaust. While in Eretz Yisrael, the Rebbe decided to open an institute for the many orphans and refugees who had nowhere to go. The Rebbe took upon himself the financial burden of its upkeep. Called Beis Avrohom, the institute is based in Petach Tikva where it flourishes to this very day.

The Rebbe visited Eretz Yisrael ten times altogether. Each time was a new experience for him, a true joy to be in the Holy Land. On the way back to America from one of the Rebbe's trips, he was accompanied by one of the gedolim who bitterly bemoaned the spiritual decline in Eretz Yisrael and the chilul Shabbos (Shabbos desecration) which one sees everywhere. "That's odd," the Rebbe told him. "I was also just there, yet I didn't notice any of the things you are complaining about. Boruch Hashem, there are new yeshivos springing up all the time, with new shuls and mikva'os also. Each time I go to Eretz Yisrael I come back happy, having witnessed the steady improvement from my previous visit!"

The Rebbe played a major role in Agudas Yisrael, being instrumental in many of the achievements of the Agudah. The Rebbe would say that he was not really worthy of being on the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, but since he had an obligation to listen to the words of the gedolim, he could not refuse their request to come and join in their meetings!

The Rebbe was among the founding members of Chinuch Atzmai (semi-private religious school system in Eretz Yisrael), together with Rav Aaron Kotler zt”l. Rav Aaron would often say that if not for the Kapyscznitz Rebbe, he would never have been able to cope with the stress and burden of ensuring Chinuch Atzmai's continued survival. Rav Aaron's friendship and admiration for the Rebbe knew no bounds. He held the Rebbe in very high esteem and would often say that the Rebbe was the Gadol Hador (the generation's leader) in tzedaka and chesed.

Although the Rebbe was a man of few words and hardly ever spoke in public, when Rav Aaron Kotler pressed him to speak, he would do so in deference to the Rosh Yeshiva. His words, flowing straight from the heart, always left a mark.

On one occasion, after the Rebbe had been pressed to speak, he said, "Rabbosai (gentlemen), you will forgive me if I speak. I only ask that you listen to me because I am an old man and my time will come very soon. Rabbosai, I believe with all my heart that I will be called before Beis Din Shel Ma'aloh (the Heavenly Court) and I will be asked if I have done everything I could to save the thousands of children in Eretz Yisrael. What will I be able to answer? What can

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I say? I am an old man and I don't have any more strength, what can I do? But you gentlemen, you are still young and can still help. I can tell you that you will all be asked if you did your utmost for Chinuch Atzmai. You can still do so, Rabbosai! But what will be with me, what am I going to answer?" And with that the Rebbe began to weep. All those present were deeply moved by the Rebbe's heartfelt words and each one gave a substantial sum.

A Yid once came crying to the Rebbe. He was very poor and desperately needed a new hat, but he didn't have the money to buy one. The Rebbe owned two hats, one which he wore every day, and a second, newer one, which he kept for special occasions. Hearing his request, the Rebbe went and brought his new hat and presented it to the man. Realizing that this was the Rebbe's better hat, the man refused to take it, the other hat would be good enough for him.

"Listen," the Rebbe told him. "The mitzvos that a person does in this world attire him as his clothing in the Next World. If I give you my old hat now, then in the Next World I will also be dressed in an old hat. I would rather keep the old hat for myself in this world, and in the Next World I will have a new one."

The Rebbe didn't just give of his time and possessions, but of his physical being also. When he saw a sign asking people to donate blood, he decided to answer the call. The Rebbe's family tried to persuade him to change his mind. He was already old and weak and they were worried that it would be detrimental to his health. Their pleas fell on deaf ears; the Rebbe told them that if they were worried, he was willing to spend a few days in bed after he had given the blood.

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In his later years, the Rebbe's health deteriorated and he suffered a heart attack. The Rebbe, however, ignored all his family's pleading that he give up his work for the K’lal. On one occasion, when the Rebbe announced his intention to go to a certain fundraising event, the family called Rav Aaron Kotler in desperation and asked him to try to make the Rebbe change his mind. Rav Aaron canceled his shiur and traveled to New York to speak to the Rebbe.

The Rebbe, realizing that his family had been responsible for Rav Aaron's visit, told them bitterly, "Tell me, my children, don't you all need air to breathe? Why can't you understand that a mitzva is to me like air to breathe? Why am I alive if not to perform mitzvos and to help others? If I can't continue to do mitzvos, why do I need to live? If you are all truly interested in my health, then you must make sure that I can carry on doing chesed and tzedaka!"

The Rebbe's mesirus nefesh knew no bounds. Once, a few days before Sukkos, the Rebbe fell ill with pneumonia. His family knew that he would eat and sleep in the sukkah regardless of his condition. The family phoned the Satmar Rebbe, who was a close friend and admirer of the Rebbe and begged him to talk the Rebbe out of it.

On erev Sukkos, the Satmar Rebbe arrived and informed the Rebbe in no uncertain terms that it was strictly forbidden for him to eat and sleep in the sukkah. A person has an obligation to look after his health, especially a leader of K’lal Yisrael who has to set an example for others. For twenty minutes, the Satmar Rebbe elaborated on the severity of guarding one's health, and he ended off saying that if the Rebbe would eat and sleep in the sukkah - it would not be a mitzva but an aveira (sin).

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After the Satmar Rebbe had ended his long discourse, he said to the Rebbe, "Nu, Kapyscznitz Rebbe, are you going to sleep in the sukkah this year?" The Rebbe looked the Satmar Rebbe squarely in the face and replied, "Tell me, Satmar Rav, what would you do, if the positions were reversed, chas veSholom? If it was you who was lying in bed with pneumonia and I had just given you this drasha. Would you really not sleep in the sukkah, or would you stay in the sukkah despite the illness?"

The Satmar Rebbe stood up and with a smile on his face he said, "Kapyscznitz Rebbe, I give you my bracha (blessing) that you should be able to sleep in the sukkah and that no harm shall befall you!"

The Rebbe won the respect and the esteem of all the gedolim of his era. One of his most faithful followers was the Ponovezher Rav, Rav Yosef Kahaneman. Every time Rav Kahaneman arrived in New York, he phoned the Rebbe from the airport to let him know of his arrival, and ask if it was convenient for him to come and say Sholom Aleichem. From the airport, he would take a taxi straight to the Rebbe's house. The Rav would often say that from the day the Chofetz Chaim was niftar, he hadn't had a Rebbe until he met the Kapyscznitz Rebbe.

In 1947, the Rav was in America to raise funds for the building of the Ponovezh Yeshiva. Due to the difficult times, he wasn't successful in his attempts and after ten months, trudging from door to door, he had hardly managed to raise any money. The Rebbe, hearing of his plight, collected ten thousand dollars for him – a staggering sum in those days – and the Ponovezher Rav was finally able to go back home a happy man.

Another of the Rebbe's great admirers was the Manchester Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Yehuda Zev Segal. The Rosh Yeshiva met the Rebbe on a visit to America in 1966 and became very close to the Rebbe, often sending him kvitlach to daven (pray) for him. After the Rebbe's petirah, the Rosh Yeshiva wrote to the Rebbe's family, asking them to send him one of the Rebbe's personal belongings. The family sent him a kappel (yarmulke, kippah) which the Rosh Yeshiva treasured greatly. He would wear it every Yom Kippur. Sometimes, he would also lend the kappel as a segulah (auspicious object) for sick people.

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In addition to the Rebbe's many tzedaka activities, he was also very involved being mekareiv those who had strayed from the path of Yiddishkeit. With his warm heart and sincere words he succeeded to rekindle the light of Torah and mitzvos in many.

Once, as the Rebbe was walking along a street on Shabbos, he came across two Jewish teenagers who were smoking. The Rebbe strode over to them and said, "My sons, although I don't know you at all, I am convinced that you both have caring hearts and if you would realize how much it hurts me to see you smoke on Shabbos, I am sure that you would both drop your cigarettes in order not to upset me like that."

One of the young men dropped his cigarette straight away. His friend, however, had no intention of giving in so easily and replied, "Rebbe! Don't you know where you are? You are in America! We're in a free country and everyone is entitled to do as he wishes. I am not telling you what to do, and I don't expect you to tell me what to do!"

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The Rebbe laughed at the young man's words, and he replied, "My son, you have raised a good point. I will now ask you a question. If you were to come across a man lying on the ground, with blood gushing from his nose, would you just walk away and say we are in a free country and I am under no obligation to help him? I'm sure you would do your best to help him.

"Similarly, when a Yid is mechalel Shabbos it is much worse than blood gushing from his nose. The Yid's very soul is being sucked away. When I see a Yiddishe neshama bleeding and his life ebbing away, how can I stop myself from running over to help?" The Rebbe's honest and penetrating words left their mark and in due course both men became ba’alei teshuva.

The Rebbe personally called upon storekeepers, pleading with them in gentle and kind tones to close their shops on Shabbos. On one street that the Rebbe passed almost daily, there was a Jewish storekeeper who kept his shop open on Shabbos despite the Rebbe's pleas. The Rebbe, seeing that his attempts to close the shop on Shabbos hadn't succeeded, tried a different tactic.

As the Rebbe approached the man's store, he would cross the street. After passing the store he would cross back again. At first, the storekeeper pretended to ignore the Rebbe's boycott, but after a while the shame was too great for him. He closed the store on Shabbos and asked the Rebbe to walk in front of his shop.

The Rebbe's house was open to anybody who wished to enter. Every person was made to feel at home, regardless of his social status or background. The Rebbe made a special point of inviting those who were looked down upon or mocked by others. The homeless, those who were not totally sound of mind, and those who had no one else to turn to – all found their place around his table. No one was ever refused.

The Rebbe satisfied each one of his visitors' demands and desires, no matter how absurd it was. One of the Rebbe's regular meshugo'im (crazies) once complained to the Rebbe. He was upset that the Rebbe always sat in a beautiful chair at the head of the table and was always given the first portion. He felt that he was also entitled to such preferential treatment. From then on, the Rebbe sat the man alongside him at the head of the table, in the same chair as he sat in. When the food was brought in, the man received his food together with the Rebbe, both being served at the same time.

The Rebbe once heard of a man who refused to give his wife a get (Jewish bill of divorce). Months went by, and he still refused to give in. The reason for his refusal was quite simple. If he got divorced, who would cook him his meals every day? As soon as the Rebbe heard the story, he called up the man and told him, "Please give your wife a get, and as for your meals, from now on you will be my guest whenever you want." The man divorced his wife and from then on he was a permanent feature of the Rebbe's house: breakfast, lunch and supper.

Although the Rebbe's chassidim were bothered by the many queer characters who frequented the Rebbe's house, the Rebbe ignored all their pleas to stop inviting such people. Once, during the Friday night davening, one of the Rebbe's regulars became very unruly. All the attempts to quiet him failed, and when his antics increased in volume and frequency, he was forcibly taken and thrown out of the shul.

After davening, word of the incident reached the Rebbe's ears. In a pain-filled voice the Rebbe exclaimed, "All my years, I have been working to try and achieve the madreiga of ve'ohavta

Page 34 of 36 lerei'acho komocho. (The spiritual level of loving ones neighbor like himself) Now when I am already old, a Yid is thrown out of my shul! How could one allow such a thing to happen?"

One of the chassidim present piped up and said, "But, Rebbe, there is no mitzva to love such a man, such a person is to be despised. He has no place here." The Rebbe retorted, "Whom did the Torah command us to love? It was not just a Yid like the Chofetz Chaim. About such a Yid it wasn't necessary for the Torah to command us to love him. The Torah's wish is that we love even those who have no special attributes which would cause us to care for them, except for the fact that they are Yidden – Hashem's children. It is about such people that we are commanded ve'ohavto lerei'acho komocho!"

The Rebbe informed his chassidim that until the man was found, he would not make Kiddush. Only after the man had been located and the Rebbe had profusely apologized to him, and begged his forgiveness, did the Rebbe start his Shabbos meal.

His whole life, the Rebbe worked to ensure peace and harmony among Yidden. Nothing was more abhorrent to him than machlokes (argument, controversy). Once during a stopover in Paris, the Rebbe learnt of a serious machlokes that had broken out between Polish and Hungarian Yidden concerning which minhagim (customs) and what derech should be adopted in their kehilla (community). Although the Rebbe was an outsider and had not been asked to offer his opinion, he felt that he could not keep silent.

On Shabbos, the Rebbe addressed the kehilla, "Since I have heard that a machlokes has broken out here between Polish and Hungarian Yidden, I would like to ask you all a question. Is there really such a thing as Polish Yidden or Hungarian Yidden? Aren't we all children of the same Father? We're all Yidden who, due to the long galus, have become scattered across different lands. Who knows, perhaps the reason why I stopped over here in Paris was to restore the achdus (brotherhood, unity) in your kehilla. I am willing to stay here and act as a mediator between the different parties, but there must be shalom (peace)!"

In his last years, the Rebbe steadily grew weaker and weaker, but still he soldiered on, not stopping for a second to worry about his own needs. On one occasion, a day before he was due to leave New York for a rest, he suddenly canceled his trip and refused to go. When the Rebbe was pressured to change his mind, he disclosed the reason for his cancellation. The previous day someone had approached him on behalf of a tzedaka and the Rebbe had given him his last penny. He had nothing left over to pay for the vacation. The Rebbe said that he always davened to Hashem, asking that he remain active until his last day. And so it was. On his last day - the sixteenth of Tammuz 5727 (1967), he requested the Sefer Sha'ar Hagmul of the Ramban, which speaks about the eternal reward which awaits those who keep Hashem's mitzvos in this world. As he was busy learning the sefer (book), his holy neshama (soul) ascended to receive its well-earned reward. Zechuso yogein oleinu.

The Rebbe was succeeded by his son Rav Moshe’le. Beloved by all who knew him, he was acknowledged as a true oheiv Yisrael continuing his father's ways with grace and dignity until his sudden petira on the seventeenth of Nissan 5735 (1975).

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The Golden Dynasty First Kapyscznitz Rebbe Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Heshel Kapyscznitz Rebbe during a tisch Rav Yitzchok Meir zt"l

Say it (especially with your children) at least once a day: Based on Chovos HaLevavos - Duties of the Heart ~ Sha'ar HaBitachon - the Gate of Trust There are 7 qualities that Hashem has that can strengthen our trust in Him:

1. Hashem loves me. 2. Hashem is with me, wherever I may be. And He is always ready to help me. 3. Hashem is stronger and cleverer then anyone in the world. And He can find solutions to any problem there is – even if it may seem impossible. 4. Hashem knows what is best for me, better even than I myself can know. 5. Just as He has helped me already numerous times on the path I travel, He shall help me again. 6. No one can do anything at all to help me or harm me, besides Hashem who controls everything over the entire world. 7. The Master of the World desires and searches for ways to act with chesed – loving kindness more than the nicest, kindest person you could ever imagine.

והבוטח בה' חסד יסובבנהו!!!

Ein lonu al mi l'hishoein ela al Avinu Shebashomayim There is no one we can rely on – only on our Father in heaven.

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A Tzaddik, or righteous person, makes everyone else appear righteous before Hashem by advocating for them and finding their merits. - Kedushas Levi, Parshas Noach (Bereishis 7:1) Parshas Chukas CHASSIDUS ON THE PARSHA

Understand How Lofty And Holy Our Words Can Be

Take the staff and gather the people, you and Aharon your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes and it will give forth its waters. Take out water for them from the rock and give them and their flock to drink…And Moshe and Aharon gathered the people toward the rockface and said to them, “Hear now, you rebels, shall we draw forth water for you from this rock?” (20:8–10)

The Apta Rav points out something fascinating regarding our pasuk. He begins by asking some questions, such as: What difference did it make when drawing forth water from a cold, hard stone whether the water was drawn through speaking to it or through striking it with a staff? Wasn’t there a Kiddush Hashem through the miracle of a stone giving water even when it was struck blows by the staff, so why did Hashem say they failed to sanctify the Divine Name? What does the pasuk mean by saying that the rock will give forth “its waters”? It sounds as if somehow the rock had water already naturally within it. Finally, in pasuk 10, what does the term el pnei hasela – “rockface” – describe?

- 1 of 51 - In order to answer these questions the Apta Rav points out that sela is written with the letters samech, lamed and ayin, which in turn are all written out into three letters: samech is written samech, mem, chaf. Lamed is spelled lamed, mem, dalet and ayin is spelled ayin, yud, nun. The middle letters of all the names of the three letters that spell sela spell mayim – “water”. You take a mem from samech, a mem from lamed and a yud from ayin. Thus, we see that within the rock there was indeed water hidden – in the form of the letters that spell mayim! The rock is a hard, cold, physical object but the letters that spell its name have their root source in refined, spiritual lights. This is how Moshe drew out mayim from sela, water from the rock.

The pnei hasela is the inside of the rockface; it refers to the letters that spell sela rather than latent energy and power found within it, which is the mayim.

Moshe was angered by the fact that the people were unable to connect to the level of ayin, the lofty level where all things come together and each individual becomes botel to the greater group. Moshe misunderstoodHashem ’s command to gather the people together. He thought this meant that once together they could reach this lofty level of ayin and bitul. This is why he was angered when they failed to do so and he called them morim, asking them, “Will we draw out the mayim [the latent energy] from this rock?”

Because Moshe was angered, he erred and then struck the rock twice. The first time knocked off the first three letters from sela: samech, lamed and ayin. The second blow struck off the final letters kaf, dalet and nun, leaving only the mem, mem and yud, which spells mayim – water.

The Apta Rav cites the Medrash in the Yalkut (Chukas #763), where Chazal tell us that the very staff that Moshe used was the same one that Yaakov held as he crossed the Yarden. What is the significance of this comment?

When Hashem told Moshe to take the staff he thought it meant to strike the stone. Had Moshe done what Hashem said and spoken to the sela, then something greater would have happened.

The Apta Rav explains that when a great Tzaddik is attached to Hashem, the Tzaddik’s speech has the power to draw forth abundant blessings from nature and from sources where it is latent. However, Moshe erred and struck the rock, because the staff was Yaakov’s and he had crossed the Yarden with it Chazal[ say it had Hashem’s Name inscribed on it]. The staff had special powers and Moshe assumed that the Shem Hashem

- 2 of 51 - on the staff was what was to draw out the latent waters from the rock rather than his refined, holy speech.

This was Moshe’s sin. Because he was angered and struck the rock, Klal Yisrael failed to see the power of speech and failed to learn this lesson. Had they learned the secret of refined, elevated speech, they too would sanctify their mouths. We can all reach this lofty level if we guard our tongues and lips and do not blemish them with sin and forbidden speech, rather attaching them to the source of truth.

Instead, they said to themselves, “Moshe could bring water from a dry stone because he used a magical staff. We do not have access to such powers and so only he can do that. But really even any one who sanctifies his speech could draw forth water and latent energy even from a dry stone with holy words spoken in purity and sanctity. There was a failure to teach them this lesson and so their emuna was lowered and their understanding of speech blemished.

May Hashem grant us the insight to understand just how lofty and holy our words can be!

'And You Shall Speak To The Stone' (20:8)

The holy Ropshitzer taught that when Hashem told Moshe to strike the stone He was telling him to use the gematria format called striking – hako’a, where the letters are multiplied by each other. The Arizal teaches us in this Parsha that the word sela, spelled samech, lamed, ayin is equal to the gematria of Hashem’s name through hako’a.

Hashem’s name is spelled yud and hei and vov and hei. When you use hako’a you multiply the gematria value of each letter with the next one. Here, we multiply yud by hei, hei times yud, vov times hei and hei times vov [10x5=50 5x10=50 6x5=30 5x6=30 ] and this equals one hundred and sixty, the same numerical value as sela. Samech=60 + lamed=30 + ayin=70 = 160.

This is what is meant that the sela would give forth its waters. It means that the Chassidim of the Divine Name latent within it would be drawn out. Moshe erred and believed that to do this required striking the rock so that hako’a would cause the gematria of sela to be equal to the Divine Name of Hashem. However, there are Tzaddikim whose power of speech can achieve the same results as a forceful blow, which is an action rather than just speech. Moshe’s speech could have achieved this but he

- 3 of 51 - mistakenly thought he needed to act, because he was so humble that he did not believe his speech had such a power. However, he was on such a lofty level that he could have acted on speech alone.

The Para Aduma Alludes To Harsh Judgements And Their Cleansing

“A red heifer that never carried a yoke” (19:2).

The Ohr HaChaim points out that all the different aspects of the Pora Aduma allude to different aspects of harsh judgments. The fact that the pora must be a red heifer, for example, alludes to din, because the color red symbolizes dinim. The fact that the pora must be temima, entirely red with even just two black hairs rendering it unfit for use (Mishna Maseches Pora 2:5) and requiring that even the extremities such as the horns and hooves must also be red and not black and surely not white, all these hint at the overwhelming emphasis on harsh judgment.

In addition, the Halocha that the Pora must never have carried any burden also alludes to dinim, because, explains the Ohr HaChaim, carrying a burden is a sweetening and easing of judgment. This is the deeper meaning behind the statement of Chazal in Berochos 5a, that pain and suffering [like carrying a heavy burden] ease and atone for all a man’s iniquities. The Halocha that the pora must be burned in the fire also alludes to din, since fire represents dinim. When all the aforementioned aspects and allusions to dinim are gathered together in one pora and that pora is now burned in fire, this chases away all forms of impurity that had been attached to a dead body [which the ashes of the pora purify].

The Ohr HaChaim cites the Sifri Zuta and the ruling of the Rambam Hilchos Pora 1:1 that we may not use an eigel (a calf) or raise one until it is old enough to be a pora. The deeper meaning of this Halocha is also because of the allusion to dinim which we seek to cleanse, purify and burn away into ash, because the word Pora alludes to the gematria of the mystical numerical value of the Par: 280 dinim, as explained by the Arizal. We are therefore commanded to take the animal only when it is old enough to be named a pora and not an eigel, because we want her proper name to allude to the Par Dinim and have an equivalent gematria value to them.

Praises for the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh

- 4 of 51 - Mora De’Ara De’Yisrael

From the time that the Belzer Rebbe, Rav Aharon of Belz, moved to Eretz Yisrael, he never recited tachanun on the Yahrzeit of the Ohr HaChaim on the fifteenth of Tammuz. The reason for this was that the Ohr HaChaim was Mora De’Ara De’Yisrael, the Master and chief Rav of Eretz Yisrael.

Stories on the Parsha

The Journey To Eretz Hakodesh

When the tzaddik, the Shinover Rav, reached the age of sixty-four, he went into self- imposed exile. He decided to undertake the long, arduous journey to the Holy Land, and thereby to warn the kohanim not to defile themselves with ritual impurity by visiting kivrei tzaddikim, a mission he saw as his responsibility as a master of halacha.

The Divrei Yechezkel spent some twelve months on his journey, setting out in the summer ,Before he climbed the gangplank to board the boat in Constantinople .תרכ"ט of the year he received a letter from his father, the Divrei Chaim. Knowing his father’s misgivings about his journey, and fearing that the letter contained a missive that would prevent his setting out on the trip (if it contained an outright command that would obligate him because of kibbud av to forgo the journey), he tucked the unopened letter away to be read at some later time.

During the sea journey, he attracted the attention of one of the wealthy seamen who recognized the tzaddik’s holiness and realized that he was a Jew of great stature. He subsequently wrote the Shinover a letter of recommendation that would be useful when he landed as a newcomer in the Holy Land. The rav would be able present the endorsement to those who could help support him and his cause. Secure in these thoughts, he continued his journey with comfortable anticipation. Soon, however, the Shinover felt his tefillos were compromised because of the letter and the false security it

- 5 of 51 - brought. He attributed his lack of devotion and concentration in his prayers to his having relied on human help instead of trusting in Hashem alone. These thoughts plagued him until he tossed the seaman’s letter overboard.

A similar incident occurred when one of his wealthy supporters gave him a valuable promissory note which could be cashed against the debt owed for a hefty sum. This too was discarded when the Divrei Yechezkel felt that reliance on the material world interrupted his spiritual devotions. Upon arrival, the tzaddik traveled to our avos in Chevron. While he was there, a letter arrived from Rav Elozor Mendel of Lelov. The emissary who brought the letter was astonished to see that it was written with seemingly no order; it contained just random letters of the alef-bais. But the Shinover Rav read the letter and remarked that if a tzaddik can compose such a wondrous letter, he must meet him in Yerushalayim without delay. The very next day, he left Chevron and set out for Yerushalayim.

That year, a plague was decimating the population, but as soon as the Shinover Rav entered the city’s holy gates, the plague ceased. The Shinover stayed with Rav Elozor Mendel of Lelov in his home and together they visited the great mekubalim and tzaddikim of Yerushalayim-- especially the tzaddik and mechaber of Shemen Sasson on the Zohar. While he was in Chevron, he greatly wished to daven at Meoras Hamachpela, but the Muslims prevented it. In order to bypass them, the Shinover and the Lelover disguised themselves as Arab Muslims and attempted to blend in to the local crowd and evade detection. It almost worked. They entered the Meora unhindered, but as they came closer to the site of the avos, they were seized with overwhelming fear and awe, and fled.

From Yerushalayim, the Shinover made his way to Tzefas where the Tzaddik and Chassid, Rav Shmuel Heller, a descendant of the Tosafos Yom Tov, served as chief Rav. The Shinover slept near Teveria and continued on his way toward Tzefas. All the city came out to greet him, but waited long hours in anticipation for the arrival of the caravan he was traveling with. When they finally arrived long after expected, they asked the guide what had held them up. He told them how the Shinover Rav stopped by one hills to daven. He was in such a state of dveikus that he remained in prayer for many hours on the site. Rav Shmuel Heller then explained what attraction that hill had had for the Shinover Rav:

Tradition has it that hidden on that particular hill is the location where the efer pora --the ashes of the red heifer used to ritually purify the kohanim for avodas haMikdosh. The story goes that once an Arab dug there and discovered a golden pot filled with ashes. He

- 6 of 51 - coveted the treasure and took it home. That night, a magnificent vision appeared to him in his dream. A tall, fearsome-looking Jew ordered him to return the vessel to its proper place:

“This golden pot is full of the holy ashes of the pora aduma. You must rebury it,” the apparition commanded.

The Arab took no heed even after the dream recurred several times. Finally, the Jew warned that the Arab’s children would die one by one as long as the pot remained in his possession. Again, the Arab paid no heed until the last of his children mysteriously died. Then the Arab himself fell sick and with his last ounces of strength, he reburied the ashes and tried to keep the gold pot. Only when he felt he was close to death himself did he reinter the golden pot with the ashes of the pora aduma there on that hill. And that is the spot to which the tzaddik was drawn. He felt its vibrations and this is where he davened!

Another tradition has it that while in Tzefas, the Shinover encountered one of the thirty- six hidden tzaddikim. When he was in the mikvah on erev Shabbos, he noticed someone immersing in a unique manner. He tried to follow him, but the Jew moved quickly and was out of sight before he could speak with him. Even when the Shinover inquired after his address, he discovered that the lamed-vovnik could not be found; the elusive figure had packed up his family and possessions that very day and moved to nearby Biriya! Even when the Divrei Yechezkel attempted to follow him to the Biryia on motzei Shabbos, the hidden tzaddik had run away and the Shinover never found him or discovered who he was.

The Shinover had wanted to travel from Tzefas to Meron for Lag BaOmer. Before the trip, he opened the letter from his father and found that it included a command that he not visit Meron. This turned out to be great hashgocha protis for it was discovered that a bandits lay in wait to capture him during that journey and then ransom him. he traveled again to Yerushalayim and stayed there until the date תר"ל In the summer of of the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh’s yahrzeit, in order to daven at his tziyun.

When he returned to Tzefas, he perceived that from Shomayim he was meant to return to Europe. He traveled to the Yaffo port to board a ship home.

Upon his return, he found a group of Chassidim sitting in discussion. When asked what they were talking about, they admitted to discussing why the Shinover worked so hard to

- 7 of 51 - have the sefer, Ohr HaChama printed. This sefer, which the Shinover had discovered in a handwritten manuscript while in Yerushalayim, was written by the Mekubol Rav Avrohom Azulai, chief rav of Chevron and one of the forebears of the Chida.

“Yes,” remarked the tzaddik, “printing that sefer was one achievement of mine during that journey; but my real reasons for going…well, let’s just say that they will be revealed only with the arrival of Moshiach.” (Divrei Yechezkel pp. 10–12)

Gedolim Be'misasm Yoser

Yahrzeits For Parshas Chukas

Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam Klausenberger Rebbe, Shefa Chaim (Tammuz 9)

- 8 of 51 - managed to escape over the border.

On March 19, 1944 the Nazis began the deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz, which is where the Rebbe’s wife and 11 children were gassed together with the 12,000 Jews that were gassed every day. The Rebbe

Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam was born in 1905 himself kept all of his halachic stringencies, in in Rudnik, Poland. He was a great-grandson of spite of the inhuman conditions. Not only would the Divrei Chaim, Rav Chaim Halberstam, zy’a. he refrain from eating any non-kosher food, he When Yekusiel Yehuda was 13 his father passed would even make sure to eat bread- only if he away. Growing up, he learned primarily by the could first wash his hands. For his fellow Munkatcher Rebbe, Rav Chaim Elazar Shapiro. prisoners he told them that they must eat At 16, he married his second cousin, Chana whatever they can get their hands on. He Teitelbaum. There was no money available for constantly assured them that Hashem was with them to secure a place for them to settle so them and He would never abandon them. they moved in with her parents for the next 6 years. At the young age of 22, his relative, Rav For decades, the Klausenberger Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rav, urged him to Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam, zy’a, delivered accept the rabbanus of Klausenberg, Romania. shiurim on Chumash in which he incorporated brilliant chiddushim and demonstrated his

Already at that young age, his ahavas Yisroel, encyclopedic Torah knowledge. Those shiurim wisdom, wit and inviting personality made him often included a wealth of fascinating stories, beloved to the community. For the next 16 some of which he heard from his father or years as his family grew to 11 children, Rav originated with his great-grandfather, the Yekusiel Yehuda was completely dedicated to Divrei Chaim of Sanz. We are pleased to share his kehilla while at the same time making some of these stories with our chosheve remarkable personal advances. He ate very Monsey Mevaser readers. little during the week and he often slept little more than 3 hours a night, dozing off on a The Klausenberger Rebbe, also known as the bench in shul as he was learning through the ‘Shefa Chaim’, was a master storyteller. He had night. He also started a cheder for the local a unique ability to rivet his audience even as he children to learn ‘al Taharas Hakodesh.’ recounted stories that they had heard many times already. And it wasn’t only the stories

Although the Yidden of Hungary and Romania that were fascinating; it was also the lessons he did not feel the immediate brunt of the Nazi derived from them, the way he presented them, cruelty until 1944, Rav Yekusiel Yehuda greatly the timing of each anecdote and the reason that involved himself in helping the refugees who he chose to share it.

- 9 of 51 - The Rebbe was a spiritual giant who lived through unfathomable suffering during the Holocaust, in which he lost his entire family, and went on to become the very embodiment of the concepts of survival and rebirth. He played a pivotable role in rebuilding the Torah world after the war. His shiurim on Chumash are published today in kuntresim that are distributed throughout the world on a weekly basis. Each publication, which consists of only a Born: 1924, (5684), Halab Syria few pages, encompasses a veritable world-in- Died: 1985 (5745), Israel, 1985 its-own-right, with contents ranging from mussar messages to words of encouragement He authored the sefer Torat ha'Tikkunim - תורת - התיקונים ויבא עד- and hope, along with remarkable chiddushim VaYavo Ad Chevron חברון on the parsha and fascinating stories. Some of the stories are parables, while others are The mekubalim Rav Mordechai Sharabi and edifying true anecdotes concerning theRav Yitzchak Kaduri testified that he was one of tzadikim of earlier generations, particularly the the "36 hidden Righteous" of his generation! Rebbe’s own illustrious forebearers. Not many are familiar with Rav Shlomo Dayan, who passed away on 9 Tammuz 5745. Rav Yisroel Safrin, author. As featured in The Mordechai Sharabi testified about him that he Monsey Mevaser- 'Monsey Personalities' series. was one of the “thirty-six righteous in our generation.” Most of the time Rav Dayan Rav Yosef Shlomo Dayan Baal haTikkunim maintained the front of a humble, private (Tammuz 9) person. He wore simple clothes which covered up his exalted personality. He was a noble soul put in a holy body that was well camouflaged by his plain dress. Only a few knew a little of his greatness, because he took precautions to conceal himself.

Rav Dovid Lipschitz Suvalker Rav (Tammuz 9)

Rav Dovid Lipschitz, president of Ezras Torah welfare program in the US, and Dean of Yeshiva Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchonon

- 10 of 51 - (1906-1993). Known as the "Suvalker Rav," he Temimah. was born in Minsk, but moved to Grodno as a child, where he later studied in Yeshivas Shaar Rav Yaakov Temirlish (Safra D'tzniusa D'Yaakov) (Tammuz 9) Hatorah of Rav Shimon Shkop. He transferred to the Mir yeshiva where he studied under R' Rav Yechiel Heschel of Krilavitz Eliezer Yehuda Finkel and Rav Yerucham (Tammuz 9) Levovitz. At age 24, he married Zipporah Chava Rav Yosef Leifer (Tammuz 9) Yoselewitz and two years later, in 1935, he Rav Yitzchok Goldberger (Av Beis Din succeeded his father-in-law as rabbi of Suvalk, of Nanash) (Tammuz 9) a title he carried for the rest of his life. One-half of Suvalk's 6,000 Jews (including the Lifshitz Rav Zalman Sorotzkin (Lutzker Rav, Oznayim L'Torah) (Tammuz 9) family) escaped to Lithuania. In June 1941, Rav Lifschitz arrived in San Francisco on a boat Rav Moshe Chevroni (Rosh Yeshivas that carried several other leading sages. Rav Chevron, Mas'eis Moshe) (Tammuz 9) Lifschitz's first position was in the USA was in Rav Eliezer of Neishtat (Tammuz 10) Chicago, but he soon moved to Yeshivas Rav Shlomo Aryeh Leib of Titshin Rabbienu Yitzchak Elchanan (the rabbinical (Hachonas Lev L'Tefilla) (Tammuz 10) school of what later became Yeshiva University), where he remained for the rest of Rav Eliezer Yisroel Mordechai Efraim Fishel Sofer (Av Beis Din of Aisha, Zichron his life. A small number of his shmuessen were Sofrim) (Tammuz 10) printed posthumously under the title Tehilah Le'Dovid. Rav Binyomin Levy of Smyrna (Tammuz 10)

Rav Shlomo Aharon Wertheimer Rav Mendel Falik (Tammuz 9) (Tammuz 10)

Rav Mendel Falik (2007). Born in Paterson, Rav Tzvi Hirsch Eichenstein Rav Hirsh New Jersey, his family moved to Brooklyn when Ziditchover, Ateres Tzvi (Tammuz 11) he was eleven years old so that he could have a proper chinuch. He attended Yeshiva Torah Founder of the Zidichov dynasty. He was a Vodaas until the age of 15, when his parents talmid of Rav Moshe Leib of Sassov, Rav sent their ben yachid to the Yeshiva ofMenachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Kozhnitzer Philadelphia. He then went to Bais Medrash Maggid and the Chozeh of Lublin. His younger Govoah. After several years, he moved to St. brother was Rav Moshe of Samvor. Among Rav Louis, to begin his career as a marbitz Torah. Tzvi Hirsh's disciples were such famed tzadikim For close to forty years, Rav Mendel was a as Rav Yitzchak Isaac of Komarna, Rav Tzvi mechanech par excellence. For most of those Elimelech of Dinov (the Bnei Yisaschar), Rav years, he was a rebbi in Yeshiva TorahYitzchak Isaac of Zidichov, Rav Shimon of

- 11 of 51 - Yaruslav, and Rav Shalom of Kaminka. Yeshiva. After the Soviet Union collapsed, the new Kishinev Yeshiva was established in the building of the old one. Rav Yehuda Leib Tzirelson (Tammuz 11)

In 5680/1920, having a fluent knowledge of the Rav Yehuda Leib Tzirelson was born on the Romanian language, Rav Yehuda Leib was 28th of Kislev, 5620/1859, in Kozelets,elected to represent the Jews of Bessarabia in Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine. He was the son of the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest. By Rav Moshe Chaim, Rav of Kozelets. 5682/1922, Rav Yehuda Leib was the only Bessarabian Jewish representative in the He learned under Rav Yisrael Noachparliament. Rav Yehuda Leib tried to warn Schneerson, the son of the Tzemach Tzedek of about growing anti-Semitism in Romania, but Lubavitch, who gave him semicha. the delegates refused to publish his speeches in the parliament periodical. As a result, he An iluy, he was appointed Rav of Priluki when resigned from parliament in 5686/1926. he was just nineteen. At that time, he began writing for periodicals in Hebrew, Yiddish, and In 5680/1920 Rav Yehuda Leib established the Russian on ongoing Jewish issues, mostly of a Agudas Yisrael branch in Kishinev, which later political nature. In 5668/1908 he became Rav became autonomous. of Kishinev. Rav Yehuda Leib chaired the Knessia Gedola of In 5671/1911 he was one of the three hundred Agudas Yisrael twice: in 5683/1923, when he prominent Russian Rabbonim who signed a strongly supported Rav Meir Shapiro’s letter defending Mendel Beilis against an anti- innovation, the Daf Yomi, and again in Semitic blood libel. That same year he received 5689/1929. the title Honorary Citizen of the Russian Empire. After the Soviet annexation of Bessarabia and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Rav Yehuda Leib Rav Yehuda Leib was among the core group of was labeled by the Communist-backed leaders and Rabbonim who laid the foundation newspapers as an anti-Soviet agent. Despite for the Agudas Yisrael movement in Katowicz in this, he did not forsake his responsibilities. 5672/1912. He was named to the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. On the 11th of Tammuz, 5701/1941, Rav Yehuda Leib was killed in the first bombardment of In 5678/1918, Bessarabia became part of Kishinev by German forces. He was sixty-one. Romania, and Rav Yehuda Leib was named chief Rav of Bessarabia. He developed a Jewish He was buried in the old cemetery in Kishinev. educational system from kindergarten through Later, in 5711/1951, when the local authorities

- 12 of 51 - planned to construct train tracks over the At two years of age, he lost his father, and his cemetery, the kevarim were emptied and the mother married Rav Chaim Zev Yaffe, a meisim were reinterred near the memorial for descendant of Rav Mordechai Yaffe, the the many Jews killed in Kishinev. Levush. Rav Chaim Zev raised the boy as his own child. Rav Yehuda Leib wrote severalseforim , including many teshuvos: She’eilos U’Teshuvos When Rav Eliyohu Boruch was ten years old, Atzei Levanon, on all four sections of Shulchon his step-grandfather Rav Tzvi, Rav in Shkod, Oruch; Hegyon Lev; Maarchei Lev, his drashos; was niftar. Rav Chaim Zev was named Rav in and Lev Yehuda, on halocha. his stead, and the family moved to Shkod.

Zecher tzaddik livrachah. Hashem yinkom At the age of seventeen, Rav Eliyohu Boruch damo. married and settled in Shkod. www.hamodia.com/features/day-history-11-tam In 5628/1868, Rav Chaim Zev was niftar, and muzjuly-9/ Rav Eliyohu Boruch was named his successor as Rav. Rav Yitzchok Chayos (Apei Ravrevi) (Tammuz 11) In 5638/1878, Rav Eliyohu Boruch visited Brisk, Rav Aharon Moshe Toibish (Karnei where he met Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, who, Re'em) (Tammuz 11) after talking with him in learning, attested that Rav Elchonon Bunim Wasserman Rav Eliyohu Boruch was one of the Torah giants (Kovetz Shiurim) (Tammuz 11) of the generation.

Rav Shlomo Chaim Perlow of Balchov (Mikdash Shlomo) (Tammuz 11) At that time, the kehilla of Karlin asked Rav Yosef Dov to suggest a suitable Rav for them, Rav Avrohom Damesek of Cracow and he suggested Rav Eliyohu Boruch. He was (Avnei Kodesh) (Tammuz 11) Rav in Karlin for seven years. Rav Shmuel 'Shmelke' Pinter (Bukovsker Rebbe) (Tammuz 11) Later, Rav Eliyohu Boruch served as Rav in Weckshna for three years, and then in Rav Eliyohu Boruch Kamai Mirrer Rosh Tchnovtzi until 5659/1899, when he was Yeshiva (Tammuz 12) appointed Ra”m in Mir, alongside Rav Eliyohu Dovid Rabinowitz Te’umim, the Aderes, who Rav Eliyohu Boruch Kamai was born inwas Rav in the city. 5600/1840. His father, Rav Avrohom, was a grandson of Rav Avrohom, the brother of the In 5661/1901, the Aderes moved to Eretz Vilna Gaon. Yisrael and Rav Eliyohu Boruch then became

- 13 of 51 - Rav of Mir, where he stayed for the rest of his where he was one of the leadingtalmidei life. chachamim. Later he moved to Drohovitch, the city of his father-in-law. Rav Eliyohu Boruch was niftar on the 12th of Tammuz 5677/1917, at the age of seventy- Rav Yitzchok Leib was wealthy, a fact which he seven. He was then in Minsk, where he had utilized for the good of his brethren. gone for the summer, and he was buried in Minsk. Many thousands participated in the In 5647/1887, following the petirah of his uncle levaya, among them the Gedolei HaDor. Rav Shimon Sofer, Rav of Cracow, Rav Yitzchok Leib was appointed Rav in his place. Zecher tzaddik livrachah. All his life he worked to raise the honor and www.hamodia.com/features/day-history-12-tam prestige of the Torah and those who learn it, at muzjuly-10/ the same time waging a war against those who sought to uproot traditional Yiddishkeit. Rabbeinu Yaakov (Baal Haturim) (Tammuz 12) In 5651/1891, when Rav Yitzchok Aharon Rav Eliyohu Yosef of Dribin (Oholei Ittinger, Rav of Lvov, was niftar, Rav Yitzchok Yosef) (Tammuz 12) Leib was appointed to the prestigious post of Rav Chaim Hakohen (Rabbeinu Chaim Nasi of Eretz Yisrael in Poland. Hakohen) (Tammuz 12) Rav Yitzchok Leib was known for his open Rav Menachem Mendel Schick (Av Beis Din of Siksa, Yishrash Yaakov) house. He was always available to help his (Tammuz 12) brethren, most notably those who were most in need, orphans and widows. Rav Yehuda (Leib) Sofer Kesav Sofer (Tammuz 13) His son Rav Avrohom Chaim Dovid succeeded him as Rav. He also left two sons-in-law: Rav

Rav Yitzchok Leib Sofer, born on the 24th of Elul Akiva Sofer, Rav of Pressburg (son of Rav 5608/1848, was the son of Rav Avrohom Simcha Bunim Sofer, the Shevet Sofer), and Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, the Ksav Sofer, son of Rav Avrohom Freidiger,Rosh Hakahal in the Chasam Sofer. He learned in the famed Budapest. Yeshiva of his father. He wrote two sefarim: Shem MiShimon, his

In 5628/1868, he married the daughter of the hesped for his uncle Rav Shimon Sofer, and naggid Rav Dovid Lindenbaum fromSofer Mahir, a collection of his chiddushim on Drohovitch. For a few years after his marriage Shas. he continued to learn in his father’s Yeshiva,

- 14 of 51 - Rav Yitzchok Leib was niftar on the 13th of Tammuz 5667/1907 at the age of fifty-eight. Rav Yitzchok Isaac Rosenbaum Zutshka Rebbe or Zutchke Rebbe, Nachlas Yitzchok (Tammuz 14) Zecher tzaddik livrachah. www.hamodia.com/features/day-history-13-tam muzjuly-11/

Rav Aryeh Leib Halevi (Baal Hapardes, Or Hashonim) (Tammuz 13)

Rav Mordechai of Koritz (Tammuz 13)

Rav Mordechai of Kremnitz (Tammuz 13)

Rav Mordechai Rosenberg (Av Beis Din of Tertzel, Ateres Mordechai) (Tammuz 13)

Rav Yoel Segal Pelner (Av Beis Din of Ohel) (Tammuz 13)

Rav Chaim Hakohen Rapaport (Av Beis Din of Lvov) (Tammuz 13)

Rav Dovid Twersky (Rachmastrivka Rebbe) (Tammuz 13) Son of Rav Isaamar and Malka Rosenbaum of Nadworna

תרס ''וRav Yitzchok Isaac was born on 21 Teves in Czernowitz Bukowina.

Rav Yitzchok Issac was just two years old when his grandfather Rav Meir Kretshnifer passed away. Nevertheless, he used to tell his family that the image of his holy grandfather's face was forever engraved in his mind.

Rav Yitzchok Isaac was named after his holy ancestor, Rav Yitzchok Isaac of Komarno.

Rav Yitzchok Isaac was not born with

- 15 of 51 - extraordinary talents or intellectual gifts. On He later described those younger years the contrary, when it came to learning, Torah recalling that after Bar Mitzvah he accepted study came with difficulty and there were many upon himself to complete no less than forty hurdles to overcome in his effort to succeed. blatt Gemara each week! It became a common Nonetheless, nothing stands in the way of sight that after studying for hours on end with desire. Enlisting his iron clad will he constantly no interruption, when he eventually did get up , beseeched his Father-in-Heaven to grant him a the chassidim or other visitors in his father s strong memory. These words poured out from bais medrash would take turns sitting in his his pure heart accompanied by many tears. chair, attempting to soak up the young Eventually, his perseverance bore fruit and he masmid's kedusha. The space that he vacated experienced an opening of his heart and mind. was now certainly saturated with lingering kedusha resulting from his extraordinary When it came toavodas Hashem, it was hasmada.. Following one such long stretch of abundantly clear that young Yitzchok Isaac was learning, he stepped out onto the porch to already a spiritual giant. When he learned alef- reinvigorate himself with some fresh air and bais, he reviewed the letters over and over sunlight. throughout the day until he was able to read and daven. He then reviewed the siddur until His mother saw him and declared: “Issac'il he knew all the davening by heart. have you nothing better to do with your precious time?” He applied the same determination to his early childhood learning. Any paragraph of Chumash Without mentioning the uninterrupted hours- (and later any chapter of Mishnayos) that was long seder he just completed, he turned around introduced to him, was reviewed and worked and went back inside for another lengthy on until he memorized them in their entirety. stretch of uninterrupted study! He would go from person to person in the bais medrash asking them if perhaps they could By the time he was a yungerman and ready to teach him just one Mishnah. Once hemarry he had completed the entire Shas and all understood what he had learned, the reviews four volumes of the Shulchan Aruch. His rebbe, began in earnest until he knew the material by the Czernowitzer Rav Rav Ben Tzion Katz heart. Some adults tried to dissuade him, tested him and was delighted to confer upon commenting that all his efforts would never him semichah. amount to anything significant, yet this failed to change his mind. While understandingHe married Chana, the daughter of Rav David anything new remained a difficult task, once he HaKohen Hollander, zt”l, the Rav of Amsana, succeeded to grasp what he was learning, the Galicia. After his marriage he served as Rav in impression it made was so strong that he never Voshkovitz for two years before moving to forget it again. Zutchka.

- 16 of 51 - He experienced many miracles during the drank the customary hot drink. As he sipped his Holocaust, often marvelling at how he was able hot tea, the tzadik recited the salient words of to save all his children, some of whom had been Chazal and Rashi: "chamin b’motzai Shabbos captured by the Nazis. melugma,” and Rashi’s explanation that hot liquids are a remedy or cure. After World War II, in 5707/1947, he published his first sefer, Hameoros Hagedolim. Soon Then he added: "Refuas hanefesh verefuas afterwards he settled in Boro Park, where he haguf - they heal both the body and the soul." lived until 1973. One of the Alter Zutshka Rebbe’s segulos that The Zutchker Rebbe took it upon himself to is, tried and tested as true, according to his fight Shabbos desecration in the neighborhood. grandson Rav Shlomo the Zutshka Rebbe of Each Friday he would approach JewishYerushalayim was to prescribe that any sick storeowners and beg them to close their stores person should drink a hot drink such as coffee on Shabbos. or tea and wash in warm water. Taking a warm bath, he explained in the name of the Rebbe After the petirah of his father, who had settled Reb Heschel gets the blood circulation going in Tel Aviv after the war, Reb Yitzchak Isaac and the blood flows to the luz bone. moved to Eretz Yisrael to take over his father’s beis medrash. The Tur and Beis Yosef cite the Shibolei Leket: "There is a limb found in man named the In 5741/1981, he opened his ownbeis niskoy, which remains intact until the medrash in Bnei Brak and eventually launched resurrection. Even after all the bones have a project called Shoneh Halachos to encourage decomposed, this limb remains. This limb the study of hilchos Shabbos. derives its sole nourishment from the seudah of Melava Malka. Therefore, we eat on motzaei The Zutchker Rebbe’s door was always open. Shabbos to nourish this limb. He refused to restrict his reception hours. On Sunday evening, 14 Tammuz, he felt ill and was Since this limb did not participate in the sin, it taken to Laniado Hospital in Netanya, where he wasn't punished and doesn't decompose. (This was niftar early Monday morning. is cited by the Pri Megadim.)

His Segulos: The luz bone (or niskoy) did not benefit from the sin of etz hadaas, and so it was not included Hot Drinks And Washing With Warm Water when Chava was cursed that she should bear On Motzaei Shabbos children in pain. The luz bone is only nourished from the Seudas Melaveh Malka. On motzai Shabbos the Zutshka Rebbe sat and

- 17 of 51 - The Alter Zutshka concluded, “if the luz can reconstruct the entire body and heal it for the Rav Mordechai Atiya Rosh Yeshivas haChaim veHaShalom (Tammuz 14) resurrection of techiyas hameisim, surely it can heal just one limb or organ of that body as well!”

Rav Shlomo Giterman of Savran (Tammuz 14)

תרנ"ח others say 1898 ה'תרנ"ו Born 20 Cheshvan in Chaleb Syria. He moved with his parents to He succeeded his father Rav Moshe Tzvi Yerushalayim, and was orphaned at a young Giterman as Savraner Rebbe in Chechelnik age. During the Israeli war for independence he where he passed away 14 Tammuz 5608 (1848) returned to Syria where he married his wife and was laid to rest in the same Ohel as Simchah (Allegra) in 1920 and in 1922 he תר"ח his father. moved to Mexico City where he headed the Syrian kehilah Rodfei Tzedek. In 1936 he returned to Jerusalem citing his children's chinuch as his main reason for the move. In 1967 he established Yeshivas haChaim veHaShlom for the study of Kabbalah. His yeshivah published the most authoritative texts in Kitvei haArizal during its time. Rav Mordechai passed away on 14 Tammuz, .and was laid to rest on Har haZeisim ,ה'תשל"ח His son and successor Eliyahu served as Rosh Yeshivah and after his passing the grandson and namesake Rav Mordechai Atiya Shlita succeeded his father and he currently serves as the Rosh Yeshivah.

- 18 of 51 - Finkel (the Alter) and Rav Moshe Mordechai תרנ"ח others say 1898 ה'תרנ"ו Born 20 Cheshvan in Chaleb Syria. He moved with his parents to Epstein. Among his colleagues in Slobodka Yerushalayim, and was orphaned at a young were Rav Reuven Grozovsky; Rav Ruderman's age. During the Israeli war for independence he first cousin, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky; Rav returned to Syria where he married his wife Aharon Kotler; Rav Yitzchak Hutner; In 1926, Simchah (Allegra) in 1920 and in 1922 he Rav Ruderman published his only written work, moved to Mexico City where he headed the Avodas Halevi. In 1930, Rav Ruderman joined Syrian kehilah Rodfei Tzedek. In 1936 he his father-in-law, Rav Sheftel Kramer, at the returned to Jerusalem citing his children's latter's yeshiva in Cleveland. In 1933, Rav chinuch as his main reason for the move. In Ruderman moved to Baltimore and founded the 1967 he established Yeshivas haChaimNer Israel yeshiva, leading that yeshiva for 54 veHaShlom for the study of Kabbalah. His years until his passing. His death in 1987 yeshivah published the most authoritative texts followed less than one-and-a-half years after in Kitvei haArizal during its time. Ravthe passing of Rav Kaminetzky and Rav Moshe Mordechai passed away on 14 Tammuz,Feinstein. Posthumously, Rav Ruderman's and was laid to rest on Har haZeisim. students have published two volumes of his ,ה'תשל"ח His son and successor Eliyahu served as Rosh teachings: Sichos Levi contains mussar/ethical Yeshivah and after his passing the grandson insights based on the weekly parashah, while and namesake Rav Mordechai Atiya Shlita Mas'as Levi contains lectures on the 19th succeeded his father and he currently serves as century work Minchas Chinuch and other the Rosh Yeshivah. Tamudic and halachic insights.

Rav Chaim Avrohom of Bardiyov Rav Yaakov Halevi Ruderman Rosh (Divrei Avrohom) (Tammuz 14) Yeshiva Ner Yisroel Baltimore, Avodas Levi (Tammuz 14) Rav Pinchos Shapira of Slovita (Tammuz 14)

Yosef di Trani (Maharit) (Tammuz 14)

Rav Yaakov Halevi Ruderman, (1901-1987) Rosh Yesiva of Ner Israel, Baltimore. Born on Shushan Purim in 1901 in Dolhinov, Russia; studied in Yeshivas Knesset Yisrael in Slobodka, then headed by Rav Nosson Zvi

- 19 of 51 - Rabbi Meir of Fez, according to some accounts Rav Chaim Ibn Attar Ohr HaChaim the couple had several daughters, other HaKadosh (Tammuz 15) traditions say he never had any children from either of his wives.

After the Moroccon famine in 1738 he left for Algiers and then Livorno - Leghron, Italy. In Livorno he began preparing to move to Eretz Yisrael. In 1741 along with 30 of his talmidim he embarked for the Holy Land, arriving at the port of Acco, where they settled. He visited Kivrei Tzadikim and Rashbi in the Galilee and in 1742, they arrived in Yerusalayim, where he founded two yeshivot, one for niglah the “revealed” Torah and one for nistar the secrets and mysteries of Kabbalah.

His seforim includeChafetz Hashem, commentaries on Gemara,Pri Toar - on the Shulchan Aruch Yore Deah and his famed magnum opus Ohr HaHaim – his commentary on the Chumash. He also authored Rishon LeZion, a commentary on the Tanach.

Rabbeinu Chaim Ben Attar passed away at the age of 47, on 15 Tammuz, 5503 (1743) and was

Born in 1696 in Salé, Morocco. His father Rav laid to rest on Har HaZeisim. Moshe ben Attar named him after his His Segulos: grandfather, from whom he first learned Torah. In 1705, the family fled Salé for Meknès, where they lived in Chacham Moshe De Avila’s home. Segula To Receive Noam Kedushas Shabbos – The Pleasure And Delight Of The At age 11 he married Patsonia, his first wife, Sanctity Of Shabbos who was such a tzadekes she even wore a Tallis & Tefillin. He travelled across Morocco and When Rav Avrohom Elimelech of Karlin was in upon reaching Fez, he was appointed as Rosh America visiting his Chassidim, he told them to Yeshiva by Rav Shmuel Elbaz. Since he had had form groups and study together the holy sefer, no children, he married Esther, the daughter of the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh, each leil shishi

- 20 of 51 - (Thursday night). He explained that this is a Once, when Rav Pinchas Koritzer’s son was segula to receive noam kedushas Shabbos – the sick, he ordered him to study a page of Ohr pleasure and delight of the sanctity ofHaChaim each day as a segula for a refua Shabbos. sheleima. (Imrei Pinchos Shaar HaTorah #133)

Afterward, when he returned to Eretz Yisrael, Rav Avrohom Elimelech of Karlin-Stolin he confirmed that his Chassidim did indeed remarked, “Dem lernen Ohr HaChaim das iz a experience a greater, more pronounced delight segula zu heintige machlos – that studying the and sweetness ofkedushas Shabbos by sefer Ohr HaChaim is a segula against today’s learning the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh as he had diseases.” (Pri Yesha Aharon) instructed them. Rav Pinchas of Koritz said that keeping a copy Another Tzaddik also used to say that one of of the sefer Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh in one’s the ikorim – the primary principles of Avodas home was a segula for shemira – safeguarding Ho’Odom, serving Hashem on Shabbos Kodesh, the home. (Imrei Pinchas, Shaar HaTorah #53) is to study the sefer Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh. The reason he gave was that many Tzaddikim On different occasions, Tzaddikim remarked taught that the study of the Ohr HaChaim is that the sefer Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh is a beneficial to the soul, just like the study of the segula for zera shel kayoma – healthy children. holy Zohar, and since Shabbos is called Yoma The segula is to study the sefer on an ongoing DeNishmosa – a day of the soul, studying the basis on every Erev Shabbos, and this segula Ohr HaChaim is intimately bound up with the has been reported to be tried and true. There is sanctity of Shabbos Kodesh. (Shivchei Ohr also a segula to study on Leil HaSeder the HaChaim) portion of Ohr HaChaim on the pasuk in Shemos 13:8 Vehigad’ta levincha – “and you shall tell your son”, to merit having sons. Three Segulos - Refua, Shemira And Zera (Shivchei Ohr HaChaim) Shel Kayoma Some connect this segula with the mesora that Three Segulos – refua, * shemira * and zera Tzaddikim said the reason the Ohr HaChaim shel kayoma HaKodosh never had children was that he channeled all his creative efforts into his holy The Gedolei Yisrael recommended studying the sefer to give birth to novel concepts, insights Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh not only as a way to and chiddushim. Since all his power to produce be spiritually uplifted and for success in offspring was instead channeled into his sefer, material matters, but also for its manyit would make sense that it contains the segula wondrous segulos: for having children. (Rav Binyomin Mendelson, GAV”D Komemiyus, in the name of Rav Simcha

- 21 of 51 - Bunim of Ger – Libom Shel Yisrael) parshas Achrei Mos - Kedoshim.

Last week, after the Ohr HaChaim shiur here in (Kiymu veKiblua II, page 256 in the name of Beit Shemesh, the Maggid Shiur, the son of Rav Rav Chaim Halberstam). Nosson Nota Biderman of Lelov-Yerushalayim, told me how recently, two yungeleit here in Beit Shemesh, whom he knows personally, both Segula For Yiras Shamayim married for several years with no children, decided to try out this segula. They accepted Rav Yissachar Dov of Belz would tell all the upon themselves to study together bechavrusa young chassanim, the newly engaged young the sefer Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh every day men, to study the comments of theOhr after davening for ten minutes. After having HaChaim on VaYikra (18:3) Kemaasay Eretz done this for about a year, both of them where Mitzroyim."Az di vest das lernen yeden tog, B”H blessed with healthy children – zera shel vesti haben a hadracha vi azoy tzu firen nuch kayoma! der chasuna — if you study this," he explained to them, "than you will know how to conduct yourselves once you are married." A Holy Mouth It is a tradition among the tzaddikim that The Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh in Parshas studying the Ohr HaChaim is a segulah for Pinchas cites an amazing Alshich HaKodosh yiras shomayim. (Rav Yosef Greenwald of (Tetzaveh 28:31). Since there is no greater Pupa). sanctity than that of Torah, the mouth of a Torah scholar is sanctified as a keli shoreis – a The commentary of theOhr HaChaim on vessel used in the service of theBais parshas Achrei Mos especially VaYikra (8:13) HaMikdosh! This teaches us that the segula of Kemaasay Eretz Mitzroyim, is a source and sanctifying our mouths with Torah and avoiding fountain for drawing good character traits and forbidden speech as well as even mundane, idle yiras shomayaim. chatter, sanctifies the mouth, transforming it into a vessel for Divine Service – a keli shoreis (Rav Eliezer Zisha of Skulen) - Ner( Maarvi, for the Bais HaMikdosh! page 213).

Segula For Teshuva Segula For Zera Shel Kayama

It is a segulah that you will not leave this world The Amshinover Rebbe Shlit’a said that it is a without having repented and done teshuva to well-known tradition from tzaddikim that study the Ohr HaChaim's commentary to studying the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim

- 22 of 51 - on the pasuk VeHigadat LeVincha BaYom (Rav Avrohom of Slonim, Rav Sholom Noach of HaHu, on the Seder Night is asegulah for Slonim, Rav Shamshon Aharon of Teplick, Rav having zera shel kayama , children that will live Aharon Yehudah Leib Vilner of Sheeris haPleita and be healthy. & Kloizenberg) (Ner Maarvi, page 214).

Rav Yosef Meir of Spinka once showed Rav Dovid Sparber of Broshov a section in the Ohr Segula To Purify The Soul On Shabbos HaChaim and pointed out that it was a segulah for children. When this was told to Rav Simcha Because Shabbos is the Yoma DiNishmasa,day Bunim of Ger, the Rebbe said, “The entire Sefer of the soul and the study ofOhr HaChaim Ohr HaChaim is a segulah for having children, purifies the soul and refines it, it is therefore a it is well-known that he himself had no children segulah to study it on Shabbos. and so he put that power and energy investing it into the entire sefer. (Rav Dovid Moshe of Tshortkov) (Ner Maarvi, page 215). (Ner Maarvi, page 215).

Segula For Emunah Segula As Preparation For Shabbos

Rav Mordechai of Lechovitch and Rav Moshe Many Rebbes and Tzaddikim studied and Kobriner both told their talmidim to study the taught a shiur in Ohr HaChaim on Leil Shishi, Ohr HaChaim on Bereishis during the month of Thursday night, as a hachana, a preparation, Elul because it contained pure refined emunah for Shabbos Kodesh, including: Rav Moshe and faith. Yehoshua and Rav Yisrael of Vizhnitz; Rav Menachem Mendel of Deeshz; Rav Avrohom Rav Yochanan of Karlin said that theOhr Elimelech of Karlin HY”D; Rav Yochanan of HaChaim is a segulah for emunah, faith. Karlin who said, “besides the fact that it uplifts all who study it, it is a preparation for Shabbos (Ner Maarvi, page 215). and it is a segulah to uplift the spiritual levels for all who engage in learning theOhr

HaChaim, each according to their respective Rav Dovid Moshe Rosenbaum (Tammuz level,” and that “Az MiLernt Ohr HaChaim 15) HaKadosh Donerstog BeiNacht Hat Der Yedid Nefesh an underen ta'am! — If you study the holy Ohr HaChaim Thursday Night then your song Yedid Nefesh on Shabbos will have a different feel and flavor!"

- 23 of 51 - Rav Dovid Moshe Rosenbaum of Kretshnif (1969), son of Rav Eliezer Zev Rosenbaum and son-in-law of Rabbi Chaim Mordechai of Nadvorna. Lived in Rechovot.

Rav Dovid of Ostroh (Darkei Tzion) (Tammuz 15)

Rav Aryeh Leibush Halberstam (Father of the Divrei Chaim) (Tammuz 15)

Rav Elozor Weissblum of Reisha (Mishne Lemelech) (Tammuz 15)

Rav Yitzchok Tuvia Rubin of Sanz (Tammuz 15)

Rav Yaakov Moshe Safrin of Komarna (Zichron Kodesh) (Tammuz 15)

Rav Menashe Eichenstein of Veretzky (Alfei Menashe) (Tammuz 15)

Rav Mordechai Weinberg (Rosh Yeshiva of Montreal) (Tammuz 15)

Gedolim Be'Masayhem

STORIES & ANECDOTES

That He Should Be Like Shefa Chaim on Parshas Naso Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam Aharon Hakohen tov-shin-mem-daled] (also Klausenberger Rebbe, found in the kuntres Tav Shefa Chaim (Tammuz 9) Rav Yekusiel Yehuda of Sanz- Chaim as a prelude to certain Klausenberg told the following editions of the Chida’s sefer The Ohr Hachaim's Brocha story one Sholosh Seudos [see

- 24 of 51 - Shem HaGedolim): for a four-year stint when he her arguments to the Rav, the took up the post of Rav while Chida remembered the Although the Chida was he was in Egypt. Nonetheless, berocha he had received from counted among the younger of although he held no official the Ohr HaChaim, his Rebbe, the Ohr HaChaim’s talmidim, title or position, all the Jews all those years ago. still Rav Chaim ben Attar knew of his greatness and greatly admired him, drew him accorded him the honor and Turning to the insulting close and bestowed upon the respect due to a sage and woman, the Chida asked, Chida a special and unique Talmid Chochom, one of the “Please, I have just one berocha that from Heaven the Gedolim of the generation. request. Listen as I read aloud Chida should be sanctified to you a portion from the with the kedusha of Aharon One day, a community leader Parsha in the Torah.” HaKohen! came before the Chida and complained to him that his The arrogant woman At first the Chidawife had been seen alone in acquiesced to this one request misconstrued his Rebbe’s the company of another man. and stood still as the Chida meaning and thought he had “If this is so,” said the Chida, took out a Torah and began to been blessed with the ability “you must divorce her, give recite the Parsha of Naso to give berochos to Am Yisrael her a get and she loses any where the Torah describes the be’ahava just as Aharon and rights to collect her kesuba.” sota. As the Chida read the the Kohanim bless the Jewish pesukim the woman began to people. However, decades The Dayonim heard hisleave in the middle – but she later, the true meaning of this decision and were baffled; how did not escape in time, for just special berocha was revealed could he decide such a matter as she reached the stairs, the in the following amazing without any testimony or Chida concluded reading the manner: evidence? But they dared not Parsha of the sota, and no contradict his ruling. The sooner did he finish the last In his old age, the Chida Chida asked that the wife be words than she stopped with ended up in Leghorn, Italy, summoned to the place in the her foot resting on the step, which the Jews know as Bais Medrash where he sat while her face contorted and Livorno. He had refused the and studied, immersed in her eyes bulged out of their position of Rav again and Torah. The Chida tried to sockets. With a shriek she again, although the various persuade her gently and kindly collapsed and dropped dead. communities’ elders and to accept a get of divorce from Hearing her outcry, many leaders tried to have him take her husband, but the woman people rushed to the scene as up the post. Instead, the Chida was brazen and arrogant. She she breathed her last, and preferred to sit and learn answered the Rav back with witnessed this miraculous Torah uninterrupted except chutzpa and as she spat back event.

- 25 of 51 - The World Is Only A words of encouragement and “Some-time later, the Vestibule hope, along with remarkable chosson’s father learned about chiddushim on the parsha and yet another disturbing issue in The Klausenberger Rebbe, fascinating stories. Some of the kallah’s family, and he also known as the ‘Shefa the stories are parables, while complained to her father Chaim’, was a masterothers are edifying true again. Once again, the wealthy storyteller. He had a unique anecdotes concerning the man appeased his future ability to rivet his audience tzadikim of earliermechutan with a hefty even as he recounted stories generations, particularly the monetary payment. This that they had heard many Rrebbe’s own illustriouscontinued several times , as times already. And it wasn’t forebearers. the chosson’s father only the stories that were discovered more hidden flaws fascinating; it was also the Yisroel Safrin, author. As in the kallah’s family and lessons he derived from them, featured in The Monsey complained to her father, who the way he presented them, Mevaser- 'Monseyrepeatedly compensated him the timing of each anecdote Personalities' series. with large sums of money for and the reason that he chose each issue. One day the to share it. A Lucrative Shidduch chosson’s father remarked to a friend that his business hasn’t The Rebbe shared: “A The Rebbe was a spiritual been so successful for a while distinguished man once giant who lived through and he wished he could find a arranged a shidduch for his unfathomable suffering during few more apostates in his son with the daughter of a the Holocaust, in which he lost daughter-in-law’s family. his entire family, and went on wealthy family. A few days after the engagement was to become the very ''You see” the Rebbe sealed, he discovered that his embodiment of the concepts of continued: “some people find a future mechutan’s family survival and rebirth. He way to make business deals included an apostate. He played a pivotable role in aveiros; they complain about contacted the girl’s father and rebuilding the Torah world another person’s aveiros until complained that the shidduch after the war. His shiurim on they are promised a hefty sum had been finalized under false Chumash are published today of money and then, their pretenses, and announced his in kuntresim that are objections suddenly intention to cancel the distributed throughout the disappear.” This story was also shidduch. The kallah’s father world on a weekly basis. Each told in a drasha against the offered to pay a substantial publication, which consists of Reform movement, and while sum in exchange for allowing only a few pages, encompasses it was somewhat amusing, it is the shidduch to continue, and a veritable world-in-its-own- also highly unsettling. right, with contents ranging he relented. from mussar messages to

- 26 of 51 - Yisroel Safrin, author. As featured in The Monsey will seek the gehenom featured in The Monsey Mevaser- 'Monseyreserved for those that Mevaser- 'MonseyPersonalities' series. davened late. Then I will be Personalities' series. shown the gehenom where the In Gan Eden With A Wagon Ropshitzer Rebbe, the Chozeh Another Story Driver of Lublin and the Yid HaKadosh dwell, and I will Once, when the rebbe spoke The Rebbe once told this story hasten to join them, for it is harshly against the Reform to lighten the mood during a better to sit with those people movement during a shiur, he shiur. “The Yismach Moshe in Gehenom than to sit in Gan recounted something told to once rebuked his son-in-law Eden with the ordinary him by his brother-in-law, Rav for davening after the z’man people.” This, of course, is a Michoel Ber Weissmandl. Tefillah. Of course, great humorous response which is “Even when those empty Tzaddikim who davened after not meant to be taken as people are mechallel Shabbos, the z’man had reasons that practical guidance in any way. they do not mean for it to be a were beyond our sin.” He said. “On thecomprehension. The son-in-law Yisroel Safrin, author. As contrary, they see it as responded. ‘I have made up featured in The Monsey strengthening the religion. For my mind several times to Mevaser- 'Monsey instance, A Reform rabbi begin davening before the Personalities' series. considers it a mitzvah to drive z’man, but then I looked at on Shabbos in order to daven who davens earliest in the Lieutenant Meyer in a shul. They even make sure morning. Those people are the Birnbaum to have a parking lot available simple laborers such as the for that purpose. …. This is not tailors and shoemakers, and I Best known for his service merely my conjecture: I know fear that when I arrive in the throughout the Holocaust as it for a fact, as my brother-in- World of Truth, I will be given one who labored heroically to law, Rav Michoel Dov, zt’l told a place in Gan Eden with all save lives and bring comfort to me that the Reform rabbi these Tzaddikim who davened the starving survivors. He Steven Wise boasted to him early. describes how during his first that there were no fast days Yomim Noroim after WW11, observed in his temple, and I will be seated together with he went to the various that his congregants even ate a particular tailor, a certain minyanim set up in the on Yom Kippur. He claimed wagon driver, and so forth and Feldafing DP Camp. “Yom that if he did not permit them they will all begin telling me Kippur, I davened Kol Nidrei to eat, they would not come to about the shoes they repaired and Maariv with the shul for Yizkor. or other mundane jobs they Klausenberger Rebbe, zrt’l performed. Naturally, I will and survivors from Hungary, Yisroel Safrin, author. As flee from that Gan Eden and I Romania and Czechoslovakia.

- 27 of 51 - Shachris and Musaf I davened Bagadnu: We have betrayed- had wanted to steal, we with the small Litvishe minyan Have we been ungrateful for couldn’t have.” and for Mincha and Ne’ila, I the good Hashem has done for was with the Poilisherus? Are we disloyal to“The Klausenberger Rebbe minyan.” Hashem? Have we betrayed continued on like this our loved ones? No. Bagadnu throughout all the pages Lt. Birnbaum related: “After does not apply to us. concerning atonement. He Kol Nidrei, the Klausenberger then closed the Machzor and I Rebbe got up to speak. I had Gazalnu: We have stolen- was sure he had finally never heard so powerful a From whom could we have finished. But then he asked speech in my life and I never stolen? Definitely, this does again ‘Who wrote this will again. When he had not apply to us. There was no machzor? I did not see finished more than two hours such thing as theft in the anywhere the sins applied to later, I was both emotionally camps. There was nothing to us - except for the sins of drained and inspired for the steal. This does not apply to having lost emunah and best davening of my life.” us! ‘Wait’ jumped the Rebbe. bitachon. What is the proof “Gazalnu does apply to me. I that we have sinned in this “The Rebbe stood there with have to klap Chatasi for fashion? How many times did his Machzor in his hand, Gazalnu. One day I came in we recite Krias Shema on our flipping through the pages. from work and lay down on the wood slats at night and think Periodically, he would ask wooden slats to rest. While I to ourselves: ‘Ribbono Shel rhetorically, “Wehr haht das was sleeping, my skin got Olam, let this be my last geshriben- Who wrote this? caught between two of the hamapil. I can’t carry on any Does this apply to us? Are we slats. I wiggled one way and longer. I’m so weak. I have no guilty of the sins enumerated another, but I could not free reason to carry on anymore. Is here?” One by one he went myself from the boards. When there no end to our suffering?’ through each of the sins listed I did, some skin ripped off and in the Ashamnu prayer and I started bleeding. As I freed “Ribbono Shel Olam, please then the Al Cheits, and he myself, I called ‘Oy’. I thought take my neshama, so that I do concluded that those sins had I had only groaned softly, but not have to repeat once more little to do with those that had my cry was enough to wake up in the morning, ‘I’m thankful survived the camps. one of the fellow prisoners. before You Living King, who Gezeilah- I stole sleep from has returned my soul to me….’ Ashamnu: We have become this man. This is the only theft I don’t need my soul, You can guilty- Does this apply to us? I remember for which I must keep it.’ How many of us went Have we sinned against klap Chatasi. There was to sleep thinking that we could Hashem or man? I doubt it. nothing to steal. No one had not exist another day, with all Let’s go on. anything to steal, even if we bitachon lost? And yet, when

- 28 of 51 - the dawn broke in theA Brocha For The Young in the first year after morning, we once again had to Girls liberation. The Rebbe say Modeh Ani and thank developed a personal Hashem for having returned On the eve of his first post- relationship with the girls, our souls. None of us expected Holocaust Yom Kippur in kept track of each girl’s to survive. Yes, we tried to 1945, the Rebbe’sspiritual condition, listened to survive but none of uspreparations were slow and the girl’s troubles, and gave expected to. Every morning, deliberate, including study and them moral support and we saw this one didn’t move, meditation in isolation. Edith encouragement. One such that one did not move, and we Cohen, a young survivor project was the ‘Letter to carried them out to their remembers knocking at his Girls’ a page on Jewish interment. We looked upon door and entering, pleading: doctrine and the weekly Torah them with envy. Is that “My father died in the camps- portion which he wrote for emunah in Hashem? Is that I have no one to bless me them every week. bitachon in Hashem?” before Kol Nidrei.” He graciously complied, put a On Shabbas he taught them “Yes we have sinned. We have handkerchief over her head himself, sitting in the Beis sinned and now we must klop and blessed her. Soon there Medresh behind a curtain. In Al Cheit. We must pray to get was another knock and a particular, he assumed back the emunah and bitachon second orphaned girl was responsibility for finding them that went to sleep these last ushered in. “Please bless me, suitable husbands. His attitude few years in the camps. Now Rebbe.” Again, he obliged towards them was so fatherly that we are freed, Ribbono sympathetically. Then, another and personal, that some Shel HaOlam, we beg you to knock and another. Soon a line people regarded his forgive us- forgive everyone of several dozen girls had educational work with the here. Forgive every Jew in the formed, each one receiving girls as the pinnacle of his world. Ribbono Shel Olam, our individual attention until it activity. father.” was time for Kol Nidrei. The Klausenberger missed out on Yisroel Safrin, author. As Quote from the Klausenberger his contemplative pre-Yom featured in the Monsey Rebbe: “When you come to a Kippur tefilos. Mevaser - 'Monsey place of darkness, you do not Personality' series. chase out the darkness with a The role that the Rebbe played broom. You light a candle!” in the struggle for girls General Eisenhower Pays A rehabilitation and education Visit

Yisroel Safrin, author. As after the Holocaust was On Yom Kippur of 1945 featured in Monsey Mevaser - legendary. ”Hundreds of girls General Dwight David :'Monsey Personality' Series. enrolled in the network of schools that the Rebbe set up Eisenhower who was touring

- 29 of 51 - the DP camps in the area, which made it a Yom Tov on even after all that, I can tell visited the Fahrenwald DP which Tachanun is omitted. you that the creature known Camp and asked the Rebbe The Zidichover accepted this as the yetzer hora can be how he can be of help. The even though he had been defeated only with a daf of Rebbe asked him to obtain preparing to surrender his gemora and a tosafos.” some sets of Daled Minim for very life in devotion to Sukkos, as well as a Jeep the Hashem. After davening he Yisroel Safrin, author. As Rebbe could use to help thanked his son-in-law for his featured in the Monsey others. actions.” Mevaser - 'Monsey Personality' Series Yisroel Safrin, author. As Yisroel Safrin, author. As featured in the Monseyfeatured in the MonseyKeeping The Divrei Chaim Mevaser, 'Monsey Personality' Mevaser - 'MonseyZemanim series. Personality' Series. The author recalls being at a

Only One Way To Defeat A Final Story Seuda Shlishis at the Agudah The Yetzer Harah Convention at The Crown I have often recounted what I Plaza in Stamford, Here is another incredible heard from my father, who Connecticut. Nearby, an story: “One of my ancestors, was told the following by Rav Israeli of South African the Rebbe of Zidichov, was Avigdor of Dukla, the brother background is sitting with a once davening Shemoneh of the Divrei Chaim: ‘I have large blue and white kipa Esrei, when his son-in-law, Rav already conducted a galus’ – sruga. I ask him what he is Yehuda Zvi, noticed that he that is, he wandered from doing at the Agudah was davening with even town to town, never sleeping Convention and he replies: “I greater devotion and intensity, in the same place for two work for a National Israeli than usual. He feared that if consecutive nights and always Chessed Organization based in the holy Rebbe of Zidichov sleeping in the local hekdesh- Netanya and we have a booth recited Tachanun in that state, as many tzaddikim have done- in the pavilion to interest his soul would depart from his and I afflicted myself by askonim and potential donors. body. Consequently, hewaiting half a year without At the same time, I have hurried to finish his own silent changing my shirt. I have daughter here in Stamford Shemoneh Esrei, and then fasted from one Shabbos until that is on ‘shlichut’ to teach in quickly reviewed an entire the next, not ingesting even a the Stamford Hebrew Day mesechta of gemora. When the morsel of food after seudah School. He asks me where I Zidichover completed his shlishis until Kiddush of the live and I reply “Monsey.” “Did Shemoneh Esrei, Rav Yehudah following Friday night, and I you know Reb Sidney Zvi quickly informed him that have afflicted myself with Greenwald?” “Of course- the he was conducting a siyum, plants that sting the skin. But first seven years in Monsey we

- 30 of 51 - davened together in the odds with the Vizhnitzer clock by yelling at it, Sha!“ ‘Sanzer Kloiz,’ headed by Rav Rebbe over the time Shabbas Derech eretz! (Silence! Do you Cheskel Horowitz, zt’l. ends. He would emphatically have no manners?)”; tell The Vizhnitzer Rebbe that whereupon the clock would The Israeli continued: “Reb he was ‘Mechallel Shabbas’ freeze mid-chime and only Sidney, when he moved to since his grandfathers in resume working after the Israel, became the Executive Europe would keep theshalosh seudos Torah ended. Director of Laniado Hospital Rabbeinu Taam longer times This occurred quite often. and I was his Public Relations and not the shortened times Once the Torah recitation was Director for 15 years.” He being kept by the Vizhnitzer indeed concluded, the clock then relates a cute story. “One Kehilla. resumed chiming and ticking Motzei Shabbat, a Vizhnitzer where it left off, making up Chossid from Bnai Brak calls Yisroel Safrin, author. As whatever it had missed during Laniado Hospital to speak with featured in the Monseythe break! his mother, who is a patient. Mevaser - 'Monsey The Druse operator says “Ani Personality' series. The Shinover Rav then Lo Yachol Le’Haavir et concluded the tale with the Hasicha- I cannot transfer the following remarks: “See how Rav Tzvi Hirsch call.” “Why?” asks the even an inanimate object such Eichenstein Rav Hirsh Chossid? Her reply: “Because Ziditchover, Ateres Tzvi as a clock demonstrated Shabbat is not over yet.” (Tammuz 11) derech eretz (manners) with “What do you mean “Not over respect to the words of the yet? I am calling from Bnei The Derech Eretz Of A tzaddik!” Avodas( Avoda Brak” replies the Chossid. Clock Sichos Kodesh I p. 290) “Adoni- Ahd Shelo Magia HaRav, Lo NigmarThe Tosher Rebbe once told Rav Yitzchok Isaac HaShabbat!- Until the Rabbi over that Rav Yechezkel of Rosenbaum Zutshka Shinova had the custom to does not appear, the Shabbat Rebbe or Zutchke Rebbe, is not over”….Asks the Chossid relate the following story Nachlas Yitzchok (Tammuz 14) “Ayzeh Rav- Which Rav?” She regarding the Ateres Tzvi of replies: “Ani Af Paam Lo Zidatchov.: Pagashti Oto- Aval Korim Lo Emunah Peshutah ‘Rabbeinu Ta’am- I never met When the Ateres Tzvi recited The rebbe often attributed a him, but they call himTorah on Shabbos during yeshuah (salvation) to the ‘Rabbeinu Tam.’ shalosh seudos (the third Shabbos meal) and the clock power of emunah. This concept, rooted in the holy Upshot! It seems thewould begin to chime, the words of our prophets, is that Klausenberger Rebbe was at Ateres Tzvi would silence the he who believes with emunah

- 31 of 51 - has the power to create a keli someone who calls himself a empty his mailbox, take the (a vessel) that enables him to chossid not accept the rebbe's bundle of letters and place receive beracha. Faith draws berachah with full faith? What them in front of the rebbe's on down shefa (abundant blessing would make him not take the the table . Then he asked that from on high as Yehoshaphat rebbe’s holy words at face the tzaddik bless him that the Hamelech said, and thereby value? . mail should contain only good succeed “Believe in His news. prophets, and you willThe matter soon became the prosper.” (Divrei haYamim II gossip in the rebbe's shteibel.. Day after day, the rebbe would 20:20) give him a berachah that he The Zutshka rebbe had always should have only besoros tovos “What do you mean you don't told his family and gabbaim, (good news) and today was no have to do anything about it? that should they wish to serve different. Having received the Leibel said. This is the army; him, he would let them day’s beracha from the rebbe, you can't just ignore a letter lovingly do so with one Meir was unmoved that on this ordering you to report for condition: That his door particular day, an official army active service! At the very always remain open. Helping missive had arrived that least you need to apply for a him would mean that they directed him to appear for deferral so they might push off never prevent anyone--any duty--on erev Chag Pesach, no the date, don't you think?” Jew--from accessing the rebbe. less. The order included that They needed to agree never to he was to serve for one full But the Zutshka Rebbe's bar entry to anyone seeking an week, far r away from his sefardi neighbor, Meir, just audience with him—no matter family. shrugged the whole thing off, the circumstances. “Even if “I already told you” heyou have to wake me at night,” “Do they think that I would explained to the rebbe’s the rebbe pleaded, “what is leave my family to go spend chassid something seemingly my life for if not to bless and the Seder night among tanks so simple “ the rebbe gave me help Yiddin?” on some base?” Meir said the usual berachah that I get laughing. “N o sir, I am from him every day: that I Among those visitors was a planning on spending the should have only good tidings kind sefardi neighbor who chagim with my family right – besoros tovos. That’s what visited the rebbe every other here at home. I placed the he said today as he says each day—a fact that displeased his letter on the tzaddik's desk day, even though the official family members and gabbaim. along with the rest of the mail letter was on his table.” This was exacerbated by the and he gave me his beracaha fact that he came with a as he does every day. He said, Meir stared at the chossid, peculiar minhag of his own ‘besoros tovos’ and that is incredulous: How canmaking. Each day, he would what will be!”

- 32 of 51 - The Zutshka rebbe’s family's no choice but to postpone his morning-- teaching us to hurry heard about this conversation active service until further and perform mitzvos with and told of it to the rebbe.. notice. They were sorry, but zerizus (alacrity) and without The rebbe’s smile widened he was deferred. delay” someone said. What's with every added detail of the taking so long already?” account which was told to him When the rebbe was told how in slightly panicky tones. He the story concluded, he said, Ordinarily modest and learned who they were“That is why it is often so reticent, Yitzchok Issac-- later speaking about his confidence much easier to and be poel a known as the Zutshka Rebbe -- that the rebbe'sberachah yeshuah (achieve salvation) for was unable to restrain himself would keep him home. The those who haveemunah upon hearing the comment Rebbe nodded his head and peshuta (simple faith), since when his holy father's honor declared, “Peshita (obviously), their emunah is tehorah (pure was at stake. He came forward this is exactly what shall be! ” and refined). They don’t and censured them with the impede the process by making following retort: “Does it say Another day or so passed and calculations and in that way, that Avrohom woke early, Meir arrived once again with a its so much easier to help saddled his donkey, and took bundle of letters which he them!” the knife to slaughter his son? placed on the rebbe's table. Rather it says Avrohom woke The tzaddik lifted his head Akeidas Yitzchok early, saddled his donkey, from the sefer he was studying chopped wood, prepared the Several visitors and important and blessed him with the firewood, and stacked them guests arrived in Rav Issamar berachah that everything will into a pyre--as all these of Nadworna's home in go as it should, with good preparations were necessary Czernowitz. The guests news and glad tidings. Little for readying himself to congregated impatiently as did Meir know that this bundle perform the mitzvah. In fact, they waited for the bris to also contained an official letter the hachanos Avrohom did to start. Rav Issamar had been from the army—this time with prepare for the mitzvah were honored to serve as sandak a dispensation. counted like the mitzvah itself. and he had gone to immerse in Similarly, we too need to the mikveh and was now In the same non-nonchalant prepare the house, arrange performing hachanos manner that he described the the chairs and tables, and the (preparations) to ready himself contents of the first letter, he rebbe needs to immerse in the for this most sublime mitzvah! mentioned that he had mikveh and do whatever is received another official letter needed to properly arrange A few guests couldn’t disguise which contained an apology and prepare for the mitzvah of their impatience and began to from the army that due to bris milah!” murmur. “The pasuk says technical difficulties they had Avrohom woke up early in the

- 33 of 51 - Yehuda Leib that he would he blessed the boy that he Rav Yaakov Halevi Ruderman Rosh Yeshiva have a son and made him should grow to be anodom Ner Yisroel Baltimore, promise to name the child godol. The Rebbe wanted the Avodas Levi (Tammuz 14) Yitzchok. Thinking that it was youth to learn in Lubavitch, unlikely that he would have a but Rav Yehuda Leib chose Hallowed Beginnings son, Rav Yehuda Leib half- instead to send him to Slonim. jokingly agreed. A year later, This article originally when his son was born, his The young illui from Dolhinov appeared in Yated Neeman. mother wanted to name him soon developed a remarkable We abbreviated it because of Yaakov after her father. A reputation. At that time it was its length. shaila was asked and the psak customary for Slabodka was that he be given both talmidim to seek exceptional As we enter the Yahrzeit of the names: Yaakov Yitzchok. bochurim to join Slabodka. revered Rosh Yeshiva and The future ChevronRosh founder of Yeshiva Ner Yisrael Rav Yehuda Leib was a Yeshiva Rav Yechezkel Sarna, of Baltimore, theYated melamed. Rav Ruderman often who was already one of the presents highlights of his life stated that his father knew Alter of Slabodka’s closest as told by his talmidim. We Shas with Tosafos well, but talmidim, convinced the young thank the talmidim who even though he may have genius to join Slabodka. That shared with us their oral and eclipsed his father in learning, decision was undoubtedly a written memories of the Rosh he did not even approach his watershed in his life. Yeshiva. level of avoda and Yiras Shomayim. Rav Yehuda Leib It was in the middle of World Rav Ruderman was born on recognized his young son’s War I when Rav Ruderman Shushan Purim in 5660 (1900) prodigious talents andjoined Slabodka when it was in in Dolhinov, a small shtetl encouraged him to learn. The the city of Minsk after it had near Vilna. He was born late in child was awakened early to fled eastward, away from the life to his parents, Rav Yehuda learn a blatt before davening approaching German Army. In Leib and Sheina, the first son and was rewarded for every Minsk, he merited meeting the after six daughters. Rav daf memorized. As a result, he revered Godol HaDor, Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky, Rav mastered Seder Noshim and Chaim Brisker. It seems that Ruderman’s illustrious cousin Nezikin before his bar mitzva. Rav Chaim discerned who is named after the same tremendous potential in the person, related a fascinating Shortly before his bar mitzva, young illui and realized that he story about how Rav Rav Yehuda Leib took him for would need special care to Ruderman got his name. A a berocha to the Lubavitcher withstand wartime difficulties. year before his birth, an Rebbe, Rav Sholom Ber. The Toward that end, unbeknown elderly, childless Jew named Rebbe was so impressed that to Rav Ruderman, Rav Chaim Reb Yitzchok assured Rav

- 34 of 51 - arranged for a certain wealthy tell him the terrible news. turn a musmach of Rav Abbale Yid to provide him with extra Only after Pesach, when he Peslover, who had received money so that his learning had achieved his goal, was he semicha directly from the would not be adverselyinformed of his father’sGaon; thus Rav Ruderman was affected by hunger. Only after passing. The Alter remarked a direct link in this chain of Rav Chaim’s passing in 1918, that the completion ofShas the mesora back to the Vilna when the support ceased, did would be a far greater zechus Gaon. Rav Ruderman become aware for his father’s neshoma than of Rav Chaim’s role in caring all the recitations of Kaddish Building Torah In America for him. that he missed. In 5684 (1924), Rav Ruderman married the daughter of Rav The Alter also displayed an His talmidim in Baltimore Sheftel Kramer, a son-in-law of enormous amount of affection understand their great zechus Rav Shraga Feivel Frank and toward the youngster. He to have had a Rebbe whose brother-in-law of Rav Isser assigned Rav Yechezkel Sarna every action was a reflection Zalman Meltzer, Rav Moshe to serve as his eltere bochur. of the Alter. On the Alter’s Mordechai Epstein and Rav fiftieth Yahrzeit, Rav Boruch Horowitz. Rav Ruderman learned with Ruderman and Rav Yaakov tremendous hasmoda, but he Kaminetsky were invited to The Rebbetzin was his partner was completely unable to keep Lakewood to speak. Rav and helpmate in all his to sedorim of the Yeshiva. The Schneur Kotler related that undertakings on behalf of Alter gave him latitude to when Rav Yaakov was unable Yiddishkeit. Not only did she learn in his own way as long to attend he stated, “The free him from the yoke of as he achieved the pre-set Baltimore Rosh Yeshiva is the responsibility in the material goals. It was decided that he most reflective personality of aspects of the house, but she would attempt to complete the Alter in our generation.” was also instrumental in Shas that winter. Rav helping him achieve lofty Ruderman would take long One thing in which Rav spiritual pursuits. Later, when walks during which he would Ruderman particularly took they moved to America and review Gemoros and Sedorim pride was the fact that he Rav Ruderman sought to build by heart. He was well on the merited receivingsemicha a Yeshiva in a country that had way to reaching his goal when from Rav Meir Atlas, the no understanding of the the Alter received a telegram revered father-in-law of Rav concept, it was the Rebbetzin shortly after Sukkos advising Elchonon Wasserman. This who constantly encouraged of the petira of Rav Yehuda semicha traced back to the him to persevere rather than Leib. Not wishing to interfere Vilna Gaon, as Rav Meir Atlas be deterred by the numerous with his talmid’s learning had received semicha from stumbling blocks placed in his regimen, the Alter chose not to Rav Eizele Charif, who was in way. It was the Rebbetzin who

- 35 of 51 - organized fundraisers and Vodaas and unquestionably eternity of Torah that enabled donations of staples for the one of the most important him to become the Yeshiva. The Rosh Yeshiva was figures in the development of quintessential Rosh Yeshiva eternally grateful for all that Torah in America, sentand Torah builder. His love of she had done and, many bochurim from New York Torah was such that it decades later, upon her whom he thought would overcame even the most passing several years before benefit. Rav Yaakovnatural human limitations. his petira, the Rosh Yeshiva Kaminetsky sent his children Once, during the early years of was simply inconsolable. from Toronto, which in those the Yeshiva at its current days was considered a major campus, a fire broke out in the During the first years after distance away. Rav Yehoshua building where theRosh their marriage, theRosh Klavan, one of the foremost Yeshiva lived. Everyone Yeshiva devoted himself to talmidim of Rav Boruch Ber immediately evacuated the complete immersion inand the Rav of Washington, building. Suddenly Rav learning. In 1931, theRosh D.C., was among theRuderman ran back into the Yeshiva, Rebbetzin and their staunchest supporters of the burning building, exclaiming, baby daughter immigrated to Yeshiva. He not only sent a “I forgot an absolutely the United States. Ravson to learn in the Yeshiva, he irreplaceable item!” What was Ruderman joined his father-in- even raised funds for the the item for which he risked law, Rav Sheftel Kramer, in upkeep and growth of the his life? His very rare copy of the Yeshiva of New Haven that Yeshiva. Furthermore, during the sefer Nesivos HaMishpot had relocated to Cleveland, the winter months, when Rav on Rabbeinu Yeruchem. where the latter served as Ruderman would occasionally Menahel Ruchani. suffer from laryngitis, Rav His dedication to learning Klavan would come from knew no bounds. His In 1933, Rav Ruderman Washington to deliver the encyclopedic knowledge of decided to accept a position as daily shiur. Rav Naftoli Zvi Talmud Bavli, Yerushalmi, Rav of the Tiferes Yisrael Shul Yehuda Riff, a grandson of the Rishonim, Poskim, Acharonim in Baltimore with theNetziv and the Rav of Camden, and teshuvos set a lofty understanding that he could New Jersey, was alsostandard for which to strive. use the facilities for a Yeshiva. extremely helpful. The Rosh Yeshiva stimulated lively discussions, thereby The Yeshiva’s early growth Total Immersion In Torah deepening interest and intensified through the broadening horizons, by Without a doubt, it was the recognition and support of challenging his students to power of the Rosh Yeshiva’s prominent Rabbonim. Rav bring proof from one Gemora total immersion in Torah; his Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, to a seemingly unrelated issue. contagious Ahavas Torah and Menahel of Mesivta Torah his complete belief in the

- 36 of 51 - He constantly focused the by the Rosh Yeshiva when they him in the midst of the attention of his talmidim and would be reminded years later procedure. He then suddenly their awareness to the breadth of an insightful Torah thought interrupted himself, “By the and inter-relationship of all of that they themselves had long way, perhaps you heard what Torah. He was always involved since forgotten. the doctor was saying to me? I in a kushya. In fact, he would nodded to him out of respect, say that he used questions as A revealing incident occurred but what did he want?” memory keys with which to when he was learning in remember theGemora . Slabodka and a visitor arrived The Rosh Yeshiva once Therefore, he was always bearing a copy of the newly complained to his talmid, Rav ready with a penetrating query published sefer Ohr Yisrael Dov Kaplan, today or comment that would lend Somei’ach. The young bochur Rosh Kollel in Bayit Vegan, insight to whatever Gemora asked to borrow the sefer but “Nowadays, people do not one mentioned. He lived with was refused permission as the learn. When I was fifteen, his questions and wasman planned to continue his learning in Slabodka we would constantly seen with his lips journey the following day. Rav get up at five in the morning moving, as he was totally and Ruderman was undaunted. He and go to sleep after midnight. consistently absorbed in borrowed the sefer for one We learned fifty blatt a day, learning. night promising to return it in every day!” the morning. Overnight he Rarely was his sleep at night went through and mastered Once on a long trip, the Rosh not disturbed by the kushya the sefer in its entirety! Yeshiva was accompanied by with which he went to bed. two bochurim from the This total involvement was On another occasion, the Rosh Yeshiva, who decided to utilize transmitted to histalmidim . Yeshiva was once undergoing the duration of the journey to a lengthy medical procedure. go over several pages of On par with his love for Torah, The doctor, wishing to distract Maseches Berochos that they was the Rosh Yeshiva’s love the Rosh Yeshiva from the had committed to memory. for his students. If ever a pain and unpleasantness, The Rosh Yeshiva was seated talmid asked him a good engaged him in small talk. right in front of them and they question or related a nice Throughout the procedure the noticed that he was shifting sevora, his face would radiate Rosh Yeshiva continuously about in his seat delight. When one of the nodded his head in agreement. uncomfortably. From time to talmidim had the good fortune After leaving the clinic, he time he walked around and to ask or say something that explained to thetalmid fixed them with a piercing was new to him, he would be accompanying him alook. “What kind ofGemora ecstatic. Many talmidim had wonderful approach to the are you using over there – is it the fortune to be embarrassed sugya that had occurred to a different girsa?” he asked.

- 37 of 51 - Scarcely concealing their Gaon in 5719 (1959). The tremendous effort into pride, the bochurim replied, Steipler sent him a letter teaching and shaping each “We don’t have aGemora , requesting financial assistance talmid. we’re going over what we for printing the first volume of learned by heart!” The Rosh his magnum opusKehillas The Rosh Yeshiva established Yeshiva, with a smile on his Yaakov. In the letter, the thousands of talmidim. Among face, proceeded to quote the Steipler wrote that he had them, hundreds became exact language of the Gemora. seen and learned RavGedolei Torah and Marbitzei Ruderman’s sefer Avodas Torah who continue his legacy When he was already in his HaLevi that he had written in and illuminate the Torah world eighties, a talmid relates, “I his youth and it features with their shiurim and went to daven Mincha with the “wonderful chiddushim on the chiddushei Torah. Although of Rosh Yeshiva and hemost difficult areas of the course, there was a special complained that the strong order of Kodshim”. In the focus on establishing talmidim medicines he was taking for letter, the Steipler encourages who would becomeTorah his numerous ailments caused Rav Ruderman to write more giants in their own right, the him to forget. Thetalmid such seforim. After showing Rosh Yeshiva understood the asked, “Has the Rosh Yeshiva the letter to the talmid, Rav individual character of each forgotten any Tosafos in Ruderman said, “I havetalmid and encouraged them, Shas?” Immediately, the Rosh enough chiddushim to write each in his own way, to make Yeshiva banged his cane and ten more volumes of Avodas Torah a central part of their forcefully said, ‘No! No! No HaLevi, but I am now writing lives. Tosafos. I mean a chiddush in leibidige seforim, living a difficult Rambam that I once seforim, my talmidim.” Individualized Chinuch said – I have trouble Talmidim of Ner Yisrael felt remembering in its entirety.” The Rosh Yeshiva continued, that the Rosh Yeshiva loved The talmid related that the “Teaching takes full them as a father loves his son. way in which he could not concentration, as the Gemora He took an active interest in even contemplate the horror teaches that only if a Rebbe is their needs, listened to their of forgetting a Tosafos was an similar to a Maloch should one problems and shared their indication of Ahavas Torah and seek to learn Torah from him. burdens. They, in turn, devotion to Torah that We know that a Maloch cannot became greatly attached to remained with him forever. do more than one shelichus, him. His relationship with his one job at a time. Teaching talmidim was very much Transmitting Torah talmidim preoccupies me so predicated on an explanation completely that I cannot sit Rav Ruderman would show of Chazal on the pasuk “and and write seforim.” Indeed, talmidim a letter that he you shall teach them to your the Rosh Yeshiva invested received from the Steipler sons”. Chazal say that sons are

- 38 of 51 - referring to talmidim. “Why, He would try to handle each of Alter cared for Rav then,” the Rosh Yeshiva asked, his talmidim in a manner Ruderman’s every need, he “did the pasuk not write, “and suited to that individual. When learned that it is every Rosh you shall teach them to your it came to delivering rebuke, Yeshiva’s obligation to deal pupils?” Rav Ruderman would explain with every aspect of his that if he would dare speak to talmid’s life, spiritual and “In order to teach us,” he his students in the way the material. The talmidim of Ner explained, “that talmidim are Alter rebuked even theYisrael all attest to their akin to sons. Just as a son greatest Baalei Mussar Rebbe’s exceptional care and never stops being a son, publicly, they would have fled concern for them. He served neither does a talmid stop the Yeshiva instantaneously. In as a source of strength, being a talmid. A Rebbe must fact, when the Rosh Yeshiva inspiration and advice when never imagine that his talmid found it necessary to rebuke they were beset with is beloved to him only when he the whole Yeshiva, he would problems. Regardless of the is under his tutelage, receiving speak very positively even difficulty or complexity of a his guidance and instruction while calling the talmidim to situation, the Rosh Yeshiva and that when this period task. could always be relied on for comes to an end, so does the the requisite counsel and special relationship. The truth Rav Ruderman often cautioned comfort. Throughout the years goes far beyond this, for upon that dealing with bochurim is there were manybochurim becoming a talmid he becomes dinei nefoshos, a matter of who came to the Yeshiva as a son of his Rebbe. Even when spiritual life and death, and refugees or from homeless and he embarks on his own path, cannot be taken lightly. There troubled backgrounds. They he should remain a son; the were instances when members found a home in the Yeshiva bond should not weaken.” This of the Yeshiva’s Hanhola and a father in theRosh is the way in which the Rosh thought that a specific bochur Yeshiva. Yeshiva interacted with his should be expelled. The Rosh talmidim. Talmidim who Yeshiva consistently held firm In addition, Rav Ruderman visited him after intervals of to his convictions, explaining loved his talmidim and took ten years or more still felt the that one never knows what the great pride in those talmidim same warm relationship they future holds for such a talmid; who entered the great remembered from their years perhaps with a bit more profession of Melamdei Torah. in Yeshiva. patience he would develop The clearest proof of this love properly. By and large, he and pride was his almost His emulation of the Alter was lived to see his position regular referral to the verse in not simply in treating his vindicated. Doniel (12:3): V’hamaskilim students as children; rather, it yazhiru k’zohar horokia, was in all facets ofchinuch . From the manner in which the umatzdikei horabim

- 39 of 51 - kekochovim l’olom vo’ed. Rav For the next two days, the his curiosity, theChofetz Ruderman would cite the Rosh Yeshiva was unwell and Chaim asked Rav Nochum for comment of the Maharsha that unable to emerge from bed. an explanation. Rav Nochum says, “Just as the stars and Dr. Jakobovitz, the resident answered, “TheHalocha moon are in the skyYeshiva Lane physician, came dictates that if one only has throughout the day, even to check him and could not enough money forner though they are not seen, so find anything wrong. “I, Shabbos or ner Chanuka, ner too the teacher remembers however,” explained theShabbos takes precedence and ponders his students even talmid, “knew what had because of its sholom bayis years later.” happened. The Rosh Yeshiva component. My wife,” had davened with such effort – continued Rav Nochum, “is The Beauty Of Middos he became sick over Rav moser nefesh to ensure that I Schneur’s plight just as the devote my life to Torah and Rav Ruderman’s middos, his Gemora dictates.” Avodas Hashem. She enjoys sensitivity to others and being present for lighting the feelings of another’s pain, Rav Ruderman was a treasure Chanuka Menora and that were legendary. These middos trove of stories, many of which makes it my responsibility to were the product of a lifetime provided his talmidim with wait for her and forgo lighting of Avodas Hashem. A talmid insight and understanding of at the proper time.” relates how in 1982 he came his own behavior. The special to the Rosh Yeshiva’s house to care and deference that he The talmidim witnessed many walk him to Mincha. When he exhibited toward his Rebbetzin occasions when theRosh greeted the Rosh Yeshiva, he had its source in a story he Yeshiva patterned his actions noticed a broken-hearted had heard from theChofetz on the lessons of this story. A expression on his face. The Chaim. The Chofetz Chaim case in point was at the Rosh Yeshiva said, “I just once happened to be with Rav Agudah convention. One of the heard that Rav Schneur Kotler Nochum of Horodna on highlights of the convention is very sick. TheGemora Chanuka evening. It was was Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky’s says,” continued Rav several hours into the night address after Sholosh Seudos. Ruderman, “that if a Talmid and still, Rav Nochum had not The audience would sit in rapt Chochom is sick, one must beg lit the candles. Finally, very attention listening until long Hashem for his recovery to the late at night, long after the after Shabbos was over. extent that one must become streets had emptied of people, Invariably, Rav Ruderman sick over his plight.” Right Rav Nochum’s wife returned would leave in the middle to then and there, theRosh home. Only then did Rav call his Rebbetzin. He would Yeshiva burst into bitter tears. Nochum light theMenora , always apologize to Rav Only after somewhat long after the time prescribed Yaakov and they would remind composing himself did he go by Halocha. Unable to contain one another of the story of Rav to Mincha.

- 40 of 51 - Nochum. Yeshiva continued speaking as nothing happened! though nothing had happened One poignant incident made a while simultaneouslyThe Rosh Yeshiva and tremendous impact on the attempting to cover the stain Rebbetzin had one child, Rosh Yeshiva and was a clear to ease the bochur’s anguish. Rebbetzin Chana Weinberg. depiction of how aRebbe ’s When he saw that his attempts His son-in-law, Rav Yaakov actions influence his talmidim. were not helping, he began to Weinberg, succeeded him as A group of women, wives of reassure the talmid that Rosh Yeshiva until his passing talmidim of the Rosh Yeshiva nothing happened! twelve years later. They were who live inEretz Yisrael, blessed with six grandchildren asked for an audience with the True, words alone are often and numerous great- Rosh Yeshiva when he somewhat of a cliché and the grandchildren, who were attended the lastKnessia expression on a host’s face privileged to surround the Gedola in 5740/1980. After usually reveal a true picture of Rosh Yeshiva during his last inquiring after their families, his feelings. “In this case,” the days. After the petira of the the Rosh Yeshiva questioned talmid related, “theRosh Rebbetzin, their why they had requested this Yeshiva was able to genuinely grandchildren, the Yeshiva’s meeting. They replied that persuade me with his great Menahel Ruchani, Rav Beryl they wished to express their wisdom that nothing had and Mrs. Aviva Weisbord, hakoras hatov; they felt that happened.” Any damage to the moved with their children into their husbands treated them sofa paled into insignificance the Rosh Yeshiva’s home to with greater respect and compared to the suffering of a care for him. The beauty and deference because they had human being. grace with which they seen how the Rebbe treated discharged their obligation his Rebbetzin. The same talmid paid the Rosh helped the Rosh Yeshiva cope Yeshiva a visit more than three with the loss of his Rebbetzin The Rosh Yeshiva taught many decades later. Drinks were and added immeasurably to lessons in consideration for served and another accident the quality of his later years. others by personal example. A occurred. This time, a cup of The Rosh Yeshiva was talmid recounts that before cream spilled, not on the sofa constantly grateful and joining the Yeshiva, he came but on the Rosh Yeshiva’s continuously expressed his to the Rosh Yeshiva’s house to pants. The reaction was tremendous hakoras hatov to be tested. In mid-conversation, identical. The conversation the Weisbords. he suddenly pushed over an continued as if nothing had inkwell, leaving what would happened. The Rosh Yeshiva The Rosh Yeshiva’s entire become a permanent stain on shifted his legs under the table eighty-seven years comprised the sofa. The talmid was in a and once again managed to one long song of Torah, limud quandary, but theRosh convince the talmid that haTorah, teachingTorah ,

- 41 of 51 - living with the middos dictated commentary of the Ramban. Mantuba, Italy, he named the by the Torah and giving kevod The Rebbe’s answer was Bais Medrash “Heichal Ahava haTorah. On the 14th of harsh. “Do you mean to tell me – Medrash Kenesses Yisrael – Tammuz, 5747 (1987), the if you study Gemora and reach the Chamber of Love”, to Rosh Yeshiva passed on to join a difficult point or sugya that awaken Hashem’s love for his exalted Rebbeim, the Alter you cease learning?!” Under Kenesses Yisrael (Kenesses of Slabodka and the giants of the Rebbe’s guidance the kloiz Yisrael alludes to the the era who pre-deceased him. persisted in its custom and the Shechina). From the Diaspora, His levaya in Baltimore was weekly Shabbos night shiur in Rav Chaim ben Attar brought one last manifestation of Ohr HaChaim continued, as with him talmidim, and gained kevod haTorah, as thousands well as in the sefer Toldos new ones in Yerushalayim – flocked to Ner Yisrael to bid Yaakov Yosef. among whom was the great farewell to the last link to the Rav Chaim Yosef Dovid Azulai greatness of Slabodka in our A New Yeshiva And A New – the Chida. (Ner HaMaaravi, times. Talmid Of The Ohr ch. 24 p. 227) Hachaim The Chida's Testimony On Rav Chaim Ibn Attar Ohr When the Tzaddik Rav Chaim The Ohr Hachaims HaChaim HaKadosh ben Attar came to live in Eretz Preparation For Kiddush (Tammuz 15) Yisrael, his main focus was to establish a holy lofty Yeshiva Once, when the Chida was on Perserverance With The and Bais Medrash, whose one of his travels in the lands Ohr Hachaim purpose was to study Torah of Ashkenaz, one of the lishma on the highest level. Its Admorim asked him to relate a Once, when some of his students would sit all day story that described his Chassidim came from the kloiz immersed in their studies, Rebbe’s holy avoda in nigla in Haifa, they told the Rebbe, never uttering any mundane and in nistar, and here is one Reb Avrohom Yaakov words, wrapped in tallis, of the tales he told: Friedman that every Shabbos crowned in tefillin and night they study the sefer Ohr unifying the Shechina as they The Ohr HaChaim had a HaChaim HaKodosh together. studied Gemora and Rambam, special minhag to prepare However, when they reached delving into the depths of the himself to make Kiddush on Parshas Vayikra and tried to Talmud, swimming in its seas Shabbos. Every Erev Shabbos study his holy words and and immersing in the words of he would sit and study and commentary, they ran into dvar Hashem zu Halocha. As review with his talmidim the problems – they had difficulty he himself testified in a letter laws of testimony and understanding it. They wanted written on the 22nd of Shevat witnesses – Hilchos Eidus in to know if instead they could tov-kuf-bais to the financial the Rambam. They would switch to studying the supporters of the Yeshiva in especially review the laws

- 42 of 51 - dealing with what things editions of the Chida’s sefer Torah uninterrupted except disqualified a witness and Shem HaGedolim): for a four-year stint when he rendered him posul – unfit to took up the post of Rav while give testimony. They studied Although the Chida was he was in Egypt. Nonetheless, this in order to do full teshuva counted among the younger of although he held no official [over any of thesethe Ohr HaChaim’s talmidim, title or position, all the Jews disqualifications.] Not only did still Rav Chaim ben Attar knew of his greatness and the Ohr HaChaim do this as a greatly admired him, drew him accorded him the honor and preparation before making close and bestowed upon the respect due to a sage and Kiddush, but when he picked Chida a special and unique Talmid Chochom, one of the up the Kiddush cup to recite berocha that from Heaven the Gedolim of the generation. the berocha over it, he would Chida should be sanctified be aflame with suchwith the kedusha of Aharon One day, a community leader excitement and thoughts of HaKohen! came before the Chida and teshuva and kedusha that all complained to him that his those present were also seized At first the Chidawife had been seen alone in with pangs of regret and misconstrued his Rebbe’s the company of another man. remorse so great that they meaning and thought he had “If this is so,” said the Chida, would beg and plead that they been blessed with the ability “you must divorce her, give too should merit to be eidim to give berochos to Am Yisrael her a get and she loses any kesherim (proper witnesses) to be’ahava just as Aharon and rights to collect her kesuba.” testify to the Creation of the the Kohanim bless the Jewish world in six days! (By Rav people. However, decades The Dayonim heard his Yitzchok Alfaya in Kuntres later, the true meaning of this decision and were baffled; how HaYachieli Section Baisspecial berocha was revealed could he decide such a matter Hashem Chapter Middos in the following amazing without any testimony or Tovos #18) manner: evidence? But they dared not contradict his ruling. The The Ohr Hachaim's Brocha In his old age, the Chida Chida asked that the wife be That He Should Be Like ended up in Leghorn, Italy, summoned to the place in the Aharon Hakohen which the Jews know as Bais Medrash where he sat Livorno. He had refused the and studied, immersed in Rav Yekusiel Yehuda of Sanz- position of Rav again and Torah. The Chida tried to Klausenberg told the following again, although the various persuade her gently and kindly story one Sholosh Seudos [see communities’ elders and to accept a get of divorce from Shefa Chaim on Parshas Naso leaders tried to have him take her husband, but the woman tov-shin-mem-daled] (also up the post. Instead, the Chida was brazen and arrogant. She found in the kuntres Tav preferred to sit and learn answered the Rav back with Chaim as a prelude to certain

- 43 of 51 - chutzpa and as she spat back event. had gathered at the appointed her arguments to the Rav, the time for his shiur wondered at Chida remembered theWhat Delayed The Ohr this departure from custom. berocha he had received from Hachaim From His Shiur In When the hour grew late and the Ohr HaChaim, his Rebbe, Yeshiva the delay continued, the Chida all those years ago. gathered his courage and Rav Chaim Yosef Arye Prager himself went to his Rebbe’s of Brisk writes how the Chida Turning to the insulting home to see what the delay once met the Gaon Rav Dovid woman, the Chida asked, was about and to call on the Ashkenazi of Bichov, who lived “Please, I have just one Ohr HaChaim. When he got in Teverya and was sent by request. Listen as I read aloud there, he engaged Rav Chaim Rav Avrohom Kalisker to to you a portion from the in conversation and the Ohr collect funds for the nascent Parsha in the Torah.” HaChaim told the Chida in a and struggling Chassidishe totally nonchalant and yishuv there. Rav Dovid The arrogant woman dismissive manner as part of traveled in the west for some acquiesced to this one request the conversation, “I was late seven years collecting, and on and stood still as the Chida because I was stuck on a one of his travels he met the took out a Torah and began to difficult Tosafos which I simply Chida in Livorno. During their recite the Parsha of Naso couldn’t unravel or understand discussion about how greatly where the Torah describes the at all until…Rabbeinu esteemed his Rebbe, the Ohr sota. As the Chida read the Yitzchok, one of the Ba’alei HaChaim, was among the pesukim the woman began to Tosafos, came and explained Chassidim, the Chida replied leave in the middle – but she to me what he meant.” humbly that he did not did not escape in time, for just consider himself worthy of as she reached the stairs, the It Was Only L'shem being called a true talmid who Chida concluded reading the Shamayim knew the Ohr HaChaim, Parsha of the sota, and no claiming that he was just The Ohr HaChaim used to sooner did he finish the last someone who had studied make frequent trips with his words than she stopped with there in his Yeshiva. He then talmidim to daven at kivrei her foot resting on the step, related to Rav Dovid the Tzaddikim in Yerushalayim. while her face contorted and following amazing story about The Chida described one such her eyes bulged out of their his Rebbe, Rav Chaim ben trip that he himself went on sockets. With a shriek she Attar, the Ohr HaChaim: and accompanied the Ohr collapsed and dropped dead. HaChaim and what he saw the Hearing her outcry, many Once, the Ohr HaChaim was Ohr HaChaim do on that people rushed to the scene as late to arrive at the Yeshiva. occasion: she breathed her last, and This was uncharacteristic of witnessed this miraculous him and all the talmidim who “In my youth I merited to

- 44 of 51 - travel together with the they reached the Ba’al Shem He answered that his brother- wondrous holy Chassid, our Tov, who greatly rejoiced in in-law, the Ba’al Shem, had Master, Rav Chaim ben Attar them. He found in them an told him. The Ohr HaChaim and the students of his author whose heart and soul did not know him, but he Yeshiva, to travel to daven at were filled with emotion and scrutinized Rav Gershon from the kivrei Tzaddikim inexcitement forAvodas head to toe and declared him Yerushalayim. When weHashem. He sent his brother- fit and ready to study Kabbola. reached the matzeiva of the in-law, Rav Gersohon of Kitov, After studying there for three Rav, author of the sefer Pri to Yerushalayim to visit Rav days, the Ohr HaChaim gave Chodosh, we watch as the Rav Chaim ben Attar’s Yeshiva. He word to prevent him from [the Ohr HaChaim] remained told Rav Gershon that Rav coming back and Rav Gershon there alone for some fifteen Chaim ben Attar had two found his way blocked from minutes or more, davening at Yeshivos, one where they entry. When Rav Gershon the kever, and his lips moved studied nigle (the revealed approached the Rav’s house to as he was talking and we Torah) and one where they find out why he had been understood that he was asking studied the hidden secrets of banned, the Ohr HaChaim saw mechila from the Pri Chodosh Toras HaKabbola. The Ba’al him and said, “I am angry at that he be forgiven [for Rav Shem warned Rav Gershon to you. Why didn’t you say your Chaim ben Attar, in his sefer try to attend the Yeshiva for brother-in-law was the Ba’al Pri To’ar, would rule against nistar and not to reveal to the Shem Tov? You just said, ‘Rav him and argue on some of his Ohr HaChaim who he was, Yisrael Ba’al Shem!’ I don’t points] and that all that he did hiding his identity until the know any Rav YisraelBa’al was purely L’shem Shomayim Ohr HaChaim would feel it and Shem, but I know who the (for the sake of Heaven).” understand for himself. Ba’al Shem Tov is! I know him (Shem HaGedolim, Section on from seeing him in the Seforim, Entry for Pri To’ar) When Rav Gershon arrived he supernal worlds!” and he no requested permission to hear longer allowed Rav Gershon Meeting The Ohr Hachaim a derosha from theOhr access to theYeshiva , haChaim. Permission was explaining that he needed no There are various traditions granted and he studied in other Rebbe or Rav if he regarding how and when the Yeshivas HaNigle for about a already had the Ba’al Shem Ba’al Shem Tov’s brother-in- week. Afterward, he requested Tov. (Doresh Tov Tshortkov, law met Rav Chaim ben Attar, admission to the other Yeshiva Acharon Shel Pesach p. 194) mechaber of theOhr for Kabbola. HaChaim, in Eretz Yisrael: Kiruv Rechokim

“Who revealed to you that I After the printing of the Rav Yitzchok of Neshchiz have a Yeshiva for nistar?” chumashim Ohr HaChaim in related on Motzoei Shabbos Venice in the year tov-kuf-bais, Parshas Behaalosecha, tov-

- 45 of 51 - reish-kaf-zayin: talmidim who behaveOhr Hachaim inappropriately; others say Rav Gershon of Kitov met the that he asked why he studied When Rav Chaim Dovid, the Ohr HaChaim in Eretz Yisrael with people with lowly souls. doctor of Pietrokow, lay on his and told him about his sickbed, he was visited by the brother-in-law the Ba’al Shem The Ohr HaChaim asked Rav Tiferes Shlomo. The Rebbe Tov. The Ohr HaChaim replied Gershon from where he hailed. found the good doctor crying that he had heard of him and When he said that he was from and he thought that he was that his name was Yisrael. Rav Polnoy, the Ohr HaChaim crying over the misdeeds of Gershon Kitover also asked responded that he should his youth, since he was a ba’al the Ohr HaChaim why he kept return the following day. The teshuva. The Tiferes Shlomo a certain talmid in his Yeshiva next day, the Ohr HaChaim asked him, “Why are you whom Rav Gershon had seen told him, “I saw your Rebbe crying? Don’t worry your past. behaving improperly,and he is a very great man.” Those days will fall away and unbecoming for a Yeshiva be forgiven and forgotten.” student. “This is our way,” Rav Gershon then related his answered the Ohr HaChaim. regards from the Ba’al Shem Rav Chaim Dovid answered “We draw closer those who and relayed the Ba’al Shem’s the Tiferes Shlomo, “I do not are distant – we are mekarev message. The Ohr HaChaim wish them to fall away and be rechokim.” (Zichron Tov p. 16 responded, “I don’t know what forgotten. Rather, I wish to do #8) favor he does me by revealing teshuva out of love! Then all my greatness. Tell him I saw my intentional transgressions When Rav Gershon of Kitov the Angel of Death and that he will be transformed into traveled to Eretz Yisrael, the stands with one foot on Polnoy merits! And in the merit of Ba’al Shem Tov told him to and the other on the entire studying the sefer Ohr meet with the Ohr HaChaim. world.” This was a hint at the HaChaim HaKodosh on a “If he doesn’t know of his danger facing European Jewry weekly basis and memorizing greatness, send him regards and that they would need it, surely they will all become from me and tell him I see him mercy. He also responded that zechuyos (merits)!” (Kodesh in Moshiach Heichal – the the reason he studied with Hillulim p. 75) supernal palace, wherepeople with lowly souls was Three Customs Moshiach sits on a throne and because he sought to redeem studies the Ohr HaChaim.” holy sparks from places that The Rebbe Rashab of they had been captured and Lubavitch taught and When Rav Gershon came to held hostage. (Kisvei Ri Shuv commanded his son, the Eretz Yisrael, he arrived at the of Brisk) Rebbe Rayatz, to fulfill three Ohr HaChaim’s Yeshiva and practices, one of which was Youthful Past Transformed asked why he studied with that he should study Chumash Into Merit Through The

- 46 of 51 - with Rashi and theHaChaim is not the bread and hand like we dance with a commentary of the Ohrbutter of its basis to the extent Sefer Torah. Whoever HaChaim HaKodosh. (Shivchei that one can fully and truly say witnessed this event can begin Ohr HaChaim) that the Ohr HaChaimto understand the profound HaKodosh is the one sefer that connection that Skverer His Appreciation Of The has been most widely accepted Chassidus has with the Ohr Ohr Hachaim by the most ChassidimHaChaim. (Nachlas Tzvi Kovetz 7 p. 52) From when he was just six (Sources: Hillula Kadisha p. years old Rav Yaakov Yosef of Without The Ohr Hachaim 317–318) Skver studied the entire How Can You Be A Jew? commentary of the Ohr Just A Slight Touch To HaChaim HaKodosh on the Rav Yaakov Yosef of Skver Awaken Him weekly Parsha, all by himself. used to say that every word of He would constantly speak the Ohr HaChaim is like a Once, Rav Shneur Zalman of about how important the study whole Torah in and of itself. Liadi told his mechutan, Rav of the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh He even said, “One cannot be Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, is and once remarked: “Ich a full-fledged Jew without the following story regarding veis nisht viazoy ich valt studying this holysefer !” the dveikus of the Ohr gekent a’durech di letzteh HaChaim: fiftzig yohr ohn Ohr HaChaim If ever a bochur suffered a – I don’t know how I would downturn in hisYiras There was once a terrible have survived the last fifty Shomayim, the Rebbe ordered decree enacted against Bnei years of my life without the him to study the Ohr HaChaim Yisrael by the goyim and the Ohr HaChaim!” (Toldoseven on non-mussar topics, leaders of the kehilla decided Yaakov Yosef Skver p. 22) because he said that studying that they must daven and his holy words was a segula to bribe the authorities to Rav Yaakov Yosef of Skver work on the soul. attempt to rescind the harsh used to say, “The first judgment. They voted and Chassidishe sefer is the Ohr Simchas Torah In Skver unanimously agreed that they HaChaim HaKodosh.” (Be’or must take emergency Rav Neta Freund once told HaChaim p. 241) measures and ask the Ohr how every year onSimchas HaChaim to daven on their Torah, Rav Yaakov Yosef of Rav Yaakov Yosef of Skver behalf. Skver would complete the Ohr used to say that every word in HaChaim and then begin the Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh is Quickly they rushed in alarm studying it anew from an entire body of Yiddishkeit to the Ohr HaChaim’s Bais Bereishis. He then danced and that there is almost no Medrash, where they found with the sefer Ohr HaChaim in Chassidus of which the Ohr him sunk deep in holy

- 47 of 51 - thoughts. They could see with brand new clothing; only then Ohr HaChaim saw all the their own eyes that the did they allow the child to cushions and pillows, he said Tzaddik was in a world of his touch the cloak of the Ohr quietly to himself in wonder, own and they feared to HaChaim HaKodosh gently, “Does the Torah deserve this? approach him. They waited, just for a second. As soon as [How can he relax and patiently hoping that any the child’s fingers brushed the disrespect the Torah like minute he would awaken from Tzaddik’s cloak, he awakened that?]” this state, but werefrom his dveikus and returned disappointed to see that as to normal. Rav Chaim Abulafia saw the time passed the Tzaddik’s Ohr HaChaim and immediately condition remained the same; Concluded Rav Shneur Zalman called out in a loud voice, “The he was in a state of such of Liadi to Rav Levi Yitzchok of Chacham Chaim has come to intense dveikus that he neither Berditchev, “See just how us!” When the Ohr HaChaim responded nor evengreat a level of dveikus the approached, Rav Chaim acknowledged their presence. Ohr HaChaim HaKodosh had; Abulafia rose to his feet and his love and awe of Hashem stood to greet him, reciting They knew that if anyone were also amazingly lofty as the pasuk, “Arise before your should touch him even just well. (Lemaan Yeidu Bonim elders – mipnei seiva sokum,” slightly, or brush against his Yivoldu #91) and they sat and studied clothes, he would immediately together sugyas of Shas. Rav awaken, and they were sure The Two Moshiachs Chaim ben Attar was amazed that he would gladly come to at Rav Chaim Abulafia’s great This story was heard from the their aid in such a time of scholarship, erudition and chief Rav of Teverya, Rav distress and need. Still, they breadth of knowledge in Yaakov Chai Zerihan: were afraid to disturb the Torah. Then Rav Chaim Tzaddik, because they knew Abulafia told the Ohr When Rav Chaim ben Attar, just how careful he was and HaChaim, “The Torah does mechaber of the Ohr how upset he became when deserve this and requires it, HaChaim, arrived in Teverya, anyone touched him or due to my advanced age and he went to the Bais Medrash disturbed his immediate weakness!” The Ohr HaChaim and found a group of talmidim surroundings, interrupting his then asked his forgiveness. sitting together and studying state of intense tahara. They under their master and therefore finally decided to Afterward, they left together teacher Rav Chaim Abulafia, bring a young, pure child, who to the kever of the Tanna Rav who sat teaching them Torah had never sinned or thought Akiva and, not to waste time, and studying with them, negative thoughts. They they rented an animal to take supported by many cushions immersed the child in the Rav Chaim Abulafia, who was and pillows propped on either mikve and dressed him in some ninety-three years old at side for his comfort. When the

- 48 of 51 - the time. When they arrived at Aruch that the reason for this against shaving the peyos and the cave of the Tanna, Rav is that the verdict of the the beard. We see, concludes Abulafia dismounted from the judgment varies according to the Ohr HaChaim, that before donkey and they honored one whether or not the guilty party he was judged for his another to enter first. Rav knew that the transgression he transgression they checked to Chaim ben Attar sat and wept, was committing was forbidden see whether he had studied it “Woe are we that both by the Torah or not. They before and this is as we Moshiachs have arrived here therefore cross-examine the explained. together at the right time!” accused, asking him if he studied Torah or not, to see The entire story as cited by A great fog and mist crept what he knew to be forbidden the Ohr HaChaim in Rishon over them and hid them from or not. If he was aTalmid LeTzion is found in the Sefer view. Whisperings and low Chochom, his verdict and HaGan (in the chapter for the conversation between them judgment is different from one fourth day) from a handwritten were heard as they both wept who was unlearned. manuscript by Rav Zalman the quietly. Those present later son of Rav Yehuda HeChassid, surmised that it was revealed I have seen proof for my who relates: to both Rav Chaims that they position, says theOhr would pass away, one a year HaChaim, in a story about Rav My father and master the after the other. And so it was, Yehuda HeChassid regarding a Chassid told me that there was that due to our sins Rav Chaim wealthy man who used to once a wealthy man in Speyer ben Attar passed away on the shave his beard in a forbidden who used to shave off his fifteenth of Tammuz 5503 and manner using a razor, and who beard using razors. My father Rav Chaim Abulafia in Nissan was warned by Rav Yehuda admonished him and he did of that following year 5504. HeChassid against thisnot pay any attention to my (Hillula Kadisha p. 308 cited practice. When he was niftar, father’s rebuke, because he from Yalkut Yosef p. 42) Rav YehudaHeChassid would retort that he was a recalled his soul. The dead dainty istenis and that the Rishon Letzion - Rav man stood up and recounted beard bothered him. My father Yehuda Hechassid's Story his judgment, describing how warned him that his end would he was asked if he had studied be bitter, that after his death Rav Yosef Karo rules based on Torah. When he affirmed that demonic beings like cows and Sanhedrin 7a that a person’s he was literate in Chumash, oxen would run over him, judgment commences with they brought before him a beard and peyos, and that this Divrei Torah. The Ohr sefer, opened it and asked him is the punishment for those HaChaim, in his sefer Rishon to read what was written who shave off their beards and LeTzion on Yoreh De’a (siman there. He read thepesukim peyos, because the pasuk says, 245), comments on the Pesak regarding the prohibition “Do not shave the corners of Halocha of theShulchon

- 49 of 51 - your facial hair” – lo sakifu straight to the pasuk about the that the Ohr HaChaim is no pe’as rosh’chem velomitzva forbidding the cutting longer with us in this world.” sas’chisu, whose roishei teivos of the beard and shaving of (Gloss Menachem Tzion to (initial letters) form thethe peyos and I had no answer Shem HaGedolim Seforim Alef acrostic spelling poros – for them in my defense. Siman 54) “oxen” or “cows” pe’as[ Immediately, I heard them rosh’chem velo sash’chisu = declare the verdict that my After Three Times They poros]. soul was to be placed in the Gave Up lowest of all levels.” Rav Chaim Uri Lipshitz used to When the wealthy man passed tell this story about the Ohr away and all the important The Ner Hamaarovi Has HaChaim that he heard from people from Speyer sat by his Gone Out the Arabs: body, my father wrote a Divine In the year 5503 on Parshas Name on parchment and Balak during Sholosh Seudos, After the Six-Day War, when placed it upon the dead man’s the Ba’al Shem Tov suddenly Yerushalayim was under body. My father asked him told the talmidim, “I believe Jordanian rule, the Jordanians what happened to his soul that the Ner HaMaarovi, the decided to renovate and after death and he told my Western Candle, has been destroy the Jewish cemetery at father, “After my soul left my extinguished.” After Havdola the Mount of Olives. They body a great demon, like an ox the talmidim asked the Ba’al began using a tractor to or a cow, came and filled a Shem what he meant. He demolish kevorim but when vessel with tar and pitch and explained to them, “The holy the tractor reached the kever trapped my soul therein, and I Tzaddik, the mechaber of the of the Ohr HaChaim the was unable to escape. Then Ohr HaChaim, has left this tractor overturned, killing the the attribute of judgment world. The way I know this is Arab driver. That did not deter came and took this vessel from because there is one secret them, however, and they sent the demonic ox with my soul regarding Netilas Yodayim a second tractor, which for trapped inside, unable to flee, (when we wash our hands some reason broke down just and they brought me before before HaMotzi), and this as it reached the Ohr the stronghold of all souls. secret is only revelead to one HaChaim’s kever. They fixed There, a heavenly voice rang Tzaddik in each generation. the tractor and had the engine out, asking me if I had ever Until today, this secret was repaired, and then the second studied Torah and was learned given to the Ohr HaChaim – tractor also turned itself over in knowing how to read. I and now that secret has been and the driver was seriously affirmed that I had and could revealed to me. I realized that injured. Finally, they decided and they immediately brought if I have been given this secret to use a metal sledgehammer me a Chumash and opened it I must be the only one who to demolish the kever by hand, and I found that it opened up knows – and this must mean but this time somehow the

- 50 of 51 - hammer flew out of the worker’s hands and struck the foreman in the head. Finally, they admitted that the Divine Hand must be involved and they gave up! From then on their nefarious plot was over; never again did the Jordanians try to demolish the tziun of the Ohr HaChaim, and eventually control of the Bais HaChaim returned to Jewish hands. (Hillula Kadisha, 15th of Tammuz, page 612)

- 51 of 51 -

ו תמת ש מרי ותקבר ש . ולא היה מי לעדה 'כ( א )'ב', Zera And Miriam passed away etc. and there was no water for the congregation (20:1,2) The pessukim preceding Miriam's passing speak about the Para Aduma and the process with 0 which its ashes purify those that have become impure. The Gemara learns out from this juxtaposition Shimshon (Mo'ed Katan 28a), that the same way the Para Aduma creates purity, so too does the death of righteous  people. The death of righteous individuals atones for the sins of the Jewish people. The Zera Shimshon asks - if the Torah wanted to show that the passing of righteous people atones, and did so by placing the details of the Para Aduma before the passing of Miriam, why didn't Chukas the Torah place the laws of the regular korbanos next to her passing? The regular korbanos atone for actual sin whereas the Para Aduma primarily serves to purify an individual who became impure by The Zera Shimshon, Rav Shimshon coming in contact with a death body? Had the Torah prefaced the passing of Miriam with the laws of Chaim ben Rav Nachmon Michoel the standard korbanos, this lesson would have been learned in a far more pronounced manner. Nachmani, was born in 5467 (1706/1707) into an illustrious The Zera Shimshon explains that a righteous person's death only atones if the people realize family with great Rabbinical that it was on account of their sins that the Tzaddik passed away. If the passing of a Tzaddik is lineage. He studied the revealed and concealed parts of the Torah by the accompanied by repentance, then the passing serves to atone. This is why even after the passing Miriam Torah greats of his day. the well dried up. Although she passed away and this should have atoned for the sins that the Jewish He served as Rav of Modena, Pisa, people had, and in turn the water should have continued to flow, the passing was not enough to bring Sayna and Reggio, Italy, and was recognized as a holy and pious atonement and blessing, it must be accompanied by the people realizing that the Tzaddik leaves this individual, as well as a tremendous world when the people are no longer worthy of him being here. Torah scholar in all areas of Torah. He passed away on the 6 th of Elul This is why it was specifically the korban of the Para Aduma that serves to teach this lesson. 5539 (1779). The ashes of the Para Aduma need water to be added to them in order for them to purify the His Seforim were named, Toldos Shimshon (The ‘Offspring’ of impure. The ashes alone are not enough to purify anything. The same holds true with the passing of Shimshon) on Pirkei Avos and Zera Tzaddikim. Their passing alone is not enough to bring forgiveness and in turn, blessing. On the Shimshon (The ‘Seed’ of contrary, if their passing is not accompanied with repentance, bad can follow. Shimshon) on the Parshi’os of the Torah. In his introduction, he The Zera Shimshon addresses another point regarding the passing of Miriam. explains that since his only son had died during his lifetime, he wrote The pessukim seem to be clear that first, Miriam passed away and only then did the Jews his Seforim to perpetuate his own complain for water. This makes sense since the well that supplied the Jewish people with water in the memory after his passing. desert was in the merit of Miriam. It therefore follows that when she passed away the well dried up and The following is his passionate request to learn his works. the complaints started. “I implore of you with ten terms of However, the Yalkut (Shimoni §764) says, that when Moshe Rabbeinu hit the rock to bring supplication to choose from my Chiddushim (novella) the piece that forth is water instead of speaking to it as Hashem had commanded him, Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu finds favor in your eyes, for your (20:12) that he will not be the one to bring the Jewish people into Eretz Yisroel. The Yalkut points out learning will sooth my soul etc… the passuk is stated in the plural tense, which the Yalkut explains to be referring to Moshe, Aharon and “This righteousness will stand by you forever – to ‘eat’ in this world, Miriam. Seemingly, due to the incident of the hitting of the rock (Mei Merivah) even Miriam was and be satiated in the next. In this penalized from entering Eretz Yisroel. merit, Hashem will repay you with children, health and sustenance. The problem though is that the whole story happened after Miriam passed away. It couldn't “…and now my brothers and have been while she was alive since the water flowed in her merit? friends etc. do a true kindness, and with your eyes you will see children The Zera Shimshon explains that thirty days before a person dies, a person's soul begins to and grandchildren surrounding ascend to heaven. This we find even by Moshe Rabbeinu. Right before his passing he said that he was your table, houses filled with all no longer able to properly discuss Torah (see Devarim 31:2 and Sota 13b). This, the Zera Shimshon that is good, wealth and honor will not cease from your children…” learns is because his soul had already began to slowly ascend to heaven and the influence if his soul .was less and less in this world לזכר נשמת The same thing happened with Miriam. Although the waters still flowed so long as Miriam רבינו שמשו חיי
ב רב נחמ מיכאל ל"צז was alive, nevertheless, they began to slow down significantly as she got closer to her passing. When בעל הזרע שמשו א"יעז

ויה" ר שיתקיימו בנו ברכותיו של אותו צדיק she died, they stopped flowing completely. Thus, the complaining about the water began even before Miriam passed away (other לזכות חיי
דוד ב טויבא חוה להצלחה commentaries as well learn that this indeed was the sequence of events however this explanation is וסייעתא דשמיא בכל מעשה ידיו ובכל העניני
unique to the Zera Shimshon). It started when the water flow began slowing down as Miriam's soul לרפואה שלימה חיי שאול ב רחל .began to slowly ascend and her influence in this world began to diminish לאה The Zera Shimshon now presents a tremendous novelty. The fact that the water began to slow לזכות זיווג הגו בקרוב לאה בת שרה down and the Jews began to complain about it was in reality a test for Moshe Rabbeinu. Had he not hit חנה , רינה ברכה בת שרה חנה לזיווג הגו בקרוב ממש בזכות רבינו the rock he would have passed the test and Miriam would have been granted extra life and they would לאלישבע נעמי בת רחל have all entered Eretz Yisroel. Now that he hit the rock, Miriam passed away and did not enter Eretz לזכר נשמת דוד ב תמר Yisroel. This explains how the Yalkut can say that due to Mei Merivah, Miriam did not enter Eretz לזכר נשמת יעקב יצחק ב שושנה Yisroel.

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Parshas Chukas

He shall be purified by it on the third day and on the seventh day he shall be purified, and if he shall not cleanse himself on the third day, then on the seventh day he will not

achieve purity.

Rav Mordechai suggests that perhaps we can say that this pasuk means what the holy seforim teach us, that in order to merit the holy light of kedushas Shabbos we need to properly behave ourselves all week long, and only by proper action during the mundane workweek, can we prepare ourselves to truly feel the kedushah and sanctity of Shabbos. As Chazal teach us in Avodah Zarah 3, that whoever toils and exerts efforts to prepare on Erev Shabbos, will have what to eat on Shabbos itself - this hints to us that by proper preparation and readying ourselves the week before Shabbos, we merit the true sanctity of kedushas Shabbos. This is achieved by properly utilizing the days of the week to actualize their potential through Torah study and mitzvah observance.

Perhaps, we can suggest that this is hinted at in our pasuk, that he be purified on the third day, which hints at the Torah, which was given during the third millennium - and if we purify ourselves through toiling in Torah study all week, then we merit that we are pure in the seventh day that is on Shabbos - the seventh day. However, if he fails to do so, then it won't work [and he won't be purified and won't feel the sanctity of kedushas Shabbos].

May Hashem aid us and help us to properly serve Him all week long and by so doing, thereby we will be protected, and we will keep Shabbos properly. Then Chazal's words shall be fulfilled Shabbos 118a, that by observing Shabbos we shall merit the final redemption speedily in our days, Amen.

Weekly Bulletin on the Parshah s"xc Chukat June 19th 2021 th Pachad David 9 of Tamuz 5781 Published by Mosdot “Orot Chaim U’Moshe” in Israel Under the auspices of Moreinu v’Rabbeinu Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita 908 Son of the tzaddik Rabbi Moshe Ahron Pinto, zt”l, and grandson of the holy tzaddik and miracle-worker Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a MASKIL LEDAVID Weekly talk on the Parshah given by Moreinu v’Rabbeinu Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita

Observing the Chukim Leads to Absolute Faith in Hashem

We sometimes find that a person on a mitzvah abode, by observing the chukim. When a person mission passes away. For example, he may be killed educates himself not to ask questions and fulfils in a road accident. This occurs despite our being chukim that he does not comprehend, only because told by the Gemara (Pesachim 8b), "Mitzvah mes- it is Hashem's will, from this he draws the strength sengers are not harmed." There are also people who to cope with his troubles without casting doubt on demonstrate self-sacrifice in honoring their parents, the justice of Hashem's providence. yet they die at a young age despite the Torah prom- Parshat Beha'alotcha tells us (10:35), "When the ising (Shemot 20:12), "Honor your father and your Ark would journey, Moshe said, 'Arise, Hashem, and mother, so that your days will be lengthened." Paris • Orh ‘Haïm Ve Moché let Your foes be scattered, let those who hate You Many years ago, the holy Rabbi Rafael Pinto zt"l flee from before You'." Rashi explains, "Since the 32, rue du Plateau • 75019 Paris • France Tel: 01 42 08 25 40 • Fax: 01 42 06 00 33 was murdered in Morocco by Arab rioters. His tragic Ark would travel ahead a distance of three days' [email protected] death left everyone in shock since he was famous journey, Moshe would say, 'Stand in place and wait for his exceptional righteousness and profundity for us and do not go further'." The Ark went ahead in Torah, remaining secluded in his home without of them to show Bnei Yisrael the way. Let us try to Jérusalem • Pninei David leaving for any reason. In addition, Rabbi Rafael was picture this awesome sight! Bnei Yisrael walked in known as someone who had connections amongst the Wilderness with the pillar of cloud going ahead Rehov Bayit Va Gan 8 • Jérusalem • Israël the Arabs and often treated them charitably, sup- to straighten the path, while at night the pillar of Tel: +972 2643 3605 • Fax: +972 2643 3570 [email protected] porting them when necessary. fire went ahead of them to light up the darkness. Similarly, the entire history of the Jewish people Furthermore, Am Yisrael were nourished by the is replete with difficult circumstances where great, manna and quenched their thirst from Miriam's well which accompanied them on their journey in Ashdod • Orh ‘Haim Ve Moshe lofty tzadikim suffered through terrible hardships. During the empire of the wicked Greeks, Chana's the Wilderness. Rehov Ha-Admour Mi-Belz 43 • Ashod • Israël seven sons, from oldest to youngest, were killed in The Ark went before Am Yisrael and in this man- Tel: +972 88 566 233 • Fax: +972 88 521 527 [email protected] front of her eyes, following which she threw herself ner showed them the way, but Moshe Rabbeinu from the roof. The Gemara also tells us that all Rabbi called to it, "Arise, Hashem, and let Your foes be Yochanan's sons died during his lifetime (Berachot scattered..." Moshe was asking the Ark to wait for 5b, Rashi). Over the course of time, during the ter- Am Yisrael and not advance more than a distance Ra’anana • Kol ‘Haïm rible Holocaust, European communities suffered of three days' travel so that Bnei Yisrael would feel Rehov Ha’ahouza 98 • Ra’anana • Israël indescribable atrocities. The wife and children of safe and protected by the Ark's presence. Were it to Tel: +972 98 828 078 • +972 58 792 9003 the Admor of Satmar were killed, among millions go any further ahead, Bnei Yisrael would no longer [email protected] of others. feel its presence and may feel vulnerable. This harsh reality can undermine our faith and, G-d Furthermore, the Ark was the symbol of Torah forbid, even lead to denying Hashem's existence. In since it contained the Luchot. Similarly, every Jewish order for Am Yisrael to remain faithful to Hashem de- person possesses a spark from Moshe Rabbeinu's Hilula spite all the challenges and troubles the human mind soul, therefore he calls out to Hashem saying, "Do cannot grasp, Hashem commanded man to observe not distance Yourself from me too much. I need to chukim – decrees – which we have no permission to feel Your closeness." Hashem, on His part, turns 9 – Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam, the Admor of Sanz ponder. By accustoming ourselves to fulfilling also to man and says, "I remain in My place. If you feel 10 - Rabbi David Chassin the mitzvot which are beyond our comprehension, lost and distant, it means you are the one who has one attains absolute faith in Hashem, despite the distanced himself." 11 – Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Ziditchov, author of 'Ateret Tzvi' many questions that may crop up from time to time How can man feel constant closeness to Hashem? 12 – Rabbeinu Ya'akov, the 'Ba'al as a result of various difficult events. Through cleaving to the Torah and mitzvot, even in HaTurim' This week's Parshah cites the verse (Bamidbar matters that are considered a chok, incomprehen- 13 – Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman 19:14), "… a man who would die in a tent." What is sible to our human minds. When a person fulfills hy"d, author of 'Kovetz Se'orim' the connection between the opening verse of the all the mitzvot without leaving anything out, he 14 – Rabbi Ya'akov Melul, Av Beit Din Parshah, "This is the decree of the Torah" to the merits feeling constant closeness to Hashem even of Vezan later verse, "… a man who would die in a tent"? if, G-d forbid, death visits his home. If man accus- 15 – Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar zya"a, the Man must know that he receives the strength to toms himself to fulfil Hashem's word indisputably, holy Or HaChaim cope with all the hardships that befall his 'tent' – his sudden, unexplainable death will not make him home – even in the most difficult of circumstances, lose his composure since he feels Hashem's love when death and bereavement enter his personal and closeness. Walking in their Ways Tidbits of faith and trust penned by Moreinu v’Rabbeinu Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita

Guided Imagery Brings Benefit and Blessing to Man With regards to Pesach we are told (Pesachim 116b), "One is obligated to regard himself as though he himself had actually left Egypt." Despite In Our Father's Path this not being the reality, its purpose is to awaken the power of man's positive imagination, leading to absolute faith in the Creator. The more Why Did Rabbi Chaim Give the Taxi Driver an a person delves into the story of the Exodus and imagines as if he and Additional Shekel? his family endured the enslavement and then merited being redeemed Kind words and good middot have enormous, inherent power with wondrous miracles, the more he intensifies his faith and connec- to create a Kiddush Hashem, as this week's Parshah mentions, "to tion with Hashem. sanctify Me in the eyes of the Children of Israel" (Bamidbar 20:12). This is a blessed form of imagination that brings benefit and blessing HaGaon Rabbi Aharon Toisig shlit"a tells about the exemplary to man. I read that even the Chafetz Chaim would use this technique; conduct and exceptional middot of Rabbi Chaim Brim zt"l. He was he used his imagination to visualize the Ten Plagues Hashem brought someone who completely felt for a fellow Jew, actually living his on the Egyptians, so as to strengthen his faith in Hashem. pain, subsequently understanding the ideal way to address him and elevate his spirit. In this vein one can add that the Ashkenazim suffered the atrocities When travelling by taxi, he customarily gave the driver an addi- of the Holocaust while the Sephardic Jews were mostly not under the tional shekel or two more than the amount displayed on the meter. threat of the Nazi authorities. Reading and hearing stories about the Holocaust increases my desire to feel the terrible pain the European He explained: "Taxi drivers suffer from a negative, public image. Jews endured, and partake in their suffering. Even if here and there some behave in a way that justifies this -im age, the generalization makes life hard for many of them. But let us Since I and all my family are of Sephardic descent and we were far think for a moment: What creates this negative image? The answer from the atrocities of the German oppressors, I always found this desire is: The fact that we are inclined to entertain negative feelings about hard to achieve. them creates this low self-image, and their behavior is just a result One day I found a solution in the form of an album of Holocaust pic- and expression of our attitude. The taxi driver thinks to himself: 'If tures I came across. It depicts over one hundred horrific photographs this is what they think of me, I will behave accordingly.' Instead of from that accursed period in our history. One picture shows a Jewish seeing his positive aspects and trying to change any undesirable mother holding her young baby in her arms; behind her stands a brutal characteristics, he establishes his image in line with widespread Nazi pointing a gun to her head. The next picture shows the mother lying public opinion. Frustrated by his projected image, he sees fit to lifeless with the wicked soldier standing beside her, murdering the baby. prove to the public they are right." From the day I saw those pictures, I began to feel in a much more There is a simple solution for this: Raise their esteem. How does intense way the tremendous pain that was the lot of the European Jews one do this? First of all, treating them with respect will diminish at that time. The horrific pictures caused me to feel the horrendous pain their feelings of inferiority. If it comes from a true place, it will throughout my 248 limbs and 365 sinews. And so, every time I wish to permeate and have an effect. A symbolic way is by giving them feel the pain of those who lost their lives in the Holocaust, I look at these another shekel or two above the asked-for price, as a gesture and difficult scenes which awaken my imagination and lend me the ability expression of appreciation. to once again feel that dark and terrible period. The daughter of Rabbi Chaim related: "We once travelled to- gether by taxi and on arrival at our destination the meter showed thirty shekels. Rabbi Chaim gave the driver thirty-one shekels. The The Haftarah driver said: 'Excuse me, the Rav gave me an extra shekel'… "Yiftach the Giladi"(Shoftim 11) "Rabbi Chaim replied: 'It is not extra! Thirty shekels are for the journey and the extra shekel is for you, as a sign of appreciation!' The connection to the Parshah: The Haftarah talks about the war the Children of Ammon fought against Yisrael, and about the land Yisrael "The driver was impressed at the Rav's small gesture and they took possession of from Sichon, which he had captured from Ammon. parted on good terms. The Parshah too mentions the Children of Ammon. The Bnei Yisrael did "Several weeks later," the daughter continued, "I was trying to not fight them; they smote Sichon and through that, took possession of stop a taxi for a long time, but to no avail. Suddenly a taxi drew up the land Sichon had captured from Ammon. next to me, the driver turned to me and said, 'You should know, the truth is I am not available right now, but I remember you from the journey with your father. Do you remember he gave Guard Your Tongue me an extra shekel? What a tzadik! Get into the taxi, I will take you, even though I don’t really have time now.' Before arriving at the conclusion that it is necessary to rebuke someone for his ways, "On the way the driver said: 'You should know, for me one must make certain he indeed transgressed. that single shekel was worth a million times more than From the command "with righteousness shall you judge your fellow" (Vayikra 19:15), the thirty shekels, because through that your father we learn that if a person transgresses a sin not characteristic of his ways, we must try and demonstrated he understands a taxi driver is also a hu- judge him favorably. If there is some way to justify his deed, we are obligated to adopt man being.'" this line of thinking. Let us take a lesson from this episode. One can acquire If it becomes indisputably clear that he indeed sinned, if this person is normally careful one's world with one shekel! Without too much effort, in this matter, we must assume he certainly regrets his ways and has already repented. with an investment of just one shekel, one word, or It is forbidden to relate this information to others and speaking about it is considered one smile, one can affect a radical change in another lashon hara. person's esteem. Treasures Based on the teachings of Moreinu v’Rabbeinu Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi David Chananya Pearls of the Parsha Pinto, shlita

Judges Even After Death "This is the teaching regarding a man who would die in a tent" (Bamidbar 19:14) Chazal tell us (Baba Metzia 84b) that after Rabbi Eliezer, son of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, passed away, they placed him on a rooftop for more than eighteen Torah Study Requires Submission and years and his body stayed complete, just as when he was alive. Furthermore, Capitulation they would come to him to be judged and he would judge them. The prosecu- "This is the teaching regarding a man who would tor and defendant would stand outside the door and each one would assert die in a tent" (Bamidbar 19:14) his claim. Then a voice would be heard from the rooftop declaring: "So and so is liable and so and so is exempt." "A man who would die in a tent" – Chazal expound on This occurrence, says Rabbi Eliyahu HaKohen Traub zt"l, is hinted to in the these words (Berachot 63b): "The Torah only endures above verse. Through engaging in "This is the teaching", even "a man who in one who kills himself over it." The explanation seems would die" will merit, despite his death, to continue sitting "in the tent", as -hap to be that it refers to someone who is willing to defer pened with Rabbi Eliezer, and thereby be able to continue judging Am Yisrael. to someone else, listen to him and accept his opinion. Afraid to Allow Them Entry It is not referring to one who studies Torah on his own, but one who studies with a chavruta. This type of study "Edom said to him, 'You shall not pass through me – lest I come against you with the sword!'" (Bamidbar 20:18) affords the opportunity to show submission to one's friend, and Torah studied with a chavruta cannot be Why does the verse use the expression "lest" and not "because [I will come compared to independent learning. against you]", expressing certainty? The Sfat Emet writes: Edom did not wish to do battle with Am Yisrael at that Chazal say, in the future Hashem will teach us Torah time; they were simply afraid if Am Yisrael would pass through their land, they from His mouth and then lashon hara will be completely would perceive the country's practices and secrets, and if there will be a future eradicated from the world. What is the connection war between them, Am Yisrael would succeed in defeating them because they between Torah studied directly with Hashem and the had discerned their secrets. disappearance of lashon hara? This is the explanation of "lest I come against you with the sword." Maybe in One can say that studying Torah straight from Hashem the future we will come to fight against you and you will know how to attack us. without an intermediary is comparable to fine flour, Who Rejoices with a Snake Bite? free of any external influence such as honor or power. "And it will be, anyone who was bitten will look at it and live" (Bamidbar Rather, it is Torah studied for its own sake, considered as 21:8) "a man who would die in a tent." When a person toils in The expression "And it will be" is always an expression of joy. If so, what Torah with a chavruta, with self-sacrifice, it affords him place is there for joy if a person has been bitten by a snake? the power of being saved from the sin of lashon hara. That merit of his pure Torah learning creates a protec- Rabbi Meir Simcha HaKohen of Dvinsk, the Meshech Chochma, explains the choice of the terminology "anyone who was bitten." Even if someone was tive shield, it empowers him to resist the temptation of sick with any other natural illness and close to death, if a snake bit him and speaking ill of others. he looked to the copper snake, he would be healed and regain his health. It It is interesting to contemplate why, during the era follows that this person will rejoice if a snake bites him. of David Hamelech, when Torah study was prevalent, This is why it says "Vehaya – And it will be, anyone who was bitten", using people nevertheless sinned. I would like to suggest that an expression of joy, and not "Vayehi – and it will be", an expression of sorrow. they had a blemish in their personal avodah and as a Positive Act; Negative Intention result did not attain the height of spirituality achieved "Hashem said to Moshe, 'Do not fear him, for into your hand have I given during the reign of Shlomo Hamelech. What was the him'" (Bamidbar 21:34) flaw? They spoke lashon hara, thinking it was for a beneficial purpose. But had they worked on themselves Rashi explains: Moshe was afraid that perhaps the merit of warning Avra- ham when Lot had been captured would stand for Og. This seems surprising and shown submission to their friends, they would not because on the verse "Then there came the fugitive and told Abram" (Bereishit have felt the need to speak lashon hara, even though 14:13), Rashi writes "the fugitive" refers to Og, a survivor of the generation of they had beneficial intentions. the Flood. He intended to incite Avraham to go to war to rescue Lot, confident Beware! The situation today makes it much more Avraham would be killed in the battle and then Og would take Sarah as his challenging to refrain from lashon hara than previous wife. So on the contrary, not only does he not possess a merit, this act was generations. With the advancement of technology, man actually a sin. So why was Moshe afraid? has easy access to diverse opportunities through which This question is asked by the Kli Yakar. he can easily sin. If in the past, to stumble with lashon He answers that Moshe did not know about Og's intention. He was afraid hara one had to speak face to face to another person, it was a positive act that earned him a merit. But Hashem said "Do not fear today with just the press of a button on a phone, com- him"; he has no merit because he had negative intentions. So it follows, "for puter, or fax, the derogatory words are disseminated into your hand I have given him." throughout the world in just a few seconds. A NOVEL LOOK AT THE PARSHA

left confused. On the one hand, she liked The girl sat with Rav Shach for twenty min- him greatly and admired his many qualities, utes, happy for the opportunity to share her but there were certain points that disturbed experiences with someone who was really her. She agonized and debated and eventu- listening, someone who cared. She felt quite ally decided to ask the advice of the Dayan. uncomfortable but Rav Shach encouraged He listened to the points that disturbed her her pleasantly: "I am happy you shared this and thought she should not go ahead with with me, it is important to me." this match. When she began internalizing that she is Is this a Candy or a Flick? However, he was afraid to take responsibil- really welcome and not a bother, Rav Shach Sometimes a Jew finds himself facing a ity for the decision. The Dayan went to HaRav said: "I understand you are debating about a situation in which he feels strict judgement Shach and asked his advice. certain shidduch. What are your concerns?" enveloping him and it seems that Hashem HaRav Shach told him: "Under no circum- She explained her deliberations for and is hiding His face from him. He may be stances should you be the one to make this against, analyzing the situation and describ- suffering some kind of hardship, sickness, decision, not 'yes' and not 'no'." ing how she felt about it. After listening with pain, financial difficulties or other painful great attention, Rav Shach said, "You can The Dayan wondered why; HaRav Shach events. This is what took place in this week's conclude the shidduch, it should be besha'a explained: "This girl does not have a father Parshah, where we read how "G-d sent the tova! And please, come to tell me so I can and even her mother is not able to help her. fiery serpents against the people and they rejoice together with you!" bit the people." She is relying on you. At the moment, she has some feelings towards the boy and wants to The girl left Rav Shach's home, went back Rabbi Shimshon Pincus zt"l would encour- get engaged to him. If you tell her no, she will to the dormitory and called the Dayan, tell- age people to adopt the correct view when listen to you and one day will get engaged to ing him Rav Shach decided she should get faced with 'makot': someone else. And then, every time some engaged to this boy. We are all familiar with elderly people who small or big problem crops up in their home, The Dayan hurried over to Rav Shach's come to the Beit Knesset on Friday night she will say, 'Ah, it is because I did not marry home. He had to understand what made with candies in their pockets, distributing that boy!' and she will blame you. Rav Shach suddenly say this! them to the children who come to pray. "On the other hand, if you tell her yes, "HaRav, I want to understand. Did I not One rarely finds someone approaching the every time there is a problem between explain the sides correctly to the Rosh Ye- 'candy man' and asking him, "Tell me, do you shiva?" have permission to distribute candy to the them, she will say, 'I told the Dayan all the children? Did you ask the child's father if it problematic issues I saw even before we got "You explained very clearly." is okay?" What happens is that each person engaged, but he told me to go ahead. It is "So why did the Rosh Yeshiva tell me not says thank you and offers a nice smile. all because he did not take me seriously…' If to decide, while the Rosh Yeshiva did make you make the decision, you will be blamed On the other hand, if this elderly person to a decision? And I have another question: until one hundred and twenty, therefore you sees a child being wild in the Beit Knesset If the Rosh Yeshiva trusts that I gave over a can't decide." and gives him a slap, he will immediately be correct picture of the situation and he came pounced upon, "What, are you his father?!" "So what should I tell her?" asked the to a decision, why was it necessary to call the Dayan. girl? Why could I have not been told what In other words, not everyone has permis- to tell her?" sion to hit someone else. Only a father can HaRav Shach replied, "Send her to me." give a slap… The Dayan told the girl HaRav Shach wants Rav Shach replied: "Do you not understand why? I told you if any problem arises, you will The obligation to educate our children per- to see her and she happily went. be the guilty party!" mits the father to behave in this way. A father HaRav Shach turned to her and said pleas- on the one hand is full of compassion for his antly, "I heard you lost your father. I have "And Rav Shach won't be held guilty for child, but from the same place of concern he already married off all my children long ago; any problems? What's the difference?" will also hit his child when necessary. This is are you prepared to be my daughter?" "I will tell you what the difference is: I also an act of kindness and mercy. A person Would anyone refuse? She nodded her first of all made her into my daughter. And can view his hardships as 'makot', or he can head shyly. a father is permitted to say 'no' to a son or see them as candies… daughter. Once I made it clear to her that I "You should never be embarrassed," In the sefer Doresh Tov, Rabbi Yechiel Meir am like her father and she can come to me smiled HaRav Shach. "A daughter comes at any time to share any joy or pain, ask for Tzucker shlit"a relates a story he heard from to her father every time she needs help or Rabbi Chizkiyahu Mishkovzki shlit"a: any necessary help, and all that happens to advice, right? Not only when she has an her is important to me and I care, only then There was a certain ba'alat teshuva who important, crucial question. A daughter is a could I also tell her things that might not was orphaned of her father. Since her daughter. If you are about to take a test and be acceptable to her." Only within such a mother was an elderly woman taking her you feel stressed, come and tell me! If you relationship can one successfully guide, and first steps in Judaism, the daughter would just took a test and are disappointed with therefore take the responsibility. consult with a prominent Dayan in Bnei Brak the results, or maybe happy and pleased, when necessary. share it with me! Anything that is important When she came of age, a shidduch was to you is important to me. Tell me how things suggested with a boy who was also a ba'al are in your dormitory, what you are learning, teshuva. After several meetings, she was what bothers you, what makes you happy…"

Shemos Parshas Beshalach 14:27

"So Moshe stretched out his hand over the sea, and toward morning the sea returned to its strength" - the word "its strength" in Hebrew is Eysano which our sages interpreted as having the same root as the word Tena'o which means a condition; so that they read the verse to hint to us that the sea returned and went back to the original condition Hashem had set forth with it from the time of Creation.

The Holy Rav Chaim Ben Attar in his commentary on Chumash, the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh writes: This condition is one of the conditions which Hashem made that all creations from the time of Bereshis must bend their will and subjugate themselves to the Torah and to those individuals who study and toil in it. All creation and all the creatures must fulfill the will of these scholars and do whatever they decree, the rule of the Torah scholars over the creation is similar to the rule of the Creator blessed is He [over them], therefore you can see that there were individuals and many tzaddikim who ruled over the heavens and the earth, the sun, the moon and the stars as Hashem decreed at the time of Creation. This is the secret behind the verse in Yishaya 43 - Your Creator Yaakov, which our sages taught in Midrash Rabba (VaYikra 36) that Hashem the Holy One said to His world, who created you and who formed you? Yisrael did and they did so through the power of the Torah. rut"v 'ryg ic ohhj hcr r"yg irn 'ausev ubhcra gush hf ,urnk shgva hpf ',ucr ,ukhp, rchj '(zun, u"y :tkukhv) ausev "ohhjv uh,ukhp,n ,ukhp, ur,ub tk ouhfa hrv 't"shjv irn ushnk, /ushnk, 't"shjv hsh kg vrn,ava ',jt vkhp, sckn 'rchja

,khp,c vrntk 'ohhjv rutv 'ryg ic ohhj hcr ieh, uz vkhp, ogpc) "rucghu" rnut ruchmv jhkaa ,gc 'ohruhpfv ouh ka ;xun /(ohngp gca ,ushn d"h ,rhnt ,gc 'vbuatrv ohhjv rtv 'ryg ic ohhj hcr ka u,khp, thv uz vkhp,u ,uhv 'okut hkusd uhkg ushgv uhhjc rcf ratu 'u,ausen sgr okugv kfa 'ausv oa kgcvau '"ubhbjnc humnu ubhrusc tuv ause ohekt aht" ueurn hcr e"vrvau '"asuev jurc uhrcs kf"a uhkg shgv ausev cuy vz rpxc sunhkv"a '"ohhjv rut" 'urpx kg shgv .hruen xjpb jhan ,nab vhv rcjnv ifa 'ausv rvuzv unf vnabk kduxn vkhp, rnuk iufbvu hutrv in htsuu if kg '"!urusc h"car unf urusc :vkhp,v iuak uzu tumn ,g kfc uz vrmrme rut ,ushsh 'ubhekt 'ubhfkn ubhct lhbpkn iumr hvh akak ,©¨ r¨f rat l,hrc ignk 'ubh,nabu ubhjur 'ubhapb rufz 'lhbpkn okugk iehr ,urzuj ibhta ,ushn vrag ruzj,u ubhase ,hck l,bhfa cavu ub,chju ubh,cvt ,shrpf ubnn l,shrp vae hf 'ose hnhf ubc gag,avk ,kutd kt ubhapb v,kfu 'ubhgn unv 'ubhpudn ubhapb ubbv 'ubpxfb wv lbumrku 'lhase iugn ktu l,bhfa 'vbhfav ,ukd kg 'injrv ct wv 'lhbpk ohfucu ohbbj,n vnhgbv l,cvtc ubhapb ecsu 'l,bhfa wv vghauv /vhkfhvc ubhfkn kughhu 'ubhapb kg vchrgvu תפילת אור החיים הקדוש רבינו חיים בן עטר זיע"א

יְהִ י רָ צון מִ לְפָנֶי� אָבִ ינוּ מַ לְכֵּנוּ אֱ �הֵ ינוּ יְדִ ידוּת אוֹר נַפְשֵׁ ינוּ רוּחֵ ינוּ וְ נִשְ מָתֵ ינוּ, לְמַעַן בְּרִיתְ� אֲשֶר כָּרַתָּ לִשְׁ�שׁ עֶשְׂרֵה מִידוֹת שֶאֵינָן חוֹזְרוֹת רֵיקָם מִ ְ ל ָ פ ֶנ י � זְ כוֹר אַהֲבָתֵ ינוּ וְחִ יבָּתֵ ינוּ וְהָשֵׁ ב שְׁ כִ ינָתְ � לְבֵ ית קָדְ שֵׁ ינוּ וְתַ חֲזוֹר לְהִשְׁתַּ עֲשֵׁ עַ בָּ נוּ כִּ ימֵ י קֶדֶ ם כִּ י קָשָׁ ה פְּרִ ידָתְ � מִמֶ נוּ כִּפְרִ ידַ ת נַפְשֵׁ ינוּ מִ גוּפֵינוּ, הָ מוּ מֵ עֵינוּ וְכָלְתָ ה נַפְשֵׁ ינוּ אֶ ל גְאוּלַת שְׁ כִ ינָ תְ � וְ אֶ ל מְ ע ֹ ו ן קָדְ שֶׁ� וְלִרְ צוֹנְך ה' נִכְסַפְ נוּ.

הִ נְנוּ מִתְ חַ נְנִים וּבוֹכִ ים לְפָנֶי� ה' אָב הָרַ חֲמָ ן עַל גָלוּת הַשְׁ כִ ינָה הוֹשִׁ יעָה ה' שְׁ כִ ינָתְ � וְדַ בֵּ ק נַפְשֵׁ ינוּ בְּ אַ הֲ בָ תְ � הַ נְ עִ י מָ ה וְ הָ עַ רֵ י בָ ה עַ ל ַנ פְ שֵׁ י נ וּ ר וּ חֵ י נ וּ וְ נִשְׁ מָתֵ ינוּ וְ ייֵעוֹל מַ לְ כֵּ נ וּ בְּהֵיכְ לֵיה.

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