[In
alphabetical order according to First Name] A-C,
D-L,
M-R,
S-U,
V-Z, and secondarily by Year of Passing At
the end of each entry, thanks to Chaya M Mishelovin, the numbers indicate which
stories in the archives the person appears
in. Rabbi Yisrael-Abba (HaKohen?)
Pliskin [of blessed memory: 5665 (or 5667) - 27 Sivan 5756 (1905 - June 1996]
spent nearly twenty years in hiding from the NKVD (forerunner of the KGB), a consequence
of his absolute dedication to helping Torah-true Jewish education survive in Communist
Russia. He managed to emigrate in 1947, and after a brief period in Paris went
on to be one of the founding fathers of the highly successful Chabad community
it Melbourne, Australia, before eventually moving to New York and becoming a gabbai
(manager) of the "770" shul and a teacher in the English-language yeshiva
for young men without strong Torah backgrounds. (For
more details) Story #1019 -- Rabbi Aharon ("the Great")
of Karlin; (1736- 19 Nissan 1772) was a disciple of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezritch.
He was the pioneer of Chasidism in Lithuania, as is evidenced by the fact that
in contemporary sources, "Karliner" became a local synonym for "chasid".
He is remembered for the ecstatic and unrestrained fervor of his prayer, for his
solicitude for the needy, and for the moral teachings embodied in his Azharos
("Warnings"). He was succeeded by his disciple R. Shlomo of Karlin,
after whose death the succession reverted to R. Aharon's son, R. Asher of Stolin
(d. 1823). The dynasty still thrives today; the Chasidim are known for the volume
of their communal prayers. Story # 774, 919 -- see Archives
Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl (1787- 8 Kislev 1871), eldest son
and successor of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, studied closely with his grandfather,
Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl. He became the Rebbe of thousands of Chasidim in the
Ukraine. Story # 207, 477 -- see Archives Rabbi
Aharon of Belz [1900 - 21 Av 1957], the fourth rebbe in the Belz dynasty,
was considered one of the purest holy men of his generation. In 1944 he miraculously
escaped from the Nazis and moved to Israel, where after a brief time in Jerusalem
he set up his court in Tel Aviv. The current Belzer Rebbe, who has established
a huge center in Jerusalem, is his nephew. Story # 406, 923, 1233 -- see
Archives Rabbi Aharon-Yechiel
Leifer [? - 1 Sivan 5760 (? - June 2000 C.E.)], was born in Bania, Rumania,
where his father, Dovid, served as Rebbe, a descendent of the famous Galitzean
dynasty of Nodvorna rebbes. As a young man he served as the Rabbi of Shatz, his
wife's birthplace, also in Rumania. He arrived in Israel shortly after the war
of Liberation in 5708 (1948 C.E.). Previously he had lost an entire family in
the Holocaust, but had married his deceased wife's sister and started a whole
new family. Legendary in Tzefat for his hospitality and kindness to those in need,
his home and shul were a center for Jews of all stripes for fifty-two years. Beloved
equally by Chasidim, Sephardim and Ashkenazim, by Europeans, Israelis and Americans,
his death a little before (or after!) the age of ninety marked the end of an era
in Tzefat. Story # 810 -- see Archives Rabbi
Akiva Eiger [1761- 13 Tishrei 1837], the chief rabbi of Posen, Prussia for
23 years, was an acclaimed scholar whose analyses of and innovative insights into
the Gemora are studied in nearly all yeshivas. Story # 338, 690, 860 --
see Archives Ari Halberstam
[of blessed memory:19 Iyar 5738 - 23 Adar 5754 (May 1978 - March 1994 CE)] was
in a van filled with other Chabad teenagers headed home from Manhattan when he
was tragically shot to death on the ramp to the Brooklyn Bridge by a Lebanese-born
Muslim terrorist. The ramp was renamed by the NYC government to "Ari Halberstam
Memorial Ramp" and a succession of signs there testify to his martyrdom.
Aas a child, Ari shared a special bond with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his wife.
At three years old, he sat on the Rebbe's lap as the Rebbe taught him the first
letters of the aleph-bet. Mrs. Schneerson was particularly close to Ari, and was
known to treat him as the grandson she never had. Rabbi Aryeh Leib
[of blessed memory: ?-6 Tishrei 1811 (?-Sept. 5570 C.E.)], known as the Shpoler
Zeide ('grandfather'-a nickname given to him by the Baal Shem Tov
at his circumcision), is famed as a miracle worker and devoted to the succor of
poor Jews in distress. In his early years, he was a disciple of Rabbi Pinchas
of Koretz, a leading figure in the first generation of chassidim.The Lubavitcher
Rebbe stated the possibility that the Shpoler Zeide and Rabbi Leib Sarah's
are the same person. Story # 138, 177, 359, 430, 588, 594, 770 -- see Archives Rabbi
Asher-Yeshaya (Rubin) of Ropshitz (?-1845 or 1855) was the son-in-law of Rabbi
Naftali of Ropshitz, whom he succeeded as Rebbe. He authored Or Yeshai. Rabbi
Avraham Dov Auerbach of Avritch [1765-12 Kislev 1840], a Rebbe in Europe for
forty years and in Tsfat for ten, was a disciple of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev
and of the first two Rebbes of the Chernobyl dynasty. One of his disciples
was Rabbi Shmuel Heller, the chief rabbi of Zefat for over half a century. His
famous book, Bas Ayin, was written in Europe, but he refused to allow it
to be printed until he could 'expose' it to the air of the Holy Land and refine
it there. His meeting with the philanthropist Sir Moses Montifiore in 1840 led
to the beginning of modern Jewish agricultural settlement in Israel. He is buried
in the old cemetery of Tsfat. Story # 143,215, 397, 528, 993 -- see Archives Rabbi
Avraham Azuli (1570-1643), authored the well-known Kabbala work, Chesed
l'Avraham. He is the grandfather of one of the most famous Sephardic sages
ever, the Chida (Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806). Story # 365
-- see Archives Rabbi Avraham
the Malach ("the Angel") (1739- 12 Tishrei 1776). Son of
Rabbi Dov Ber (the Maggid) of Mezritch. While still a young man he committed to
an ascetic and secluded lifestyle. Upon his father's passing in 1772 he declined
to assume leadership of the chassidic movement, even though he was held in high
esteem by all of hisfather's main disciples. He wrote a work entitled Chesed
L'Avraham. His son, R. Shlomo Shachna of Probisht, was the father of the famed
Chasidic leader, Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. Story # 292, 594, 715, 729 --
see Archives Rabbi Avraham
Landau of Chechanov[1784 - 5 Adar 1875], a disciple of R. Fishel of Strikov
and R. Simcha Bunim Of Pesishcha, was a renowned scholar and rabbinical judge.
He served as Rav and Rebbe in his community for 56 years, refusing all offers
to serve in larger, more prestigious posts. He authored _Zechuta d'Avraham, Ahavas
Chesed_, and many others. In 1943 his grave was dug up, and his body and even
his burial shrouds were completely intact! Story #618 -- see Archives
Rabbi Avraham of Trisk (1802 - 2 Tammuz 1889) was one of eight sons
of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl. was one of the eight sons of Rabbi Mordechai
of Chernobyl, all of whom became chasidic rebbes in their own right. In addition
to being wee known because of the success of his blessings, his approachability
and friendliness to all comers drew thousands of Chassidim to the court which
he conducted for some fifty (50!) years at Trisk. His book, Magen Avraham
on the Torah and festivals, enjoys great popularity among Chasidim, and among
ywshiva students for whom it offers many guidelines. Story # 499, 598, 309,
633 -- see Archives Rabbi
Avraham Wienberg, the Slonimer Rebbe [1804-11 Cheshvan 1883], was active in
the spread of the Chasidic movement in Lithuania, the stronghold of the opposition
to the Chasidism. He was also a main organizer of support for the religious communities
in the Holy Land. His books include Chesed L"Avraham, a deep mystical
work, and Be'er Avraham on the Mechilta. Rabbi Avraham
Benyamin Schreiber [1 Adar 5575- 19 Tevet 5632 (March 1, 1815 - Dec. 1871
C.E.)], known as the Ksav Sofer - after the title of halachic responsa
, was the son of the illustrious Torah giant, the Chatam Sofer, Rabbi Moshe
Shreiber (5522-5599 / 1762-1839 C.E.), and his successor as the head of the Pressburg
Yeshiva, the most prestigious in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and the largest
in all of Europe. Story # 125, 145, 228, 700 -- see Archives Rabbi
Avraham Bornstein of Sochatchov [5600 - 11 Adar 5670 (October 14, 1839 - February
1910 C.E.)] was a descendant of the Ramah and the Shach. Years before
his bar mitzvah he was recognized as a Torah genius. At age 13, he married a daughter
of the Kotzker Rebbe, with whom he learned almost daily for nearly 7 years, until
the latter's death, whereupon he became a follower first of his uncle, R. Yitzchak-Meir
of Ger, and then of R. Chanoch-Henech of Alexander. Already a leading authority
in Jewish law, in 1883 he became the rebbe of thousands of chasidim and the founder
of the Sochatchover dynasty. His writings include the classic, Avnei Nezer
(seven volumes of posthumously-published responsa), and Eglei Tal (on the
laws of Shabbat). He was succeeded by his only son, R. Shmuel (1856-1926), author
of Shem MiShmuel. Story # 951 , 1105, 1160-- see Archives Rabbi
Avraham-David Wahrman [6 Adar 5531 - 29 Tishrei 5601 (1771-1840)] of Buchach
(or Buczacz or Butzchatch) was recognized as a Talmudic genius when still a teenager.
Before becoming a chasidic leader in his own right later in life, he was a disciple
of Rebbe Levi-Yitzchak of Berdichev and Rabbi Moshe-Chayim of Sassov. He is the
author of many scholarly books covering the entire spectrum of Torah, with Eshel
Avraham and Daas Kedoshim, important commentaries on the first two
of the four sections of Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), being the
best known. Rabbi Avraham Mattisyahu Fridman of
Shtefanesht [1848 - 21 Tamuz 1933], in Romania, was the grandson of the holy
Rabbi Yisroel of Rhzhin. He succeeded his father, Rabbi Menachem Nochum, to be
the second Rebbe in the dynasty, in 1869. While famed for his miraculous powers
and having thousands of followers and admirers, he was also considered one of
the true hidden tzadikim of his generation. In 1969 his remains -- which witnesses
alive today testify were still as whole and fresh as the day he died! -- were
exhumed and transferred from Romania to Nachlas Yitzchok in Tel Aviv, where his
grave is still a holy site of prayer for thousands of Jews. Story #556
-- see Archives Rabbi Avraham
Mordechai Alter (1866 - 6 Sivan 1948), the son of the Sfas Emmes, was
the third Rebbe in the Gur dynasty. He was the spiritual leader of over 250,000
Chassidim in pre-WW II Poland. In 1940, he managed to escape with three of his
sons to Israel (then Palestine), although the vast majority of his followers did
not survive. He began to rebuild the Gerrer community in Jerusalem, but he died
there during the siege of Jerusalem on Shavuos, 1948. He was known as the Imrei
Emmes, after the title of his major book. Story #1026, 1161-- see Archives Rabbi
Avraham Shalom Halberstam, a descendant of the Divrei Yehezkiel, son
of the Divrei Chayim of Sanz, is the present day Stropkov Rebbe
in Jerusalem, living in Meah She'arim. He runs several yeshivas and kolels in
Jerusalem and other cities in Israel. He is known for devoting himself to helping
many who need to return to their Jewish roots. Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Friedman
(20 Cheshvan 1819-11 Elul 1883), the first of the Sadigorer dynasty,
was the second son and successor of his famous father, the holy Rabbi Yisrael
of Rhyzhin (1797-1850), who passed away in Sadigora. His elder son, Yitzchak (1849-1917),
became the first Boyanner Rebbe. His younger son, Yisrael (1853-1907), succeeded
him in Sadigora as the rebbe of tens of thousands. Story #305, 535, 550, 672
-- see Archives Rabbi Avraham
Yehoshua Heschel [of blessed memory: 5515 - 5 Nissan 5585 (1755-March 1825
C.E.)] the Apter Rebbe, was a main disciple of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhinsk.
He is also often referred to as "the Ohev Yisrael," both after
the title of the famous book of his teachings, and also because its meaning (
"Lover of Jews") fits him so aptly.The Kapishnitzer Chasidic dynasty
descends from him. Story #193. 231, 245, 333, 383, 388, 470, 521, 541, 696, 1008,
1058, 1124, 1262 -- see Archives
Rabbi Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel of Kopischnitz [4 Iyar 1888 - 16
Tammuz 1967], a great-grandson of the Ruzhiner Rebbe on his mother's side, was
named after his paternal ancestor, the Apter Rebbe. After WWI he moved to Vienna
and after WWII to New York on the Lower East Side. Wherever he lived he was renowned
for his supreme kindness and great ahavas Yisroel (love of ones fellow
Jew). His dedication to refugees of the wars was especially extraordinary. In
Israel, he opened an orphanage in Petach Tikveh, called Beit Avraham, which exists
until this day. Story # 475 -- see Archives Rabbi
Avrohom-Yitzchok Kohn (5674 [in Tsfat!]- 27 Kislev 5757/1914 - Chanukah 1996)
was the second Toldos Aharon Rebbe and son-in-law of Rabbi Aharon "Areleh"
Roth, founder of the dynasty. He is the author of Divrei Emunah. Four of his many
sons are rebbes today. [It is recorded that he instructed his followers to
study several of the printed works of Rabbi Aharon HaLevi Horowitz of Strashelye
(1766-1828), who was a leading disciple of the first Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Shneur
Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), and, I've been told by a few of his chasidim, other
teachings of Rabbi Shneur Zalman as well.] Story 1000--see Archives Rabbi
Benyamin (ben Menachem Mendel) Mendelson [?-24 Iyar 5739 (?-May 1979
C.E.)] was born in Plotzk, Poland. He emigrated to Israel after WWII, where he
became the founding rabbi of Komemiyut, a religious moshav in the south, which
under his guidance and rabbinical leadership became one of the first settlements
to observe all the biblical and rabbinical agricultural laws which apply to the
Holy Land. He is still is considered a foremost authority on the laws of the Sabbatical
Year. Story #168, 546-- see Archives Rabbi
Ben Zion Halberstam of Bobov (1874- 4 Menachem Av 1941) at age thirty-one
succeeded his father, the first of the dynasty, as Rebbe of Bobov. He is often
referred to as the Kedushas Tzion, after the commentary on the Torah that he wrote.
He was murdered by the Nazis in 1941. His successor was his son Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam
(1907-2000), who rebuilt Bobov in the United States. Story #659, 764 --
see Archives Rabbi Boruch of Kosov*
[? - 13 Cheshvan 5543 (? - Oct. 1782 C.E.)], an important disciple of the Maggid
of Mezritch, and of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, worked actively to propagate
and publicize the ways and teachings of Chassidism. He is the author of "Yesod
HaEmunah" and "Amud HaAvoda." Story #237 -- see
Archives *Not
to be confused with Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kosov, founder of the Vihznitz and
Kosov dynasties. Rabbi Boruch of Mezhibuz [1753 - 18 Kislev,
1811] was the son of R. Yechiel Ashkenazi and Adel, the daughter of the Baal Shem
Tov.He moved from Tulchin to assume the Chasidic leadership in Mezhibuz, the town
of his holy grandfather. He was one of the pre-eminent Rebbes in the generation
of the disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch and had thousands of Chassidim. Story
#140, 166, 588 -- see Archives Rabbi
Baruch-Shalom Schneersohn [22 MarCheshvan 5566 16 Shvat 5629 (Oct.
1805 Feb. 1869] was the firstborn of the 3rd Rebbe of Chabad, the Tzemach
Tzedek, and the great-great-grandfather of the 7th Rebbe (1902-1994). Unlike
his younger brothers became the, he remained inflexible in his determination not
to accept any position as head of a Chassidic community, even though he was eminently
qualified. He was exceptionally humble. It was only after his passing that numerous
manuscripts he had authored came to light, which provided evidence of his profound
intelligence and wisdom. Story #1217--see Archives Rabbi
Chaim Vital (1543 - 30 Nisan 1620) Student of Rabbis Moshe
Alsheich and Moshe
Cordevero, but best known as the main disciple of Rabbi
Yitzchak Luria and the authoritative redactor of his doctrines, as recorded
in Etz Chaim ("Tree of Life"). Pri Etz Chaim ("Fruit
of the Tree of Life"), and Shmoneh Sha'arim ("Eight Gates").
Author of several books of his own as well. (For a
fuller biography) (For teachings of Rabbi
Chaim Vital translated into English) Story #197, 301, 302, 404, 407, 439,
446, 453, 595, 597, 751 -- see Archives Rabbi
Chaim (ben Moshe) Ibn Atar (1696 - 15 Tammuz 1743) is best known as
the author of one of the most important and popular commentaries on the Torah:
the Ohr HaChaim. He established a major yeshiva in Israel, after
moving there from Morocco. Chassidic tradition is that the main reason the Baal
Shem Tov twice tried so hard (and failed) to get to the Holy Land was that he
said if he could join the Ohr HaChaim there, together they could bring Moshiach.
His burial site outside the Old City of Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives, is
considered a propitious place to pray. Story #274, 451, 606, 651, 657, 712, 813,
868, 1022 -- see Archives Rabbi
Chaim Toledano [(of blessed memory: circa. 5460-5543 (1700-1783 C.E.)] was
the Rabbi of Sali in Morocco in the generation after the Ohr HaChaim
left for Israel. In the book Tehila l'David he is described as being "the
glorious adornment of the sages...pleasing to G-d and man." Story #161
-- see Archives Rabbi Chaim-Yosef-David
Azulai (circa 5484-5566; 1724-1806), better known as the "Chida,"
which are the initials of his name, is a highly respected Halachist, Kabbalist,
historian and bibliographer. Born in Jerusalem, his teachers included Rav Shalom
Sharabi [the Rashash], and Rav Chaim ben-Atar (the Ohr HaChaim). Eventually he
wrote and published 71 works! His Shem HaGedolim is one of the most important
source books of Jewish literature and history. Several times he traveled abroad
for periods of over five years each, usually as an emissary of the communities
of the Holy Land, and once to serve as the Rav of Cairo. He lived the last third
of his life in Livorno (Leghorn), Italy, where he wrote most of his major works
and where he passed away at age 82 and was buried. Story #708 -- see Archives
Rabbi Hayyim Pinto Hagadol ("the Great") [Tammuz 15, 5509
- Elul 26, 5605 (July 1, 1749 - September 28, 1845)], a descendant of Rabbi Yoshiyahu
Pinto--the "Rif" of Ein Yaakov--was born in Agadir, Morocco on the 6th
Hilula of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Attar. At age 20, he became the head rabbinical judge
in Mogador, exercising this function for more than 70 years. The greatest Torah
scholars of the generation esteemed him, and Jews and Muslims alike venerated
him. It is said that Eliyahu Hanavi revealed himself regularly to him and studied
with him. On the day of his passing, at age 96, he promised his disciples that
those who would invoke his name on the day of his Hilula would see their prayers
answered. Story #877 -- see Archives Rabbi
Chaim Tirar of Chernowitz [5520 - - 27 Kislev 5577 (1760 - December 1817 C.E.)]
was a leading disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch and of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of
Zlotchov. He authored a number of important books, including Siduro Shel Shabbat,
which explains the exaltedness and holiness of the Seventh Day according to mystical
principles of Kabbalah, but is best known for -and by!-- the name of his esoteric
commentary on the Torah, Be'er Mayim Chaim. Towards the end of his life
he moved to Safed, where he is buried. Story #246 -- see Archives Rabbi
Chaim Hager of Kosov (1768 - 25 Iyar 1854) succeeded his father, R. Menachem
Mendel, as Rav and Rebbe in Kossov in 1827. He is the author of Toras Chayim.
A prominent synagogue in Tsfat is named after him. His son, Menachem Mendel, became
the first Rebbe in Vishnitz. Story #704, 828 -- see Archives
Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz [25 Nissan 5553 - 25 Nissan 5636
(April 1793-April 1876 C.E.)] was the first Rebbe of the Sanz-Klausenberg
dynasty. He is famous for his extraordinary dedication to the mitzvah
of tzedaka and also as a renowned Torah scholar; his voluminous
and wide-ranging writings were all published under the title Divrei
Chaim. His eldest son founded the famous Sanzer synagogue in Tsfat
in the middle 1800's. Story #281, 438, 457, 463, 487, 492, 503, 507, 801,
833, 891, 896, 1064, 1280-- see Archives
Rabbi
Chaim of Volozhin [8 Sivan 5509 - 14 Sivan 5581 (June 1749 - June 1821 c.e.)]
was the main disciple of the Gaon of Vilna, who selected him to establish a yeshiva
in 1802. The Volozhin Yeshiva became the most important and most influential in
Lithuania. His major work is the Nefesh Ha-Chaim (perhaps inspired, some say,
by the popularity of Tanya), dealing with complex spiritual issues. Story #537,
932, 987-- see Archives Rabbi
Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira of Mogelnitz [?-5 Iyar 5609 (? - May 1849 C.E.]
was raised and taught by his maternal grandfather, the Koznitzer Maggid.
He married the granddaughter of the Rebbe R. Elimelech of Lyzhinsk. He
was also the disciple of four leading figures of his generation: the rebbes of
Lublin, Pesichah, Apta, and Ruzhin. Rabbi Chaim Chizkiya
Medini [1832 - 24 Kislev 1904] was born and raised in Jerusalem. After many
years in Turkey, Buchara and the Crimea, he returned to the Holy Land in 1878
and became the head of the rabbinical court and main yeshiva in Hebron
in 1880, where he successfully revitalized the Jewish educational and social institutions.
He is best known for his monumental, universally-acclaimed 18-volume Talmudic
and halachic encyclopedia, S'dei Chemed (the only non-Chabad book ever
published by the official Chabad publishing company). Even the Arab inhabitants
of Hebron accepted him as a holy man. After his burial they tried to steal his
body and bury him in a mosque, but were unsuccessful. Story #316, 493, 519, 860--
see Archives Rabbi Chaim (Ben
Baruch) Of Antunia [1863 - 25 Kislev 1931], had many followers. He also
served as the head of the Bukaviner Kollel. Many of his teachings are published
in "Tal Chaim." Story #173 -- see Archives Rabbi
Chaim-Elazar Spira, the Munkaczer Rebbe (Dec 17, 1871- 2 Sivan, 1937)
wrote and published over twenty books on the Jewish Law, Torah, chasidism, and
religious philosophy and customs. His most notable work which made him world famous
was the scholarly work, Minchas Elazar, which contains six volumes. Story
#193, 287, 696, 759, 860, 878 -- see Archives Rabbi
Chaim-Meir Hagar, the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz [15 Kislev 5648 - 9 Nissan 5732
(Dec. 1887 - April 1972)], after the Holocaust moved to Bnai Brak in Israel where
he established the post-war Vizhnitz community. He also became one of the main
rabbinical leaders of Agudat Yisrael in Israel. Upon his passing, his two sons,
Moshe-Yehoshua and Mordechai, became the Vizhnitz Rebbes in Bnai Brak and Monsey,
NY respectively. Three of his Bnai Brak granddaughters are married to the current
Rebbes of Skver, Belz, and Satmar. Story #996, 1057-- see
Archives Rabbi Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz (1890's-24 Tishrei, 1995),
the Ribnitzer Rebbe, was a main disciple of Rabbi Avrohom Matisyohu of
Shtefanesht, grandson of the "holy Rhyzhiner." The Ribnitzer was aacknowledged
by all Jews across the spectrum as a renowned performer of miracles. After emigrating
from Russia in 1973, he subsequently lived in Jerusalem and Monsey, NY. It is
known that from the 1930s until the end of his life he fasted on all days when
it is permitted to do so under Jewish law. Story #515, 556, 1192-- see Archives
Rebbetzin Chaya "Moussia" Schneerson (25 Adar 5661- 22
Shvat 5748 / March 1901- Feb. 1988 C.E.) was the daughter of the sixth Lubavitcher
Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef-Yitzchak Schneersohn. On 14 Kislev 5689 (Dec. 1928 C.E.), She
married the next-Rebbe-to-be, her distant cousin, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
(5662-5754/1902=1994 C.E.), in Warsaw, in a wedding attended by many Chasidic
rebbes and leading Torah scholars of the generation. She devoted herself totally
to supporting her husband in his role as a leader of world Jewry, and was known
in her own right for her modesty, eruditeness and plethora of good deeds. Story
#600, 843, 1157-- see Archives Rabbi
David Twerski of Tolna [of blessed memory: ? - 10 Iyar 5642 (? - 1808 - May
1882 C.E.], son of the famed tzadik, Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, had thousands
of chasidim that relied on his leadership. His works include Magen David.
There is a Tolner Shul in Safed even today. Story #267 -- see Archives Rabbi
David Moshe Friedman (20 Cheshvan 1828-21 Tishrei 1903), the first Chortkover
Rebbe, was the fifth of the holy six sons of the famed R. Yisrael of Rhyzhin (1797-1850),
who attracted a large following after the death of his father. He is the author
of Divrei Dovid. Story #985 -- see Archives Rabbi
David-Chai Abuhatzeira, who after several decades is still serving as the
Chief Rabbi of Nahariya, Israel, is one of the five sons of Baba Meir Abuhatzeira,
the son of the legendary Baba Sali. Rabbi David is currently considered the scion
of the esteemed Abuhatzeira clan. Story #1109 -- see Archives Rabbi
David Biederman of Lelov (1746 - 7 Shvat 1814) was a close follower of the
"Seer" of Lublin. He was known for his extraordinary compassion for,
and inability to see faults in, his fellow Jews. His main disciple was Rabbi Yitzchak
of Vorki, whose son, Yaakov David, was the first Amshinov Rebbe. Two printed collections
of stories about him are Migdal David and Kodesh Halulim. Story
#1247 -- see Archives Rabbi
Dovid-Tzvi Chein, the chief rabbi of Chernigov, known as the Radatz
[1846-24 Kislev (Erev Chanuka) 1926], a major Lubavitcher chasid, renowned for
his scholarship and piety. He is one of the only three people to receive rabbinical
ordination directly from the Rebbe Maharash. In early 1926 he left Russia and
settled in Jerusalem, together with his son-in-law, Rabbi Shalom-Shlomo Schneersohn,
Rabbi of Nikolaev and brother of Rabbi Levi-Yitzchak Schneersohn, father of the
7th Lubavitcher Rebbe. Until this day, many of his descendants are important Lubavitcher-Chabad
chasidim. Story #903, 1117-- see Archives Rabbi
David Zvi Shlomo Biederman (1844-5 Elul 1918) was one of the most respected
rabbinical figures in old Jerusalem through World War I, and the leader of its
Chassidic community. He was the official head of Kollel Warsaw, and in 1883 succeeded
his father as Lelover Rebbe. Story #233 -- see Archives Rabbi
David of Zubeltov (1797 - 25 Iyar 1846) was the son of Rebbe Menachem Mendel
of Kosov and the son-in-law of Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov. He became a rebbe in
his own right at the young age of 29. He was held in great respect for his wisdom,
even by the other rebbes of his generation. R. David "Dudu"
Fisher is a famed Israeli cantor and popular singer, who also played the role
of Jean Valjean in the musical Les Miserables in Tel Aviv, in New York and in
London. Although descended from generations of those who opposed Chassidism, he,
his mother and his grandmother had close connections to the two most recent Lubavitcher
Rebbes. Story #1206-- see Archives Rabbi
Dov Ber [c.5460 - 19 Kislev 5533 (c.1700- Dec. 1772 C.E.)], the son of Avraham
and Chava, known as the Maggid of Mezritch, succeeded his master, the Baal
Shem Tov, as the head of the Chasidic movement. Most of the leading chasidic
dynasties stem from his disciples and his descendents. The classic anthologies
of his teachings are Likutei Amarim and Torah Ohr (combined by Kehos
Publishing as Maggid Devorav l'Yaakov), and Ohr HaEmmes. Story #111,
191, 263, 369, 415, 422, 497, 523, 753, 807, 862, 889,997, 1058, 1079, 1094
-- see Archives Rabbi DovBer Shneuri
[9 Kislev 1773 - 9 Kislev 1827] was the eldest son and successor to Rabbi Shneur
Zalman, founder of the Chabad movement. The author of numerous deep, mystical
texts, he is known in Lubavitch circles as "the Mittler (Middle) Rebbe."
Story #320, 368, 595, 620, 1042, 1047, 1134, 1248, 1274-- see Archives Rabbi
Dov-Berisch Weidenfeld, [of blessed memory: 5 Shevat 5641 - 10 Mar-cheshvan,
5726 (January 1881-October 1965 BCE)], the "Tchebiner Rav," served
as the chief rabbi of Tchebin, Poland, until World War II when he was exiled to
Siberia and from there to Bucharest. After the Holocaust, he came to Israel, where
he was immediately accepted as one of the Torah giants of the generation. Soon
after he re-established his yeshiva, Kochav MiYaakov, in Jerusalem. Three volumes
of his great work, Sheilos Uteshuvos Dovev Meishorim, have been published. Many
more were lost in the war. Story #598, 929-- see Archives
Rabbi Eliezer Ascari (1533-1600), a disciple of the Ramak (Rabbi
Moshe Cordevero), subsequently became famous as the author of Sefer Chareidim.
He also authored a commentary on the tractate of Brachot in the Jerusalem Talmud,
and is the composer of the popular Shabbat prayer-hymn: Yedid Nefesh. Story
#547, 1220-- see Archives Rabbi
Elazar Menachem-Mendel (ben Moshe Biderman) of Lelov (1827 - 16 Adar
1883), moved to Israel at age 24 with his father in 1841. After his father passed
away that same year, he became the chasidic leader of the Jerusalem Old City community
for the next 42 years, and was also highly respected by all the non-chasidim as
well. Story #589 -- see Archives Rabbi
Elazar of Reishe (1839-15 Tamuz 1910), a city in Galicia, Poland, was a great-grandson
of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lyzhinsk. He was best known for miraculous healings,
and for his book, Mishna Lemelech, on the weekly Torah readings. Story
#646 -- see Archives Rebbe
Eliezer Zusia Portugal [1 Cheshvan, 1898 - 29 Av 1982], the Skulener
Rebbe, immigrated to the USA in 1960, after imprisonment in Rumania and
international efforts to secure his release. He is the author of Noam Eliezer
and Kedushas Eliezer, and was a prominent follower of the Shtefaneshter
Rebbe, but is best known for his superhuman efforts to rescue Jewish orphans and
refugees in Eastern Europe before, during and after WWII and his continuing support
of them, and his Chessed L'Avraham network of schools for children that
continue until today. Those who merited to be in his presence were astonished
by the length of his prayers and the beauty and intensity of the tunes that he
composed, many of which have become internationally famous today. Story #129,556,
561, 613, 1028, 1078, 1184-- see Archives Rabbi
Elimelech of Lyzhinsk [5477 - 21 Adar 5547 (1717 - March 1787 C.E.)], was
a major disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, successor to the Baal Shem
Tov, and the leading Rebbe of the subsequent generation in Poland-Galitzia.
Most of the great Chassidic dynasties stem from his disciples. It is told that
before he died, Rebbe Elimelech bequeathed the sight of his eyes to the Chozeh
of Lublin, the spirit of his heart to the Kozhnitzer Maggid, the soul of his mind
to Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, and the power of speech to Rebbe Avraham
Yehoshua Heshel of Apt. Other major disciples included Rabbi Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz,
Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov, and Rabbi Klonymos Kalman Epstein, known as the Maor
VaShemesh. His book, Noam Elimelech, is one of the most popular of all
Chassidic works. Story #148, 160, 252, 256, 333, 335, 697, 382, 435, 478, 486,
691, 746, 790, 896, 902, 979, 1006, 1017, 1057, 1058, 1151, 1162, 1164
-- see Archives Rabbi Eliyahu
Hakohen of Izmir, Turkey [1650 - 1 Adar B 1729], is best known as the author
of Shevet Mussar, a major work of Torah ethics and morality. He
also wrote Midrash Talpiot. In the historical work, Shem HaGedolim, it states,
"Rabbi Eliyahu HaKohen of Izmir wrote almost 40 books and turned many away
from sin with his public lectures." Story #776-- see Archives
Rabbi Eliyahu Kramer, the Gaon of Vilna (1720 - 19 Tishrei
1797) was one of the most prominent figures in the Torah world of recent centuries,
his erudition covered the entire field of Torah scholarship (as well as natural
sciences and mathematics) on which he wrote some 70 works. Despite his extreme
seclusion - his ascetic assiduity has become proverbial - he exerted a powerful
influence on Jewish affairs. Story #340, 479, 523-- see Archives
Rabbi Eliyahu Yosef of Drivin [? - 12 Tammuz 5607 (1847 C.E.)] was
one of the elder disciples of Rabbi Dov Ber, the second Rebbe of the Chabad dynasty,
and subsequently of his successor, the Tzemach Tzedek, both of whom used to send
students to learn Chasidic philosophy from him. He was also a prodigious scholar
of Talmud and Jewish Law. Before moving to Jerusalem in 1847, he served as chief
rabbi of Polotzk, a major Jewish community. Rabbi Feivish (Meshulam
Feivish) HaLevi of Zabriza (Zebariz) studied under R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov
and R. Dov Ber of Mezritch. He was an authority on the laws of writing Torah scrolls.
His disciples included R. Menachem Mendel of Kosov. His Yosher Divrei Emes
is a basic work on chasidic thought, and his teachings appear also in Likutim
Yekarim. Story #371 -- see Archives Rabbi
Fischel ("Fisheleh") Shapira of Strickov (1743 - 17 Tevet 1822)
was a disciple successively of the Magid of Mezritch, the Rebbe Elimelech and
the Seer of Lublin. He was known for his extreme modesty and humility. His colleagues
referred to him as "Oleh Temimah" - "the unblemished offering.
Story #325 -- see Archives Rebbetzin
Freyda [1764 - 16 Sivan 1813], the daughter of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, was an
erudite and pious woman. As his first-born, and a special soul, she was especially
dear to her father and he would frequently deliver Chasidic discourses just for
her. One of her sons, Rabbi Aharon Zaslavski of Kremenchug, married Rebbetzin
Chaya, the daughter of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Story #497, 652 -- see
Archives Rabbi Gershon of Kitov
[? - ca.1760] was the brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov and subsequently an
important disciple. He was the recipient of the famous letter from the Besht about
his visit to the heavenly abode of Moshiach, as well as other important correspondence.
In 1747 he moved to the Land of Israel, living first in Hebron and then in Jerusalem.
Story #414 -- see Archives Rabbi
Gedaliah-Moshe Goldman [5647 - 24 Cheshvan 5709 (1887 - Oct. 1948 C.E.)],
a direct paternal descendant of Rabbi Yechiel-Michil of Zolochov, an important
student of the Baal Shem Tov, joined his father, Rabbi Shlomo ("Reb Shlom'ke")
Goodman (? - 26 Iyar 1945), in the Holy Land in 1937, after having suffered eight
years in Siberian exile. He succeeded him as Rebbe of of Zivhil for only a few
years until his own passing. Story #1015, 1145-- see Archives Rabbi
Hillel of Paritsh (1795-13 Av/Shabbat Nachamu 1864) was a chassid of
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tsemach Tsedek, and as the chassidim used
to say, "half a rebbe" in his own right. He served as the Rabbi of Bobruisk
for many years, and authored Pelach HaRimon, a work of deep chassidic thought.
Story #269, 737, 1227 -- see Archives Rabbi
Jacob-Immanuel Schochet [28 Av 5695 - 20 Av 5773 (August 1935-July 2013)]
was a renowned authority on Jewish philosophy and mysticism. He wrote and lectured
extensively on the history and philosophy of Chassidism and topical themes of
Jewish thought and ethics, with over 35 books disseminated in countless countries
and translated into numerous languages. Swiss born, he became rabbi of Cong. Beth
Joseph, and professor of Philosophy at Humber College, in Toronto, Canada. Story
#1153 -- see Archives Rabbi
Klonymos Kalman Halevi Epstein [? - Tammuz 1, 5587 (? - July 1823 C.E.)],
better known as the Maor Vashemesh ("Light and Sun"),
the title of his mystical Torah commentary, was among the most celebrated of the
followers of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. The Seer of Lublin said that R' Klonymos
was the reincarnation of the Tana Rabbi Eliezer ben Charsom, who was a Kohen Gadol
(high priest) during the Second Temple. In 1785 he started heading the Jewish
community of Cracow. At the end of his life he moved to the Holy Land. He is buried
in the old cemetery of Tsfat. Rabbi Leib Sarah's [5490 - 4 Adar I
5556 (1730 - Feb. 1796 C.E.)] was held in high esteem by the Baal Shem Tov.
One of the "hidden tzaddikim," he spent his life wandering from place
to place to raise money for the ransoming of imprisoned Jews and the support of
other hidden tzaddikim. The Lubavitcher Rebbe stated the possibility that Rabbi
Leib Sarah's and the Shpoler Zeide are the same person. Story #155, 226/744,
344, 447, 483, 1104.1159 -- see Archives Rabbi
Levi Yitzchak (Deberamdiger) of Berditchev [5500 - 25 Tishrei 5571
(1740 - Oct. 1810)] is one of the most popular rebbes in chassidic history. He
was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. He is best known for his
love for every Jew and his active efforts to intercede for them against (seemingly)
adverse heavenly decrees. Many of his teachings are contained in the posthumously
published, Kedushat Levi. Story #101, 140, 157, 193, 255, 259, 306, 314,
353, 358, 363, 402, 406, 409, 418, 444, 460, 465, 477, 522, 541, 549, 569, 575,
588, 620, 668, 696, 790, 937, 990, 1036, 1058, 1086, 1139, 1189 -- see
Archives Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson
[1878-20 Av 1944], father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was considered by the Rebbe
Reshab to be one of his three greatest chassidim. An outstanding scholar and
one of the leading Kabbalists of the first half of the 20th century, he was the
Chief Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (a major Ukrainian city, today called Dniepropetrovsk)
until his arrest on the day before Passover in 1939. He was sentenced to exile
in Kazakhstan, in the village of Chi'ili, where his health rapidly deteriorated.
His extensive writings while in exile crammed into the margins of his books, were
rescued, smuggled out, and brought to his son in Brooklyn. A number of volumes
in the projected multi-volume set called Toldot Levi Yitzchak have already
been published. Story #199 -- see Archives Rabbi
Levi Yitzchak Horowitz, the Bostoner Rebbe (1921 18 Kislev 2009), a
direct descendent of Rabbi Shmuel-Shmelke of Nicholsburg, led two communities:
in Boston and in the Har Nof district of Jerusalem. He was known for the vast
help he has extended to people in medical emergency situations, and his open,
friendly nature that made him beloved to Jews of every type. Story #612, 693,
780, 980 -- see Archives Rabbi
Meir of Konstantin, son-in-law* of Rabbi Yaakov Emden, was the head of the
rabbinical-court in Constantine, Russia. *In this I have adhered to my source,
the esteemed Rabbi S. y. Zevin. A few internet genealogy sites say he was a son,
not a son-in-law. Story #107 -- see Archives
Rabbi Meir of Primishlan [? - 29 Iyar 5610 (? -
May 1850 C.E.)], lived in abject but uncomplaining poverty, yet exerted himself
tirelessly for the needy and the suffering. His divine inspiration and his ready
wit have become legendary. He wrote no works, but some of his teachings were collected
and published by his Chassidim after his death. Story #183, 185, 205, 207, 361,
377, 386, 457, 660, 825, 883, 957, 1171 -- see Archives Rabbi
Meir Yechiel of Ostrovtze (1851-19 Adar 1928) was a disciple of R. Elimelech
of Grodzinsk, who said that he would account it a privilege if after his death
R. Meir Yechiel would refer to him as his rebbe. An outstanding scholar who lived
an ascetic lifestyle, he led a following of learned chassidim. His intricate sermons,
which drew heavily on gematria, came to be known as "Ostgrovotze
pshetlach." They have been collected in Meir Einei Chachamim,
and his teachings on Bereishit in Or Torah. Story #434, 576 -- see
Archives Rabbi Meir Abuhatzira,
popularly called "Baba Meir" (10 Tevet 1917 - 17 Nissan
1983), was the oldest son and designated spiritual successor of the Baba
Sali. The Lubavitcher Rebbe indicated in private conversation that he
was one of the pillars of the world. However, he pre-deceased his illustrious
father by two years. Born and educated in Morocco where he became there one of
the most important rabbis of his generation as well as an accomplished Kabbalis.
In 19??, he made aliyah and moved to Ashdod, where, after turning down an offer
to be chief rabbi of Jerusalem, he lived reclusively for the rest of his life.
Today, his son Rabbi David, chief rabbi of Nahariya, is considered the scion of
the Abuhatzeira clan. Story #824, 874, 925 -- see Archives Rabbi
Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk/Horodok [5490 - 1 Iyar 5548 (1730 - May 1788 C.E.)]
was an elder disciple of the Magid of Mizritch and one of the earliest Chasidic
rebbes. He led the first modern aliyah to Israel, in 1777, where he and three
hundred Chasidim and others settled in Tsefat (Safed). After a few years most
of the group moved to Tiberias, where he is buried in the "Students of the
Baal Shem Tov" section of the Old Cemetery. His works include Pri HaAretz
and Likutei Amarim. Story #556 -- see Archives165,
254, 340, 369, 969, 997, 1272 Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov (1768
- 17 Cheshvan 1826) was the son of a close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and
himself a disciple of R. Moshe Leib of Sasov. He conducted a modest business until
persuaded by his contemporaries to become rav of Kosov, to which thousands of
Jews then flocked. Both the Vizinitz and Kosov dynasties stem from
him. His teachings are collected in Ahavas Shalom. Story #364, 371
-- see Archives Rabbi Menachem
Mendel of Riminov [?-19 Iyar 1815],.was an important Rebbe in the third generation
of hassidism. His was a main disciple of the Rebbe Elimelech, and many rebbes
of the succeeding generation studied with him. His teachings are collected in
Menachem Zion and other works. Story #196, 494, 819, 896 -- see
Archives Rabbi Menachem Mendel
of Kotsk [5547 - 22 Shevat 5619 (1787 - Jan. 1859 C.E.], although born into
a non-chasidic family; early became a disciple of R. Yaakov Yitzchok [the "Seer"]
of Lublin, R. Yaakov Yitzchok [the "Yid HaKadosh"] of Pshischah, and
ultimately of R. Simcha Bunim of Pshischah, Superficially stern, he practiced
and preached a zealous and unrelenting search for truth, whose prime enemy is
self-centeredness. His oft-quoted aphorisms are characteristically pungent and
unsugared. Stressed earnest Torah study. Spent the last two decades of his life
in isolation. After his passing, the majority of his followers recognized his
disciple R. Yitzchak Meir of Ger as their rebbe.[from Uri Kaploun in "A Treasury
of Chassidic Tales"] Story #279, 951, 1127, 1219-- see Archives
Rabbi Menachem-Mendel Hager [Iyar 5590 29 Tishrei 5644 (May
1830 Oct. 1884], became the first Vizhnitzer Rebbe at age 24. He
eventually acquired a large following of chasidim. He was the son-in-law of Rebbe
Yisrael of Rizhin (whose daughter Miriam-Manya he married at age 14) and the father-in-law
of the 2nd Belzer Rebbe, R. Yehoshua Rokeyach. He is often referred to as the
Tzemach Tzaddik, after the title of his booko of Torah thoughts. Story #575
-- see Archives
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn [29 Elul 5549 - 13 Nissan 5626
(Sept. 1789 - April 1866)], the Third Rebbe of Chabad, was known
as the Tsemech Tzedek, after his books of Halachic responsa
and Talmudic commentary called by that name. He was renowned not only
as the Rebbe of tens of thousands of chasidim, but also as a leading scholar
in his generation in both the revealed and secret aspects of Torah. Story
#153, 159, 164, 195, 225, 254, 255, 270, 294, 306, 307, 312, 330, 337,
368, 391, 436, 467, 563, 591, 595, 600, 603, 616, 683, 699, 808, 838,
969, 972, 975, 1031, 1037, 1042, 1062, 1082, 1169, 1171, 1236,
-- see Archives
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe [n.d.:
11 Nissan 5662 - 3 Tammuz 5754 (April 1902 - June 1994 C.E.)], became
the seventh Rebbe of the Chabad dynasty after his father-in-law's passing
on 10 Shvat 5710 (1950 C.E.) He is widely acknowledged as the greatest
Jewish leader of the second half of the 20th century. Although a dominant
scholar in both the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah and fluent in
many languages and scientific subjects, the Rebbe is best known for his
extraordinary love and concern for every Jew on the planet. His emissaries
around the globe dedicated to strengthening Judaism number in the thousands.
Hundreds of volumes of his teachings have been printed, as well as dozens
of English renditions. Story #104, 113, 114, 127, 131, 142, 144, 150,
151, 174, 180, 182, 187, 192, 210, 216, 223, 230, 238, 243, 264, 266,
273, 286, 298, 310, 323, 336, 345, 376, 389, 399, 424, 441, 449, 476,
488, 500, 517, 530, 553, 566, 604, 621, 636, 643, 655, 669, 674, 677,
698, 710, 725, 735, 745, 748, 760, 782, 787, 791, 799, 800, 811, 813,
832, 834, 840, 869, 872, 879, 899, 900, 907, 916, 939, 969, 986, 987b,
992,1000, 1009, 1020, 1035, 1046, 1048, 1059, 1068, 1070, 1085,
1088, 1113, 1116,1119, 1120, 1125,1126, 1135, 1144, 1157,1165, 1167, 1169,
1171, 1176, 1191, 1193,1215, 1226, 1229, 1238, 1244, 1276, 1279, 1281--
see Archives
Rabbi
Menachem-Mendel ("Reb Mendel") Futerfas (1906 - 4 Tammuz 1995),
was a near legendary Lubavitcher chasid, even for those who knew him personally.
In 1947 he was arrested for administrating networks of underground yeshivas and
Jewish schools, and for facilitating the repatriation of thousands of Soviet Jews
to Poland after WWII, and sentenced to 8 years in Soviet prisons and labor camps,
which he went through without compromising any religious observances, despite
the cruel pressure to do so. After another six years in Siberian exile he was
allowed to emigrate to England, thanks to an appeal for family repatriation made
by prime minister Harold Wilson during his summit meeting in Moscow with Chairman
Nikita Khrushchev. In 1973 settled in Kfar Chabad, Israel, where for twenty years
he was a major influence on three generations of chasidim. Story #515, 584, 774--
see Archives Rabbi Menachem-Mendel
Rubin of Liska (1740-1803) was the father of well-known and highly popular
chasidic Rebbe, R. Nafatali of Ropshitz. A posthumous collection of his writings
is called Likkutei Maharam. Story #1228 - see Archives. Rabbi
Menachem Nachum, the Maggid of Chernobyl [5490 - 11 Cheshvan 5548 (1730-1787
C.E.)] and founder of the Chernobyl dynasty, was a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov
and senior disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. He is the author of Meor Enayim.
Story #344, 534, 589, 673,726, 729 -- see Archives Rabbi
Menachem Kalish of Amshinov [5620 - 16 Kislev 5578 (1860 - Dec. 1917 C.E.)],
succeeded his father, Rav Yaakov Dovid Kalish, the first in the Amshinov dynasty,
in 1878, at the young age of 18. Highly active and effective in deeds of kindness
on behalf of the Jewish community, he was referred to by the Sefas Emmes Rebbe
of Gur as "a remainder from the greatest supreme rabbinical court" (in
the early years of the Second Temple--see Avot 1:2). One of his sons, Rabbi Yosef,
became Rebbe in Amshinov, while a second son, Shimon-Shalom, became a Rebbe in
Otvotsk. The latter's great-grandson, Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Milikowski, is the current
Amshinover Rebbe in Jerusalem (his father around that time was the Head of a Yeshiva
in Tsfat!). Rabbanit Menucha-Rachel Slonim [5558 - 24 Shvat 5648
(1798- Feb. 1888 C.E.)], for many decades the matriarch of the Ashkenazic
Jewish community in Hevron, was the daughter of the second Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi DovBer Schneuri. She and her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Slonim, were sent to
Hevron by the Rebbe in the early 1800's to bolster its fledging Chabad congregation
(originally started by fifteen Chabad fanilies who moved there from Zefat!). Her
grave there is today a place of pilgrimmage. Story #522 -- see Archives
Rabbi Meshulam-Zushya of Anapoli (see Zushya) Rabbi Chaim
Michoel Dov Weissmandl [1903 - 6 Kislev 1957] made extraordinary but ultimately
unsuccessful efforts to save the Jews of Slovakia during the Holocaust. A survivor
himself, he subsequently moved to USA and in 1946 founded the Nitra yeshiva in
Somerville New Jersey, an attempt to inaugurate a Talmudic agricultural community.
He subsequently moved the yeshiva to Mt. Kisco, NY, where it still exists and
flourishes. Today he is best known for his pioneering work on Torah Codes in an
era before computers. Story #640 -- see Archives Rebbetzin
Miriam-Chaya Moscovitz was the daughter of the well-known chasidic rebbe,
Rabbi Meir of Primishlan. She married Rabbi Yoel Moscovitz, who became the first
Rebbe of Shotz. Her third son, named Meir after his illustrious maternal grandfather,
became the second Rebbe of the dynasty. She herself was known to have the power
to bless, and helped countless number of people. Story #823 -- see Archives
Rabbi Mordechai ("Mottel") of Chernobyl [5530 - 20 Iyar
5697 (1770 - May 1837 C.E.)], successor to his father, Rabbi Nachum, was the son-in-law
of Rabbi Aharon the Great of Karlin and subsequently of Rabbi David Seirkes, an
important disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. His eight sons all became major Chasidic
leaders. One of them Yaakov Yisrael Twerski of Cherkassy, the first Hornsteipel
Rebbe, married Devora Leah, one of the six daughters of Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch,
son of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (match arranged by the two grandfather-Rebbes),
in order to maximize the possibilities for fulfillment of the prediction, "the
Moshiach will be born of the elder disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch or the youngest."
Story #209, 272, 366, 474, 499, 506, 707, 749, 805, 829, 880 -- see
Archives Rabbi
Mordechai of Lechovitch (? - 15 Tishrei 1810), disciple of R. Shlomo of Karlin;
known for the fervor of his prayers, and for being exceedingly charitable, particularly
toward the poor of Eretz Yisrael. Story #447, 852-- see Archives
Rabbi Mordechai of Nadvorna [?-15 Tishrei 1895], the great grandson
of Rabbi Meir "The Great" of Premishlan, was orphaned early and raised
by his uncle, the famous Rebbe, Meirl of Premishlan (see below). Chassidim from
all over Rumania and Hungary streamed in to receive his blessings. An extraordinarily
large number of his descendents became Chassidic leaders and Rebbes, including
dozens in the world today. His teachings are collected in Gedulas Mordechai.Story
#207, 437, 495, 1230-- see Archives R.
Mordechai of Neshchiz [1740 - 8 Nissan 1800] was descended from the Maharal
of Prague and Don Yitzchak Abarbanel. He was a disciple of R. Yechiel Michel of
Zlotchov. The ill and the unfortunate came to visit him from long distances. It
is recorded that he never uttered a negative word about another person. He actively
supported settlement in Eretz Yisrael. He was succeeded by his son, R. Yitzchak
of Neshchiz. His sayings were collected in Rishpei Eish. Story #257, 351,
390, 989, 1172-- see Archives
Rabbi Mordechai Dov Twerski of Hornisteipel [1840-1904] was named
after his two maternal great-grandfathers, Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl
and Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch. He was also a direct descendant of Rabbi
Zusha of Anipoli and the son-in-law of Rabbi Chaim of Sanz. A highly respected
Talmudic scholar, he was also the author of a popular book of Chasidic
guidance, Pele Yoetz. Story #267, 309, 357, 721, 1064, 1280-- see
Archives
Rabbi
Mordechai-Tzemach (ben Suliman) Eliyahu [of blessed memory: 5689 -
25 Sivan 5770 (1929-2010)], the Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel from 1983 to 1993,
was born in Iraq. A noted sage in all areas of Torah study, as well as a significant
kabbalist, he was considered to be one of the leading authorities on Jewish law
in Israel. His son, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, is currently the Chief Rabbi of Tsfat.
Story #171, 330, 658, 708, 809, 864, 1225-- see Archives
Rabbi Mordechai ("Mottele") Twersky from Rachmistrivka (?-
17 Iyar 1921) moved to Jerusalem from Europe in 1908. He was known for his sharp
mind and many business men used to seek his advice. He himself was a skilled craftsman,
who did complex engravings from silver and copper. His father, Rabbi Yochanan
Twerski, son of the famous Rebbe Mottele of Chernobyl, was the first Rebbe of
the Rachmistrivka dynasty. Story #360 -- see Archives
Rabbi Mordechai Shraga of Husyatin (20 Iyar 1834 - 22 Iyar 1894)
was one of the six sons of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin who became the head of a dynasty
in Galicia. His thousands of Chassidim included many prominent scholars. Story
#598, 1079-- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe ben Nachman, known as 'RaMBaN' or 'Nachmanides' [1194
- 11 Nissan (!) 1270], is accepted as one of the all-time great Talmudic and Scriptural
scholars. He was also a master kabbalist, a major link in the transmission of
Jewish mysticism. He is well-known as a champion defender of the Jewish faith,
as a result of his participation and victory in a famous debate again Cristian
clergy in 1263. As a result, he was expelled from Spain. Subsequently, he moved
to the Holy Land at age 70 where he composed his immortal commentary on the Five
Books of Moses, of which there exists an excellent annotated English translation,
Nachmanides on the Torah, by Rabbi Dr. Charles B. Chavel.Story #930 -- see Archives
Rabbi Moshe Al-Sheich [5268 - 13 Nissan 5353 (1508 - April 1593
C.E.)] was the author of many works, including important analytical explanations
of Scriptures, which are highly regarded even today (and in recent years have
become available in English). He was a student of R. Yosef Caro and member of
his Beit Din in Tsfat. He is buried in the old cemetery of Tsfat. (For
a fuller biography)
Story #227, 248, 446-- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe ben Maimon; [of blessed memory: 4895 - 20 Tevet 4964 (1135-1204 CE)],
known as the Rambam - the Hebrew acronym of his name, or as Maimonides.
was one of the most important Torah scholars in the last 1000 years. Born in Cordoba,
Spain, he fled with his parents and family from persecution to North Africa, passing
through Morocco and Israel, and eventually settling in Egypt, where he became
the Sultan's personal physician. His numerous books, including Mishna Torah
and Guide to the Perplexed, were --and still are -- influential in the
three fields of Jewish law, philosophy and medicine. Story #632 -- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe De Leon (1238-1305) of Guadalhajara, Spain, is best known as the first
publisher of the Zohar (the teachings of second century mishnaic sage,
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, as recorded by his students, which constitute the primary
text of Kabbalah). He is also the author of the Kabbalah tome, Shekel HaKodesh.
Story #124 -- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe Kordevero (1522-23 Tammuz 1570), known by the anacronym of his name:
Ramak, was considered the head of the Tsfat Kabbalists until
his death shortly after the arrival of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria. Author of
many major works of Kabbalah, including Pardes Rimonim ("Orchard of
Pomegranates"), in which he systematized all kabbalistic knowledge that had
been revealed until then. (For a fuller
biography) Story #195, 227, 301, 350, 403, 404, 453-- see Archives
Rabbi Moshe ben Mordechai Galante [5300-5374 (1540-1614 C.E.)] was
one of four (along with Rabbi Yosef Caro, author of Shulchan Aruch) to
receive semicha from Rabbi Yaakov Beirav in the 'renewal of semicha' controversy.
He and his older brother Avraham, who subsequently became the city's chief rabbi,
lived in Tsfat in the 1500's. Story #103, 247-- see Archives
Rabbi Moshe ben Yonatan Galante [?-5449 (?-1689 C.E.)], was the
grandson of Rabbi Moshe ben Mordechai Galente. He moved from Tsfat to Jerusalem
around the year 5415 (1655 C.E.), where he became the Chief Rabbi of the city
and was known as "Rav HaMagen." He also founded a large yeshiva
there, and was succeeded as its head by his main student, the great rabbinical
suthority known as the "Pri Chadash." Rabbi Moshe Chaim
Ephraim of Sudylkov [1748 - 17 Iyar 1800 was the son of R. Yechiel Ashkenazi
and Adel, the daughter of the Baal Shem Tov. He authored one of the first primers
of Chasidic thought, Degel Machaneh Ephraim ("Banner of the
Camp of Ephraim"), and thereafter was popularly known as "the Degel."
His holy grandfather testified about him that he was a Talmudic genius. He served
as the rabbi of Sudylkov for several decades, but then retired to Medzibuz, the
town of the Baal Shem Tov, at the end of his life, where he passed away and is
buried. Story #755 -- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe Pallier of Kobrin [1784 - 29 Nisan 1858] was a close follower of the
Rebbe, R. Mordechai of Lechovitch and afterwards of his son, R. Noach. In 1833
he became the first Rebbe of the Kobrin dynasty, with thousands of chassidim,
many of whom subsequently moved to Eretz Yisroel. His teachings are collected
in Imros Taharos. Story #167 -- see Archives
Rabbi Moshe Shneuri [of blessed memory [5544-5638 (1784-1878)] was
the youngest son of the Alter Rebbe of Chabad.He was known to be exceptionally
brilliant with an astounding memory. Also fluent in several languages, at the
young age of 16 he was his father's translator for some of the interrogations
during his second arrest in 1800. He lived the last decades of life in self-imposed
exile, after having his sent his family to live in the Land of Israel. He passed
away at age 94 near Kiev. Story #1149 -- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe Shreiber [1762-1839], was a giant of Torah known as the 'Chasam
Sofer,' after the title of his volumes of responsa which have been significant
to a high degree in the modern development of Jewish law and thought. He founded
the Pressberg Yeshiva in 5567 (1806), which became the largest yeshiva in Europe
under his leadership, and subsequently of his son, known the Ktav Sofer
and later his grandson, known as the Shevet Sofer. Story #125, 228, 266,
284, 1112-- see Archives Rebbe
Moshe of Peshevorsk (1720 - 12 Tevet 1806) was the predecessor of the Peshevorsk
dynasty (which since 1956 has been based in Antwerp). He was held in high esteem
by the brothers R. Elimelech and R. Zusha, and many other chassidic giants. It
is said of him that Rabbi Moshe Alshich often appeared to him and taught him Torah.
His was famous for the perfection and purity of the Torah, tefilin and mezuzah
scrolls that he scribed, which were eagerly sought after and are extremely valuable.
He is the author of the acclaimed Ohr Penei Moshe, commentary on the Five
Books of Moses and the five Megillot, and a subsequent volume on the Talmud. Story
#661 -- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe-Leib of Sossov (1745-4 Shvat 1807) was the leading disciple of Reb
Shmelke of Nicholsburg. He also received from the Maggid of Mezritch
and from Elimelech of Lyzhinsk. Subsequently a Rebbe in his own right with
many followers, he was famous primarily for his love of his fellow Jews and his
creative musical talent. His teachings are contained in the books, Likutei
RaMal, Toras ReMaL Hashalem, and Chidushei RaMal. Story
#291, 304, 435, 578, 642, 671, 926, 1058-- see Archives
Rabbi Moshe-Zvi Giterman of Sevran [of blessed memory: 5535 - 27
Tevet 5597 (1775 - Dec. 1837 C.E.)] was a disciple of his father, whom he succeeded
as Maggid of Savran in 1802, and of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of and Rabbi Boruch of
Mezhibuz. He later became the Rabbi of Berditchev after the passing of Rabbi Levi
Yitzchak in 1810, and subsequently of the towns of Uman and Kishinev as well.
He had thousands of chasidim. His Torah insights were collected and printed in
the book, Likutey Shoshanim. Story #263 (editor's note), 936, 1090-- see
Archives Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum
[1759-28 Tammuz 1841], known as the Yismach Moshe after the title
of his book of Torah commentary, was famed both as a scholar and wonderworker.
A disciple of the Seer of Lublin, he was instrumental in the spread of Chasidut
in Hungary. His descendants founded the dynasties of Satmar and Sighet.
Story #552, 715, 815-- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe Biederman of Lelov [? - 13 Tevet 1851] was the son of R. David of Lelov
and the son-in-law of "the Holy Yid " of Pshischah. He declined to officially
succeed his father as rebbe, considering himself unworthy of the position. He
moved to Israel in 1851, where he helped to strengthen the Chassidic community
in Jerusalem, although he passed away shortly after his arrival. He is buried
on the Mount of Olives, near the prophet Zacharia. Story #233, 296, 355, 498,
717, 1152-1224- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe Mordechai Biderman (1903 - 24 Tevet 1987), sixth-generation Rebbe
of Lelov, lived in Tel Aviv for many years, then moving to Bnei Brak in 1964.
He was accepted also by many Karliner chasidim as the new Rebbe after the passing
of Rabbi Yochanan of Karlin-Stolin in 1956. When the sacred Kotel was recaptured
in 1967, of all the Chassidishe Rebbes, he visited it most. His prayers there
lasted most of the day. Because of his attachment to the Kotel, he moved back
to Jerusalem and remained there until 1981, at which time he became too weak to
visit the Kotel and returned to Bnei Brak. He is the author of Kedushas Mordechai.
Story #717 -- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe Feinstein (1895 - 13 Adar B 1986) was born in Uzdan, near Minsk, Belorussia.
He became rabbi of Luban while young and remained there till 1937. After that
he immigrated with his family to the United States, to the Lower East Side of
Manhattan. There he became Rosh HaYeshivah of Mesivta Tiferes Yerushalayim, which
became world-famous because of his presence. He also became the most important
halachic authority in the Americas, and his rulings were accepted worldwide. They
have been published in a multi-volume collection called Igrot Moshe. Story
#572, 745-- see Archives Rabbi
Moshe Weber [5 Kislev 5675 - 18 Adar A 5760 (1914 - March 2000 C.E.)] was
a central and beloved figure in Jerusalem's religious community. Nearly every
day he went to the Western Wall from his home in Meah Shearim to pray and to help
visitors wrap tefillin. Less publicly, he distributed enormous sums of tzedakah
to the city's poor. It is known that, decades ago, the Lubavitcher Rebbe said
of him that he is one of the holiest and kindest people in the world. He published
several volumes of Torah insights in Yarim Moshe. There is an ongoing periodical
of his teachings distributed weekly called Shemu V'Techi Nafshechem, which
also offers for sale his audio recordings. Story #146, 796-- see Archives
Rabbi Moshe Feller [born 1 Tammuz 5697 (June 1937)] is a senior
shliach [emissary] of the Lubavicher Rebbe (and one of the most popular and respected
by the other thousands of shluchim. For nearly sixty years he has been the chief
emissary for Jewish Activities in the state of Minnesota. Story #1234 - see Archives Rabbi
Nachman of Breslov (1772 - 18 Tishrei 1810) was the great grandson of the
Baal Shem Tov. From early youth he set out on his distinctive path in divine service
-- ascetic study, solitary mediation, fiery worship. His chasidim learned from
him as well their lifelong quest for atonement, the impossibility of despair for
the man of faith, and a unique concept of the nature and role of the tzadik. After
a brief stay in the Holy Land the controversial young Rebbe settled in Breslov
in 1800, and then in Uman in 1802. His burial place there in the Ukraine is a
popular place of pilgrimage for his chasidim (and many others), especially on
Rosh Hashana. Most of his teachings were recorded by his disciple R. Nasan Stenhartz.
His books include Likkutei Maharan (kabbalistic and moral teachings), and Sippurei
Maasiot (stories). A large amount of his teachings have been translated into English.
Story # -- see Archives Rabbi
Naftali HaKohen Katz [c. 5409 - 5479 (c. 1648-1719)], an important sage and
kabbalist, served as Head of the rabbinical court and the yeshiva of Ostroh (Ukraine),
Posen (Poland) and Frankfurt-am-Main (Germany), and at a certain time was also
appointed as head of the Va'ad Arba Aratzot ('the Council of the Four Lands').
At the end of his life he accepted an invitation to become the chief rabbi of
Safed, but unfortunately he passed away on the ship to the Holy Land. Story #
1194 -- see Archives Rabbi Naftali
of Ropshitz [6 Sivan 5520 (the same day as the Baal Shem Tov's passing!) -
11 Iyar 5587 (1760-1827 C.E.)] became the rebbe of many thousands of chassidim.
He was noted for his sharp wit and humor and his elusive sparkling aphorisms.
Some of his teachings are collected in his works, Zera Kodesh, Ayalah Sheluchah,
and Imrei Shefer. Many stories about him appear in the book, Ohel
Naftoli.Story #252, 379, 390, 456, 626, 896, 909, 964-- see Archives
Rabbi Natan-Nota Shapira [5345 - 13 Menachem-Av 5393 (1585-July
20,1633)] was a noted rabbinical authority and kabbalist, who at a young age became
the Chief Rabbi of Krakow in 1617. He was a main figure in the dissemination of
the Kabbalah teachings of "the Holy Ari" of Safed throughout Poland.
He is often referred to by the title of his most important book, the "Megaleh
Amukot," an astonishing work containing 252 explanations of Moses' prayer
in the first verse of parashat Va'et'chanan. Story #1241 -- See Archives Rabbi
Nosson Dovid (ben Yerachmiel Rabinowitz) of Shidlowitz (1814 - 7 Cheshvan
1866) was the grandson of the "Holy Yid" of Peshishcha and a miracle-working
Rebbe of thousands in his own right. His sons and several of his disciples also
became rebbes. Story #585 -- see Archives
Rabbi Nota of Chelm [? - 1 Shvat 5572 (17?? - 1812 C.E.)], a disciple
of Rebbe Elimelech of Lyzhinsk, became a Rebbe in his own right and acquired
many followers. He is the author of Nota Sha'ashuim. Story #206 -- see
Archives HaRav Ovadia Yosef
(1920 - 3 Cheshvan 2013), born in Baghdad, Iraq, was the Sephardi Chief Rabbi
of Israel from 1973 to 1983, and the founder and long-time spiritual leader of
Israel's "Shas" political party. His decisions and responsa in
Jewish Law have influenced an entire generation of Sephardic rabbis, and are often
consulted by Torah scholars across the spectrum. Story #1063 -- See Archives Rabbi
Pinchas (ben R. Avraham Abba Shapiro) of Koretz [10 Elul (1726 - Sept.
1791 C.E.] was considered to be one of the two most pre-eminent followers of Chassidism's
founder, the Baal Shem Tov (along with his successor, the Maggid of
Mezritch). His teachings appear in various collections (such as Midrash
Pinchas), and are cited in the classic Bnei Yissaschar. Story #156,
730, 737, 770, 807, 1172-- see Archives
Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz (1730-7 Tammuz 1805) was a
follower of the Maggid of Mezritch, along with his older brother, Rabbi
Shmuel ("Shmelke") of Nicholsburg (1726-2 Iyar 1778). He attained
scholarly repute as the author of Hafla'ah (on Talmud and halacha), HaMikneh
(same) and Panim Yafos (on Scripture), and became the chief Rabbi of Frankfurt.
Like many rabbinical authors, he is commonly referred to by the title of his most
famous work, in this case as the Ba'al Hafla'ah. His most illustrious
student was R. Moshe Schreiber, the famed Chattam Sofer. Story #202 --
see Archives Rabbi Pinchas Menachem
Alter [Sivan 5686 - 16 Adar B, 5756 (June 1926 - March 1996)], also known
as the Pnei Menachem after the works he authored, was the sixth
Rebbe of Ger, a position he held for the last four years of his life. He was the
only offspring of the second marriage of his father, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter,
the third Rebbe of Ger. The fourth Rebbe of Ger, Rabbi Yisroel Alter, and the
fifth Rebbe, Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter, were his much older half-brothers. In the
1950s, he was appointed rosh yeshiva of Sefas Emmes, the flagship yeshiva
of Ger in Jerusalem. After his passing, he was succeeded as Rebbe by his nephew,
Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter (the current Rebbe as of this writing), son of Rabbi
Simcha Bunim Alter. Story #298, 1057 -- see Archives Rabbi
Raphael HaKohen of Hamburg (1722-1803) was a prominent scholar and author
of Toras Yekusiel. He was the chief rabbi of several major towns in Lithuania.
He is famed for his saintly conduct. His disciples included the celebrated Rabbi
Chaim of Volozhin. Story #523 -- see Archives
Rebbetzin Rivka Schneerson (1833- 10 Shvat 1914) a granddaughter
of Rabbi DovBer, the 2nd Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, at age 16 married her first
cousin, Rabbi Shmuel, who later became the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. Surviving
her husband by 33 years, for many years she was the esteemed matriarch of Lubavitch,
and chasidim frequented her home to listen to her accounts of the early years
of Lubavitch. She is the source of many of the stories recorded in the talks,
letters and memoirs of her grandson, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (the sixth Lubavitcher
Rebbe). The Beis Rivka network of girls' schools are named after her. Story #412,
584 -- see Archives Rabbi
Salman Mutzafi (1900 - 17 Tevet 1975) was a descendant of an illustrious family
of Torah scholars who first arrived in Baghdad during the Spanish expulsion. After
serving many years as the city's chief rabbi, he moved to Israel where he founded
the Bnei Zion Yeshiva. Recognized as one of the great kabbalists of his generation,
he is also the compiler of Siftei Tzaddikim: a guide for visiting the graves
of special righteous Jews buried in Israel. Story #792 -- see Archives
Rabbi Sar Sholom of Belz [1779-27 Elul 1855] was the first of the
Belz chassidic dynasty. He became the main rebbe of Galician jewry, and had tens
of thousands of chassidim. His teachings are collected in Dover Shalom.
Story #545 -- see Archives Rabbi
Shabtai Slavtitski is the head Lubavitcher emissary in Belgium. He has a large
congregation in Antwerp, where he is well respected rabbinical figure. Rabbi
Shaul Yedidya Elazer Taub [21 Tishrei 1886 - 16 Kislev 1947], the second Modzitzer
Rebbe, succeeded his father, Rabbi Yisrael, in 1920. At the outbreak of WWII
he left Poland and eventually arrived in New York in 1940. He traveled extensively,
bringing Torah and niggunim to many communities, of which he composed close
to 1000 compositions! On his fourth and last trip to the Land of Israel in 1947
he fully intended to remain and settle, but he passed away that same year. He
was the last person buried on the Mount of Olives until after the 6 Day War. Story
#324 -- see Archives Rabbi
Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history,
lived over 1800 years ago. Teachings in his name abound throughout the Mishnah,
Gemorrah, and Midrashim, while the Zohar, the primary source text
of Kabbalah, is built around Rabbi Shimon's revelations to his inner circle of
disciples. During the hours before his passing, on Lag b'Omer, he
disclosed the "most sublime" secrets of Torah, in order to ensure that
the day would always be an occasion for great joy, untouched by sadness because
of the Omer period and mourning for him. The seminal importance of the Zohar in
Jewish thought and the annual pilgrimage to Meron on Lag b"Omer are testimonies
to his success. Story #135, 186, 193, 197, 237, 292, 301, 306, 369, 386, 393,
404, 443, 493, 522, 536, 547, 648, 703, 754, 859, 889, 947, 965, 1013, 1054, 1170,
1220-- see Archives Rabbi
Shlomo Alkabetz (1500-1580), a major kabbalist in 16th century Tsfat,
was the author of many important commentaries on Torah and Kabbala. He is best
known as the composer of the famous liturgical poem "Lecha Dodi" (Come
My Beloved"), sung by Jews worldwide to welcome the Shabbat. (More about
Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz;
a new translation and commentary for Lecha
Dodi) Story #239, 295, 301, 480,1055-- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo Luria, the "Maharshal," was one of
the leading Torah scholars of the sixteenth century. His writings are studied
and venerated still today. He served as Rabbi and head of the Rabbinical court
in Lublin, one of the most important centers of Jewish life at that time. He was
a relative of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, apparently his great uncle. Story #212, 302,
404, 601, 1261-- see Archives R.
Shlomo of Karlin [1738-22 Tammuz 1792], was also a student of the Maggid,
as well as of Reb Aharon the Great of Karlin, whom he succeeded in 1772, as well
as adopting his orphan son. Most of the Chassidic leaders of the next generation
in the Lithuanian region were his disciples. He died Kiddush HaShem, stabbed
by a Cossack while in the midst of the Amida prayer. His adopted son, Rabbi
Asher, became the first Rebbe of Stolin. Story #136, 348, 402, 652, 713, 729,
974 -- see Archives Rabbi
Shlomo of Bobov [1848 - 1 Tammuz 1906] was the first rebbe of the Bobover
dynasty, which he became shortly following the death of his renowned grandfather,
the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was noted for strengthening the Judaism of the younger
generation and founding numerous yeshivas. His chasidim numbered in the thousands.
Story #487, 507, 619-- see Archives Rabbi
Shlomo (ben Benzion) Halberstam of Bobov, [1907 - 1 Av 2000], survived the
Holocaust along with only 300 chasidim, succeeding his father who was among those
martyred. Settling in Manhattan and then different locations in Brooklyn, he served
as the third rebbe in the Bobover dynasty for over 50 years, rebuilding Bobov
to an even more thousands than his father had before the war. In addition to being
wise and pious, he was noted for his steadfastness in not taking sides in disputes.
Interestingly, he passed away on the same Hebrew date as Aharon the High Priest,
who was the first Jew to be known for "loving peace and pursuing peace"
(Avot 1:12). Story #507, 605, 1074-- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo HaKohen Rabinowitz of Radomsk [1803-29 Adar 1866] was
the author of Tiferet Shlomo. His speaking ability and musical voice attracted
thousands of Chasidic followers. Story #293, 398,504-- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo Chanoch HaKohen of Radomsk [1885 - 18 Av 1942] the
fourth and last rebbe of the dynasty, perished with his family in the Warsaw Ghetto.
He was known for the network of 36 yeshivas "Kesser Torah" he established
throughout Poland and Galicia. During the period between the two World Wars, the
Radomsker chasidim numbered among the three largest Chasidic movements in Poland.
Story #489-- see Archives Rabbi
Shlomo-Eliezer Alfandri (1820 - 22 Iyar 1930) was born in Istanbul, Turkey,
where his reputation for piety and wisdom was established at a young age. He served
as the chief rabbi in Istanbul (unofficially) and Damascus, and subsequently in
Safed for 20 years toward the end of his life. He passed away at age 110 (!) in
Jerusalem. Eight days before, the world-renowned Rebbe of Munkacz, Rabbi Chaim-Elazar
Shapira, made a special trip from Hungary to meet with him, calling him the "the
top tzadik of the generation." Many of his rabbinical correspondence on topics
in Jewish law are included in his book, Sabba Kadisha. For more information on
his life and writings, see his entry in "Sages
of Safed" on our website. Story #860-- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo-Zalman Lifshitz (1765-1839) was appointed Chief Rabbi
of Warsaw in 1821. In his influential book Hemdat Shlomo, he deals with
the problems of his generation, including assimilation. His rulings about conversion
still hold great weight today. Rabbi Shlomo (Shlom'ke) of Zivhil
[of blessed memory: 5629 - 26 Iyar 5705 --yesod of yesod (? (1869 - May 1945 C.E.)],
was the fourth of the dynasty and the first one to be based in Israel, was a descendent
in direct paternal line from Rabbi Yechiel-Michil, an important student of the
Baal Shem Tov known as the Magid of Zlochov. For a long time after he came to
Jerusalem, no one knew his true identity as the Rebbe to whom thousands had flocked
in his native land, until a chance visitor from his hometown revealed his secret
to the stunned worshipers in the shul he was attending. So once again he acquired
thousands of followers and admirers. Famed for his remarkable deeds of kindness,
he particularly concentrated on rescuing youths from missionaries and inculcating
the importance of the laws of family purity to the masses, while still finding
time to answer complicated questions in Jewish Law. Story #806, 861-- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo-David Kahane [5628 - 27 Kislev 5704 (1868 - Dec. 1943
C.E.)] was onsidered a leading rabbinical authority in his generation. He was
the Chief Rabbi of Warsaw and its rabbinical court for many years until the early
years of WWII, when he managed to escape the deadly clutches of the Nazis who
were hunting him and eventually arrive in Israel. He became the chief rabbi of
the Old City of Jerusalem until his death in 1943. His "Committee of Polish
Rabbis in Israel" and his "Committee of Polish Rabbis for Freeing Agunot"
saved literally thousands of Jewish women whose husbands' whereabouts were unknown
as a result of WWII horrors, and enabled them to remarry. Story #825 -- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo-Zalman Auerbach [23 Tamuz 5670 - 20 Adar, 5755 (July
1910 - March 1995 C.E.)] was born and spent his entire life in the Shaarei Chesed
neighborhood of Central Jerusalem. He was one of the most knowledgeable and important
decisors of Jewish law in Israel in his generation. Religious Jews from across
the spectrum of observance and, famously, from the secular academic, medical and
scientific communities as well, flocked to his home for Torah perspective on all
aspects of life. Local police estimated that at least 300,000 people attended
his funeral. Story #953-- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo-Yitzchak ("Schwartzie") Schwartz [1944
- 12 Shvat 5777] became in 1969 one of Chabads first full time college campus
rabbis, serving UCLA and other UC system colleges for almost twenty years. In
the 1980's the widowed Schwartzie married Olivia, and in 1989 they opened Chai
Center, independent of Chabad, to give full expression to his creative--and wild--ideas
for adult education for "every Jew that moves." Over the years he had
a life-changing effect on thousands of Jews. For the last two decades of his life,
he was Ascent's "Summer Rabbi-Scholar in Residence"-- accompanied and
aided by Olivia, of course. Story #913, 1002, 1110, 1196 -- see Archives
Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn [2 Iyar 5594 - 13 Tishrei 5643 (1834-Sept.
1882 C.E.)], the fourth Lubavitch Rebbe, known as "the Rebbe
Maharash," was the seventh and youngest surviving son of his predecessor,
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, "the Tsemach Tsedek". Story
#106, 159, 195, 225, 234, 290, 339, 436, 440, 505, 545, 591, 701, 752, 802, 1062,
1117, 1167, 1218, 1273-- see Archives Rabbi
Shmuel Aceda (1538-1602) became in 1578 the head of a major yeshiva in Tsfat
for the study of Talmud and Kabbalah, and the author of a classical commentary
on Pirkei Avot, Midrash Shmuel. Story #197-- see Archives
Rabbi Shmuel Vital (1598-1677) was the son of Rabbi Chaim Vital,
the foremost student of The Holy Ari and the only one permitted to record his
teachings. R. Shmuel inherited these manuscripts and arranged the publication
of many of them. Born in Damascus where he officiated as a rabbinical judge for
most of his life, he moved in 1663 to Cairo, Egypt, where he remained till his
passing. He wrote a commentary on the siddur, according to the system of
the Holy Ari, which contained kabbalistic mediations for the prayers. He also
wrote many other works, most of them unpublished, and collected his own and his
father's novel insights on the Talmud. Story #763-- see Archives
Rabbi Shmuel of Kaminka (? - 1831), a senior student of the Baal
Shem Tov, was known as "Ish Elokim Kodesh Maod," - "a very
holy G-dly man." He lived the latter part of his life in the Holy Land, settling
first in Tsfat, and was nearly 100 years of ge when he passed away. Many of his
teachings are printed in Chesed L'Avraham. Story #573-- see Archives
Rabbi Shmuel (ben Avraham Yeshaya) of Karov-Vinagrov
(? -15 Iyar 1820), a major disciple of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhinsk and then
the "Seer" of Lublin, became a rebbe in his own right upon the passing
of the Seer in 1815. Many rebbes of the next generation were his students. Story
#559-- see Archives Rabbi Shmuel
Abba Zikelinsky of Zichlin [19 Kislev (!) 5570 - 26 Elul 5639] was an important
disciple of Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pshischah, and subsequently a Rebbe in his own
right with a large following]. Story #275, 498-- see Archives
Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz of Nikolsburg (1726
- 2 Iyar 1778) was a major disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch along with his younger
brother, Rabbi Pinchas, who became the Rabbi of Frankfort (see above). Many of
the leading rebbes in Poland and Galitzia were originally his disciples. Among
the books he authored are Divrei Shmuel and Nazir HaShem. Story
#289, 987-- see Archives Rabbi
Shmuel Munkes, an elder disciple of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Chabad, was known
for his devoted and creative service for G-d, his rebbe and his fellow Jews. Stories
abound of his sharp wit and chasidic pranks. He lived in Beshenkovitz
and then in Kalisk (or the reverse?) in (or near?) the district of Polotz. Story
#662, 875, 901, 983-- see Archives Rabbi
Shmuel Koselewitz [1895-1964] was the eldest son of Rabbi Tzvi-Yehuda Koselewitz,
the town rabbi of Tichtin, one of the most important rabbinical posts in pre-WWII
Lithuania. After the family moved to USA before WWII, he became recognized as
one of the leading rabbinic scholars in New York City. Story #918-- see Archives
Rabbi Shlomo-Zalman Auerbach [23 Tamuz 5670 - 20 Adar, 5755 (July
1910 - March 1995 C.E.)] was born and spent his entire life in the 'Shaarei Chesed'
neighborhood of Central Jerusalem. He was one of the most knowledgeable and important
decisors of Jewish law in Israel in his generation. Religious Jews from across
the spectrum of observance and, famously, from the secular academic, medical and
scientific communities as well, flocked to his home for Torah perspective on all
aspects of life. Local police estimated that at least 300,000 people attended
his funeral. Story #1208 -- see Archives Rabbi
Shneur Zalman Fradkin of Lublin [5590 - - 5 Nisan 5662 (1830 - 1902 C.E.)],
A chasid of the Tzemech Tzedek and Maharash of Lubavitch, was chief
rabbi in Polotsk and then Lublin. When he made aliyah to the Holy Land, he became
a major rabbinical figure in the Jerusalem community. He is best remembered for
his important scholarly book, Toras Chesed. Story #228 -- see Archives
Rabbi Shneur Zalman Schneersohn [18 Elul 5505 - 24 Tevet 5573 (1745
- Dec. 1812 C.E.)], one of the main disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch,
is the founder--and "Alter Rebbe"--of the Chabad-Chassidic
movement. He is the author of Shulchan Aruch HaRav and Tanya as
well as many other major works in both Jewish law and the mystical teachings.
Story #116, 139, 154, 158, 165, 175, 198, 249, 327, 330, 344, 368, 465, 471, 557,
582, 595, 683, 692, 713, 720, 731, 733, 789, 796, 798, 820, 834, 836, 894, 896,
901, 945, 963, 1043, 1047, 1069, 1094, 1099, 1154, 1204-- see Archives
Rabbi Shneur-Zalman Schneersohn (1898 - Wed. July 2, 1980 - Tammuz
18 5740) was a second cousin of the 7th Lubavitcher Rebbe, having a close relationship
with him in Paris when they both lived there after 1936, even hosting the Rebbe's
mother in his house for three months. He held the post of Chief Rabbi of the Association
of Orthodox Jewry of France, and was well-known and highly respected for his work
in saving more than one hundred children after the German occupation of Vichy
France. In 1950, when the 6th Rebbe passed away, a small percentage of the chasidim
considered him a fitting successor. Eventually settling in Brooklyn, he founded
and headed for many years the Shevet Yehuda Institute of Technology, which offered
a training program in computer science for yeshiva students, one of the first
such programs ever. He is buried directly behind the Lubavitcher Rebbes' ohel,
alongside the Tomashpol Rebbe, in the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens. Story
#959-- see Archives Rabbi Sholom
Shachna (Friedmann) of Probisht (1766-1803) was the son of R. Avraham the
Malach and grandson of Rabbi Dov Ber (the Maggid) of Mezritch. His wife was the
granddaughter of Rebbe Nachum of Chernobyl. One of their sons was the famed chasidic
leader, Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin.Story #729 -- see Archives
Rabbi Sholom-Dovber Schneersohn [20 Cheshvan 5621 - 2 Nissan 5680
(Oct. 1860 - April 1920)], known as the Rebbe Reshab, was
the fifth Rebbe of the Lubavitcher dynasty. He is the author of
hundreds of major tracts in the exposition of Chassidic thought. In 1915,
after 102 years of four Chabad rebbes living in Lubavitch, he transferred
the center of the movement to Rostov-on-the-Don. Story #198, 584, 614,
637, 903, 1163, 1246, 1268, 1278-- see Archives
Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (1765 - 12 Elul 1827) spent many
years as a business man and a pharmacist. He was a beloved disciple of "the
Seer" and of "The Holy Yid" whom he succeeded. Known as "a
rebbe of rebbes," his major disciples included the Kotsker and the first
Rebbes of Ger and Alexander. Story #325, 531, 682, 994-- see Archives
Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech Shapira of Dinov (1785 - 18 Teves, 1841) was
the nephew of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk and disciple of the "Seer"
of Lublin and of Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, and a renowned Torah scholar and
Chasidic master in his own right. He is best known for his scholarly and mystical
work, Bnei Yissaschar, which includes a chapter for each month of the year. Story
#542, 1098, 1203-- see Archives Rabbi
Tzvi-Hirsh of Chortkov was the father of the well-known Chassidic Rebbe, Reb
Shmelke of Nikolsburg. Story #251-- see Archives
Rebbe Tzvi-Hirsh of Riminov [5538 - 29 Cheshvan 5608 (1778-Nov.
1847 C.E.)] was the attendant of the well-known Rebbe, R. Menachem Mendel of Riminov,
and subsequently his successor. He had a reputation as a miracle worker. Some
of his teachings are collected in Mevasser Tov and in Be'erot HaMayim.
Story #256-- see Archives Rebbe
Tzvi-Hirsh Eichenstein [1785 - 11 Tammuz 1831], founder of the Zhidachov
dynasty, was a prominent disciple of the Seer of Lublin. He championed the position
that the practice of Chasidism had to be firmly based on the study of the Kabbala
of the holy Ari of Safed. He wrote and published numerous commentaries on Kabbala,
including Ateret Tzvi on the Zohar, and several on the weekly readings.
The Malbim was a student of his. He was succeeded by three nephew-disciples,
including Yitzhak-Isaac of Zhidachov and Yitzhak-Isaac-Yehuda-Yechiel of Komarno.
Udel, the only daughter of the Baal Shem Tov (who also had
an only son), married one of her father's disciples, Rabbi Yechiel Ashkenazi.
Their children were Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudylkov, author of the major
Chassidic work, Degel Machne Ephraim; Rabbi Boruch of Mezhibuzh, one of
the leading rebbes of his generation; and Feige, mother of Rabbi Nachman of Bretzlov.
The Besht said of her that her soul was from the treasure room in Heaven
of pure souls. He considered her one of his main students, and she was greatly
respected by all of his disciples. She passed away in one of the years between
5546-5557 (1786-1797 C. E.). Rabbi Uri ("the Saraph")
of Strelisk (? - 23 Elul 1826) was the disciple of Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin
and of Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz, and the brother-in-law of Rabbi Menachem Mendel
of Kosov. He was called "the Saraph" ["fiery angel"]
due to the ecstatic fervor of his prayers. He authored Imrei Kadosh. His
main disciple was Rabbi Yehudah Zvi Hirsch, the first of the Stretyn dynasty.
Story #935-- see Archives Professor
Velvl Greene [17 Tammuz 5688 - 25 Cheshvan 5772 (July 1928 - Nov. 21, 2011)]
was a professor of epidemiology, microbiology and public health at the University
of Minnesota from 1959 to 1986. In 1960 he joined the NASA agency's Planetary
Quarantine Division, to search for and analyze life on Mars. In 1986 he moved
to Israel, where he was invited to be the chair of epidemiology and public health
at Ben-Gurion University and director of its Center for Jewish Medical Ethics.
For 30 years he maintained a scientific and religious dialogue with the Lubavitcher
Rebbe. One of his sons, Rabbi Dovid Greene, is director of Chabad-Lubavitch in
Rochester, Minnesota.Story #1234 - see Archives Rabbi
Yaakov Abuhatzeira [1808 - 20 (19?) Tevet 1880] served as the chief rabbi
of Tafilalet, Morocco, until shortly before his death. He was an accomplished
scholar and kabbalist renowned for his piety, who performed many miracles. His
many distinguished descendants include his grandson known as "Baba Sali."
His written works include Torah commentaries ("Abir Yaakov") ethical
works (most of a kabbalistic nature) and responsa on Jewish law. His tomb in Egypt
is an official antiquity site protected by the government of Egypt. On his yahrzeit
a ceremony attended by hundreds of devotees is held there, many travelling from
Israel whenever permissible. Rabbi Yaakov Beirav [1474- 1 Iyar 1546]
was born near Toledo, Spain. As a young man, he studied with Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav.
Subsequently, he wrote commentaries on the four sections of the Rambam and on
Talmudic subjects and published a volume of responsa. After serving as a rabbinical
leader in Fez, Morocco, and Cairo, Egypt, he became the chief rabbi of Tsfat.
Story #227, 301-- see Archives Rabbi
Yaakov Yosef HaKohain of Polnoye [5470 - 24 Tishrei 5542** (1710 - Oct. 1781
C.E.)] was one of the earliest and closest rabbinical disciples of the Baal Shem
Tov. He was the first person to author a book of Chassidic teachings, titled Toldos
Yaakov Yosef, which had a revolutionary effect upon publication. Subsequently,
he published two other chasidic classics, Ben Porat Yosef and Ketonet
Passim. These three books were the chief printed sources for teachings in
the name of the Baal Shem Tov. He is often referred to as the "Baal HaToldos,"
after his first and most famous work. Story #232, 807, 862, 982, 997-- see Archives
** Not certain, Some say 5544 (1783) and some say 5551 (1790) Rabbi
Yaakov Shimshon of Shepetovka [? - 3 Sivan 5561 (? - May 1801)], a descendant
of Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropole, was a student of the Maggid of Mezritch and Rabbi
Pinchus of Karitz and a close friend of Rabbi Boruch of Mezibuz. As a great authority
in Jewish Law, he earned considerable respect also in rabbinic circles. In 1794
(according to charedi.org), he moved to Israel and settled in Tiberias, where
he is buried. Story #938, 1133-- see Archives
Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Horowitz [5505 - 9 Av 5575 (1745 - Aug. 1815
C.E.)], known as 'the Chozeh (Seer) of Lublin', was one of the four
successors to the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizensk (1717-1787), and the leader of the
spread of chassidus in Poland. Many great Rebbes of the next generation emerged
from his followers, including: the Yid HaKodesh, Simcha-Bunim of Peshischa,
David of Lelov, the Yismach Moshe, the Sabba Kadisha of Radoshitz,
the Bnai Yisasscher, Rabbi Naftali-Zvi of Ropshitz, the Maor Vashemesh
and Sar-Shalom of Belz. Many of his insights were published posthumously in
Divrei Emmes, Zichron Zos, and Zos Zichron. Story #333, 351, 396, 468,
626, 667, 896, 1023, 1147 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yaakov Yitzchak of Peshischa [5526-19 Tishrei 5574 (1766- Sept. 1813 C.E.)],
The Holy Jewof Peshischa, was the leading disciple of the Seer
of Lublin, but subsequently split off to form the famous Peshischa movement of
Chasidut. Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa and Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotsk were
among his many disciples who became great Rebbes in their own right. Story 568,
1009b, 1122-- see Archives R.
Yaakov Aryeh Guterman [5552 18 Tammuz 5634 (1792-1874 C.E.)], the Sabba
Kadisha (holy grandfather) of Radzmin, was a disciple of Rabbis
Yaakov Yitzchak and Simcha Bunim of Peshischa and of Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorki,
who he succeeded as Rebbe in 1848. He was famed as a miracle maker. Rabbi
Yaakov Yisrael (Twersky) of Cherkas (1794 - 13 Elul 1876) was the son
of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl, son-in-law of R. Dov Ber of Lubavitch, and grandfather
of R. Mordechai Dov of Hornisteipl. Story -- Archives Reb
Yaakov Leizer (6 Tevet 1907 - 27 Cheshvan 1998) became the second Pshevorsker
Rebbe in 1976. Like his father-in-law and founder of the dynasty, Rabbi Moshe
Yitzchak Gevirzman, great-grandson of the Rebbe Elimelech, "Reb Yankele"
did not seek to open a network of institutions. Even so, specially chartered planes
would bring hundreds of chasidim to Antwerp for every Yom Tov and occasion. Among
the visitors were often those who had come seeking salvation of one type or another.
Hundreds of stories abound about his Divine inspiration and the miracles that
he performed. His only son, Rabbi Leibish Leizer, is the current Pshevorsker Rebbe.
Story #601 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yaakov Yehuda ("J.J.") Hecht (24 Cheshvan 1923 - 15 Av 1990) was
sometimes described as the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Foreign Minister. In 1945, he was
appointed the official director of the National Committee for the Furtherance
of Jewish Education (NCFJE). In 1953 he started one of the first camps for religious
Jewish girls, Camp Emunah. In the 1970's he became the administrative head in
Crown Heights, Brooklyn, of both Hadar HaTorah Yeshiva and Machon Chana Seminary.
Rabbi Hecht also was the official translator of the Rebbe's talks to children
and for the farbrengens on the radio. The Rebbe once described him publicly as
one of "the chasidim who share deep soul bonds with him." Rabbi
Yechezkel of Kuzmir [? - 17 Shvat 1856], a disciple of the Seer of Lublin,
was the grandfather of the first Modzitzer Rebbe, a famous chassidic dynasty best
known for its creative and exciting chassidic music. Story #229, 293, 380, 667--
see Archives
Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, (1813- 5 Tevet 1899), was the
eldest son of the Divrei Chaim, Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz.
As an emissary of his father, he founded the Sanzer synagogue in Tzefat.
He served as the rabbi of Shinova from 1855 till1868, and then again from
1881 till his passing. Many of his Torah insights into Scripture, Law
and Kabbalah are collected in Divrei Yechezkel. Story #680,
1064, 1151, 1220, 1280-- see Archives
Rabbi Yechiel Michil of Zolotchov (1731-25 Elul 1786), son of
Rabbi Yitzchak of Drohovitch, was introduced by his father to the Baal Shem Tov
at a young age. He also became a disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. It is said
that his sermons consistently aroused his listeners to repentance. Many of his
teachings are collected in Mayim Rabim. Story #208, 334, 848, 989, 998,
1012-- see Archives R. Yechiel
Meir Lifschitz of Gostynin [1816 - 21Shvat 1888] was sometimes known as Der
Tilim Yid (the Psalms Jew) because of his constant instruction to those who
came to him for advice and support that they turn to the reading of the Book of
Psalms. He was a disciple of R. Menachem Mendel of Kotsk and of R. Yaakov Aryeh
of Radzymin, after whose death he became chassidic leader in Gostynin. His selfless
and unsophisticated mode of living induced people to refer to him as "one of the
36 hidden tzadikim." His teachings appear in Merom HaRim and Mei HaYam.
Story #211-- see Archives Rabbi
Yehoshua Rokeach [5585 - 23 Shvat 5654 (1825 - Jan. 1894 C.E.)] was the fifth
son and the successor to his father, Rabbi Sholom, the first Rebbe of Belz.
A major leader of Galician Jewry, he was also the founder of Machzikei HaDas,
perhaps the first Orthodox Jewish organization to be involved in government politics,
and still a force in Israel today. Some of his discourses are published in Ohel
Yehoshua, a supplement to the book of his father's teachings, Dover Sholom.
He was succeeded by his second son, Yissachar Dov, grandfather of today's Belzer
Rebbe, who bears his name. Story #141, 445, 551-- see Archives
Rabbi Yehuda-Aryeh-Leib Alter (1847 - 5 Shvat 1905), the Sefas
Emes, succeded his grandfather the Chidushei Ha- Rim to become the
Rebbe of the Gur-Alter dynasty at the tender age of 19. Over the decades, he became
one of the most influential Chasidic leaders in Europe. His followers numbered
in the tens of thousands. Rabbi Yehuda Leib (Leibele") Eiger
Of Lublin [1816 - 22 Shvat 1888] was the grandson of one of the eminent Talmudic
scholars of the century, Rabbi Akiva Eiger. He became a chasid of R. Menachem-Mendel
of Kotsk, and subsequently of R. Mordechai-Yosef Leiner of Izbitz, upon whose
death he became a Rebbe in his own right, in Lublin. One of his close followers
was Rabbi Tzadik HaCohen of Lublin. His published works include "Toras Emmes"
and "Imrei Emmes", both on the weekly Torah readings and the holidays. Rabbi
Yehudah Leib of Kopust (1811- 3 Cheshvan 1866), an elder brother of Rabbi
Shmuel of Lubavitch, established an independent branch of Chabad Chasidism in
Kopust after the death of his father, R. Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, the Tzemech
Tzedek. Following his death in the same year, he was succeeded by his son,
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman of Kopust, although many of the chasidim returned to Lubavitch.
Story #600, 699-- see Archives Rabbi
Yehuda-Meir Shapira [5647 - 7 Cheshvan 5693 (1887 - October 1933)], a Chortkover
Chasid, was a prominent Polish rabbi and rosh yeshiva, also known as the
Lubliner Rav. He is noted for his establishment of the Daf Yomi study program
in 1923, and the founding of the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva in 1930. (based on Wikipedia)
Story #1261--see Archives Rabbi
Yehuda Zvi-Hirsch Brandwein of Strettin [of blessed memory: 5540 - 11 Iyar
5604 (1780 - April 1844 C.E.)] was the leading disciple of Rabbi Uri of Strelisk,
whom he succeeded in 1826, and whom he resembled in his ecstatic mode of prayer.
He was highly praised by many of the tzadikim of his generation. His teachings
may be found in Degel Machaneh Yehuda. He was succeeded by his son Rabbi
Avraham Brandwein of Strettin. Story #935, 1098-- see Archives
Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam [1904-9 Tammuz 1994] the
Klausenberger Rebbe, also became the post-war Rebbe of the Sanz
Chassidim. One of the foremost Chasidic leaders of his generation, he is best
known for his revitalization of the study of Talmud through "Mifal Shas"
and the building of a hospital, Laniado in Netanya, that functions at the highest
standards of Jewish law and medical practice. Story #244, 605, 761, 1071-- see
Archives Rabbi Yerachmiel Yisrael
Yitzchak Danziger of Alexander [1853 - 29 Tevet 1910] was a popular Chasidic
leader in Poland of a wide range of followers. His book Yismach Yisrael
is studied by many different Chasidic groups. Rabbi Yeshayahu Halevi
Horowitz (1560-11 Nissan 1630] served many years as chief rabbi in Cracow,
Frankfurt and then Prague, his birthplace. In 1621 he moved to Israel
and became the chief rabbi of Jerusalem. He is best known as the author
of Shnei Luchot HaBrit, a work of Scripture commentary and Jewish Law,
and is usually referred to as "the SHeLaH", the acronym of its title.
He lived the last years of his life in Tzefat although his burial place
is in Tiberias, only a few meters from the tomb of the Rambam. It is a
popular pilgrimage site, especially on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, which he
himself recommended as a propitious time for saying the special prayer for success
in educating ones children that he composed. Story #395-- see Archives
Rabbi Yeshayaleh Steiner of Karstir (Iyar 3, 1851-1925) was the
founder of the Kerestirer dynasty. He was a disciple of Rabbi Chaim Halberstam
of Sanz after whose passing he became a disciple of Rabbi Mordechai of Nadvorna.
The Nadvoner Rebbe suggested that he move to the town of Kerestir (Karstir). In
Kerestir he became a famous Rebbe know as a miracle worker. Story #1229 --see
Archives Rabbi Yidele Horowitz,
the Dzikover Rebbe (1905- 9 Cheshvan 1989), was raised by his maternal grandfather,
Rabbi Yisrael Hager, Rebbe of Vizhnitz. After WWII, he moved to Tel Aviv, and
then towards the end of his life, to London, for medical reasons. Although known
as a formidable scholar and a man of exceptional character, he shunned the limelight
and abhorred any reverence or treatment as a Rebbe. He lived a very frugal life.
Absolutely all the monies forwarded to him by admirers and Chassidim were immediately
distributed to orphans and widows. Story #786-- see Archives
Rabbi Yisrael ben Eliezer [18 Elul 5458- 6 Sivan 5520 (Sept. 1698
- June 1760 C.E.)], the Baal Shem Tov ["Master of the Good
Name"-often referred to as "the Besht" for short],
a unique and seminal figure in Jewish history, revealed his identity as an exceptionally
holy person, on his 36th birthday, 18 Elul 5494 (1734 C.E.), and made the until-then
underground Chasidic movement public. He wrote no books, although many works claim
to contain his teachings. One available in English is the excellent annotated
translation of Tzava'at Harivash, published by Kehos. Story #121, 126,
132, 152, 164, 179, 186, 203, 213, 220, 236, 252, 253, 255, 283, 294, 299, 308,
319, 334, 335, 342, 356, 381, 401, 410, 415, 431, 433, 448, 459, 464, 466, 469,
490, 496, 502, 510, 522, 532, 533, 535, 566, 593, 615, 617, 625, 654, 665, 686,
703, 707, 720, 755, 762, 771, 778, 783, 795, 797, 897, 814, 821, 826, 845, 849,
851, 862, 876, 889, 898, 902, 912, 915, 917, 927, 954, 960, 968, 982, 997, 1016,
1038, 1060, 1066, 1073, 1081, 1087,1107, 1115, 1123, 1128, 1129, 1136, 1143, 1173,
1179, 1186, 1202, 1216, 1232, 1235, 1269- see Archives
Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzira [1890 - 4 Shvat 1984] or Baba Sali,
as he was affectionately known throughout the Jewish world, was born in Tafillalt,
Morocco to one of Jewry's most illustrious families. From a young age he
was renowned as a sage, leader, miracle maker and master kabbalist. In 1964 he
moved to Eretz Yisrael, eventually settling in 1970 in the Southern development
town, Netivot, where thousands of followers and admirers from all over the world
and across the Jewish spectrum streamed to see him and ask his blessing. Even
today his burial place there is a pilgrimmage site for tens of thousands of visitors.
Since his passing, several biographies have been published, including two in English.
Story #118, 171, 222, 328, 375, 428, 479, 527, 554, 634, 708, 860, 925, 1205,
1256-- see Archives Rabbi Yisroel
Haupstein [5497 - 14 Tishrei 5575 (1737 - Sept. 1814 C.E.)], the "Maggid"
(preacher) of Kozhnitz was a major disciple of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech
of Lyzhensk and, along with the 'Seer' of Lublin, the main spreader of the Chasidic
movement to Poland-Galitzia. He acquired his position in Koznitz at age 28, and
lived there for the rest of his life, known for his passionate prayer and many
miracles. He is the author of the chassidic-kabbalistic work, 'Avodas Yisrael'
and fifteen other kabbalistic books. His miraculous birth to an elderly couple
is the subject of a famous Baal Shem Tov story Story #724, 1016, 1080, 1124, 1147,
1164-- see Archives Rabbi Yisrael
Friedmann of Ruzhin [5557 - 3 Cheshvan 5611 (1797 - Oct. 1850 C.E.)] was a
great-grandson of the Maggid of Mezritch, at a young age was already a
charismatic leader with an large following of chassidim. Greatly respected by
the other rebbes and Jewish leaders of his generation, he was -and still is-referred
to as "The Holy Rhyzhiner." Six of his sons established Chassidic dynasties,
several of which -Sadigora, Chortkov, etc- are still thriving today. Story
#105, 270, 315, 577, 828, 1042, 1079-- see Archives
Rabbi Yisroel (Ben Baruch) Hagar of Vizhnitz, then in the
region of Bokovina, Austria [5620 - 2 Sivan 5697 (1860 - May 1936 C.E.)], had
many thousands of followers over the 43 years he served as Rebbe. In 1905 he founded
the famous Vizhnitz yeshiva, whichcontinues today in a number of branches in the
USA and especially throughoutthe land of Israel, Because of his warmth and
friendliness to every Jew, he was known as "the Ahavas Yisrael,"
which is also the title ofthe set of books of his Torah teachings published posthumously.
Story #129, 133, 173-- see Archives Rabbi
Yisroel Friedman (10 Iyar 1854 - 13 Kislev 1934), the second Chortkover
Rebbe, had chasidim numbering in the tens of thousands. These included quite
a few famous Rebbes and Rabbonim. When World War I broke out he moved to Vienna,
where he lived for the rest of his life. In the first international convention
('Knessia Hagedola') of Agudas Yisroel in 1923, he was elected to be the head,
along with the Chafetz Chaim and the Gerer Rebbe, both of whom deferred to him.
His books, Tiferes Yisroel, Yismach Yisroel, and Ginzei Yisroel, are considered
classic works. Story #781 -- see Archives
Rabbi Yisrael Alter (1895- 2 Adar 1977), known as the Bais Yisroel,
was the fourth Rebbe in the Gur dynasty. Following the death of his father in
1948, Ger grew under his leadership to be the largest Chasidic group in Israel.
He lost his wife, children and grandchildren in the Holocaust, and although he
married a second time, had no further children. He was succeeded by his brother,
Rabbi Simcha-Bunim Alter, and then his youngest brother, Rabbi Pinchas-Menachem
Alter. Story #306-- see Archives Rabbi
Yisrael Taub (1849-13 Kislev 1920) was the first Rebbe of the Modzitz
dynasty. He is best known for his creative output of more than two hundred melodies,
many still sung today by Chasidic groups the world over. His most famous song
was composed In 1913, while undergoing surgical amputation of a leg, without anesthesia!
He is also the author of a book of Chasidic commentary on the first three books
of the Torah, Divrei Yisrael, by which name he is often referred to. Story
#576 -- see Archives Rabbi Yisrael
Meir HaCohen Kagan (1838-24 Elul 1933), popularly known as the Chafetz
Chaim after the title of one of his many influential books, was one of
the most important and beloved rabbinical scholars and leaders of the 20th century.
His other works include Mishna Berura, an authoritative, almost universally
accepted compendium of Jewish Law, and Shmiras HaLashon, about proper and
improper speech. Story 1007 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yisrael Yitzchak Kalish [1779 died 22 Nissan 1848] was the founder of the
Vorki dynasty in Poland. Previously, through travel with his teacher, R.
David of Lelov, he became a disciple of R. Yaakov Yitzchak (the "Seer")
of Lublin and of R. Simchah Bunem of Pshischah. Some of his teachings and stories
involving him appear in Ohel Yitzchak and Hutzak Chein. His son
R. Yaakov David founded the Amshinov dynasty, while his son R. Menachem Mendel
continued the Vorki dynasty. Story -- see Archives Rebbe
Yissachar-Dov (Rokeach) of Belz [5612 - 22 Cheshvan 5687 (1851 - October 1926)]
was the third Rebbe of the Belz chasidic dynasty, from 1894 until 1926. He was
renowned as a miracle worker, and attracted thousands of devoted followers. A
prominent leader of Galician Jewry, he strongly opposed the fledgling Zionist
movement, which he saw as a threat to Jewish continuity. (based on Wiki) Story
1207 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yissachar Dov [1765-18 Sivan 1843], the "Sabba Kadisha"
(holy grandfather) of Radoshitz, was a disciple of the Seer of Lublin
and of the Holy Yid of Peshischa. Famed as a miracle maker, he lived in
poverty as a simple tutor. Story #218, 258, 312, 705-- see Archives
Rabbi Yitzchak Chai-Taieb [5504-19 Cheshvan 5596[3] (1743 to 1836).
He was one of the great tzadikim of Tunisia . He was a great Torah scholar
who knew both the revealed and the concealed matters of Torah, and a man
of wonders and miracles-a major Kabbalist. He also served as chief rabbi
of Tunisia, all the while remaining humble, discreet, and modest about
his attainments.
Rabbi Taib's writings and Torah novelties were destroyed by fire while
he was still alive, and only a small part of his works remain. His book
Cheilev Chitim on the Talmud was published in 1896, sixty years after
he passed away. A note on the cover page explains that the Hebrew letters
spelling "Cheilav Chitim" are an anagram of the initials of
the phrase, "Chacham Yitzchak Chai Taib B'siluko (when he
passed away) lo met (didn't die)." (based on
https://hevratpinto.org and
http://www.zomet.org.il):
Stoy #1277 -- see Archives
Rabbi Yitzchak of Drohovitch--a leading kabbalist in his generation
and father of R. Yechiel Michel Zlotchov (1731-1786), a major disciple
of the Baal Shem Tov, who first went to the Besht as a boy with his father.Story
#107, 331, 356 -- see Archives
Rabbi
Yitzchak Luria [5294 - 5 Av 5332 (1534-1572 C.E.)], Known as "the holy
Ari," revolutionized the study of Kabbalah and its integration into mainstream
Judaism during the two years he spent in Zefat before his death at 38. Much of
Chasidic thought is based on the Ari's kabbalah teachings, as recorded by his
main disciple, Rabbi
Chaim Vital. Story #134, 143, 197, 212, 247, 301, 350, 400, 404, 407, 439,
446, 453, 547, 558, 608, 714, 751, 765, 815, 850, 871, 889, 976, 1024, 1180, 1220,
1231-- see Archives (For a
fuller biography) (For teachings of the Ari
translated into English) Rabbi Yitschok Twerski [1812 -17 Nissan
1885], also known as Reb Itzikl, the first Rebbe of Skver, was one of the
eight sons of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl. (Today, the Skverer Chasidim are famous
for the entire town of their own, New Square, which they incorporated in upstate
New York. Rabbi Yitzchak-Isaac Taub of Kaliv [5504 - 7 Adar II 5581
(1744 - March 1821 C.E.)] was an orphan goatherd in his youth until he was "discovered
by Reb Leib Sarah's and brought to study under Rebbi Shmelke of Nicholsburg. Subsequently
he also studied under Rebbi Elimelech of Lizhinsk. Known as "the Sweet Singer
of Israel," he became a seminal figure in the spreading of chasidism in Hungary.
Story #558 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yitzchak Isaac of Zhidachov (1804 - 30 Adar A, 1872) was descendent of the
Tosfos Yomtov and the nephew and successor of Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Zhidachov. He
was a major scholar and Kabbalist as well as a chassidic rebbe, who authored commentaries
on Talmud, Midrash and Kabbalah. His thousands of followers included some of the
leading scholars and rabbis of the generation. His four sons were all considered
tsadikim, including the first rebbe of the Komarna dynasty. Story #288, 366, 731,
887-- see Archives Rabbi Yitzchak
Isaac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin ben Alexander Sender of Komarno [25 Shvat
5566 - 10 Iyar 5634 (Feb. 1806 - May 1874 C.E.)], was one of the most prolific
and respected expounders of the Kabbalah teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. He insisted
that every Jew should study the Zohar and the Writings of the Arizal, and emphasized
the importance of Kabbalistic meditation. A close disciple of his uncle, Rebbe
Tvi Hersh from Zhiditchov (the Komarno dynasty is considered a branch of Zhiditchov),
he was a hidden ascetic for many years, only later known for his genius, piety
and ability to work wonders when he became the Rebbe of thousands of chasidim.
He authored volumes of deep insights on Jewish mysticism, as well as on Mishnah
and Jewish Law. His commentaries include Heichal HaBrachah on the Torah,
Otzar HaChaim on the commandments, and Zohar Chai on the Zohar.
Rabbi Yitzchak-Isaac of Homil [1780-1857], author of Chanah Ariel,
was such an outstanding disciple of Rabbi Shnuer Zalman and Rabbi DovBer, the
first and second Rebbes of Chabad-Lubavitch, that when the latter passed away
in 1827, Reb Isaac was seriously considered as a candidate for the succession.
He refused, instead becoming the chasid of the eventual third rebbe, the Tzemech
Tzedek, who was twenty years his junior. Story #159, 461, 731, 733 -- see Archives
Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Rothenberg/Alter (1789-23 Adar 1866) of Gur
was the successor to Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotsk and the founder of the Gur
dynasty. He was popularly known as the Chiddushei HaRim, the title of his
classic work of Torah analysis and interpretation. His charisma and concern for
the masses resulted in Gerrer chasidus having a very large following. Story #279,
363 -- see Archives Rabbi Yitzchak-Meir
of Kapichnitz (21 Kislev 1862 - 2 Tishrei 1936), the first in the dynasty,
was a direct descendant of Rabbi Avraham-Yehoshua Heshel, the Apter Rebbe,
for whom his son and successor was named. Story #656 Rabbi Yitzchak-Meir
of Zinkov (5535- 1 Adar 5615), became the Rebbe of thousands of chasidim after
the passing of his illustrious father, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel, in 5585.
It is said that his life was a constant stream of Tzedakah and chesed ('charity'
and deeds of kindness).Story #521, 1124 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yitzchak-Yaakov Weiss [1902-1989], a Central European miraculous survivor
of the Holocaust, was the chief rabbinical judge of the Manchester Rabbinical
Court for nearly three decades. Upon the death of the Satmar Rebbe in 1979, he
moved to Israel to serve head of the Bedatz Eidah Chareidis Rabbinical Court in
Jerusalem from 1979-1989. He is the author of Minchas Yitzchak, a ten-volume set
of his responsa, of which it is said that in modern times most rabbinic courts
and works of Jewish law quote or rely on Rabbi Weiss's verdicts applying to modern
conditions, particularly in the field of medical ethics. (Based on //revolvy.com)
#1039 -- see Archives Rabbi Yochanan
Twersky, (1816 - 4 Nisan 1895) the first Rachmastivka Rebbe was known
for his humility. He was the last to pass away of the eight sons of Rabbi Mordechai
of Chernobyl and was highly respected among the righteous of the generation. Story
#799 -- see Archives Rabbi Yochanan
Twersky of Rachmastrivka (1903 - 20 Kislev 1981) became the 5th Rebbe in the
Rachmastrivka dynasty in 1950, after having immigrated to Israel together with
his father and grandfather in 1926. He rebuilt this branch of Chernobyl Chasidut
almost from scratch, including founding the Meor Einayim Yeshiva in Jerusalem,
after years of suffering and exile. His two sons, Yisrael-Mordechai and Chaim-Yitzchak,
became the Rebbes after him, each with thousands of followers, in Jerusalem and
Brooklyn respectively. Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem of Zamostch (1613-1688?)
studied five years with great success under Rabbi Joel Sirkes (the "Bach")
and another five years under Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem of Wurms, the great kabbalist
and founder of the "hidden tzadikim" movement, whom he eventually succeeded.
He in turn passed the mantle to Adam Baal Shem, who designated Israel Baal Shem
Tov as his successor, under whom the movement became revealed in 1734 and known
as the "Chasidim." Story #794 -- see Archives
Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum [5648 - 26 Av 5739 (1888 - August 1979 C.E.)],
was part of an extraordinary escape from Bergen-Belsen in 1944, after which he
went to the Holy Land. In 1947 he moved to the USA, where he established himself
as the Satmar Rebbe, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, doing extensive
work in establishing Torah education networks. Famed as the leader of Hungarian
Jewry and the largest Chassidic group in the world, and as the spiritual leader
of the opposition to a secular-based Jewish government in Israel, he was also
one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. Story #21, 1027, 1075--
see Archives Rabbi Yomtov Lippman
Heller [1579-1654], is known as the "Tosefos Yomtov," after
his major commentary on the Mishna, the most famous of his many scholarly works.
As a young man, he studied in Prague under the Maharal and subsequently
under Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem, a predecessor of the Baal Shem Tov. In Cracow,
he succeeded Rabbi Yoel Sirkis, the "Bach" as chief rabbi, and
Yaakov Yehoshua, the Sema, as rosh yeshiva. Story #264 -- see Archives
Rabbi Yonasan Eibeshitz (1660 - 21 Elul 1764) was chief rabbi of
many cities, including Posen, Prague and Altuna. He died in Metz at over one hundred
years old. He authored many important books on Jewish law, scripture and thought.
Story #611, 818 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yosef Caro (1488-1575) was the chief rabbi of Tsfat from 1546.
Author of several major works, including Shulchan Aruch ("The Prepared
Table"--Code of Jewish Law), a compendium of the laws of the Torah governing
a Jew's entire life: personal, social, family, business, and religious. Notwithstanding
subsequent revisions, it remains the foremost authoritative work on Jewish law
and practice and is universally accepted by Jews the world over. Story #227, 239,
284, 301, 404, 437, 975 -- see Archives
Rabbi Yosef Saragosi
(14xx-?) First chief rabbi in Tsfat's recorded history. Laid groundwork in 1490's-early
1500's for Zefat to subsequently become a major center of Torah scholarship. Sometimes
known as "Tzadik HaLavan" because of a miracle that occurred in his
name. Story #513 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yosef Chaim of Bagdad, the Ben Ish Hai (27 Av 1834 - 13 Elul
1909), is one of the most important Sephardic Jewish sages in the last two centuries.
At the age of 25, he succeeded to his father's rabbinical position and continued
in it for 50 years. In 1869 he visited the Holy Land and was offered the position
of Rishon LeZion (Sephardic Chief Rabbi), but he did not accept. A great scholar
and Kabbalist and highly regarded as a pure and holy man, is rulings are adhered
to still today by many Sephardim world-wide. He published many important books
on Jewish law, Midrash, Kabbalah and Ethics. Rabbi Yosef Rosen, known
as the Rogatchover Gaon [of blessed memory: 5618 - 11 Adar, 5696
(1858 - March 1936 C.E.)], was an unparalleled genius, whose in-depth understanding
of all Talmudic literature left the greatest of scholars awestruck. He authored
tens of thousands of responsa on the Talmud and Jewish law, of which many have
been compiled in the numerous volumes of Tzafnat Paneach. He served for
decades as the chief rabbi of the chasidic congregations of the Latvian city of
Dvinsk (Daugavpils). Story 1003 -- see Archives Rabbi
Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld [19 Adar A 5692 (1848 - March 1932 C.E.)] studied under
the Katav Sofer at the renowned Pressburg Yeshiva in Austria-Hungary. He
was a Torah leader of the Ashkenazi community in the Old City of Jerusalem for
nearly sixty years, and became its official head after the death of Rabbi Shmuel
Salant in 1909. Story #145, 700, 715-- see Archives
Rabbi Yosef Meir (ben Rabbi Samuel Tzvi) Weiss [18
Adar 5598 - 6 Iyar 5669 (1838 - 1909 C.E.)], founder of the Spinker dynasty,
attended the Chasidic masters of Belz, Vizhnitz, Zhidichov and Sanz, and studied
under several prominent rabbinical sages in his native Hungary. In 1876 he became
a Rebbe in his own right, eventually attracting many thousands of followers including
prominent Torah scholars. He authored a number of important books, of which the
most well-known is Imrei Yosef on the Torah readings and the festivals.
He was also famous as a miracle worker. After many years of being buried abroad,
his remains were brought to Israel in 1972 and reinterred in Petach Tikvah; his
body was completely intact! Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn [12
Tammuz 5640 - 10 Shvat 5710 (Jan. 1880-June 1950 C.E.)], known as the Rebbe
Rayatz, was the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, from 1920 to 1950. He
established a network of Jewish educational institutions and Chassidim that was
the single most significant factor for the preservation of Judaism during the
dread reign of the communist Soviets. In 1940 he moved to the USA, established
Chabad world-wide headquarters in Brooklyn and launched the global campaign to
renew and spread Judaism in all languages and in every corner of the world, the
campaign continued and expanded so remarkably successfully by his son-in-law and
successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Story #119, 159, 165, 174,
176, 198, 223, 270, 347, 412, 413, 429, 501, 505, 555, 570, 584, 637, 656, 673,
762, 787, 866, 893, 918, 947, 969, 1001, 1021, 1033, 1050, 1101, 1156, 1157, 1206,
1257, 1268-- see Archives Rabbi
Yossel of Torchin (1782-1818) was the son of the Chozeh of Lublin,
and some say that the Seer viewed him as his successor. All respected him as a
man of great piousness. Story #667, 705-- see Archives
Rabbi Zalman Leib ("Yekutiel Yehuda" in Hebrew)
Teitelbaum, the Sigheter Rav (? - 6 Elul 1883) and author of Yetiv Lev,
was a chasid of Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz. He was a grandson of Rabbi Moshe
Teitelbaum of Ujheley, the author of Yismach Moshe, who was the forerunner
of the Satmar and Sighet dynasties. The present Satmar Rebbe in Williamsberg,
NY is his great-grandson and is named after him. Story #552 -- see Archives
Rabbi Zalman -Shimon Dworkin [1901 - Saturday night, Adar 17, 1985]
received semicha, rabbinic ordination, the world-famous Rogotchover Gaon, Reb
Yosef Rozin. In 1953, Reb Zalman Shimon and his wife arrived in the United States
and lived in Pittsburgh, In 1960, they moved to Brooklyn, where he subsequently
served as the sole official rabbinical authority of the Crown Heights Chabad community
for nearly twenty-five years, until his passing. Still today, many Lubavitcher
rabbis throughout the world guide themselves with the halachic (Jewish
Law) decisions that Reb Zalman Shimon issued. The Lubavitcher Rebbe would refer
people with complicated halachic questions, as well as those with personal
dilemmas that needed a bright and caring individual to assist them, to Reb Zalman
Shimon. The Rebbe once declared in public, "He is my Moro D'Asra"
(my Rav). A significant amount of his writings were published in "Kovetz
Razash," including some of his stories of Chabad history in addition
to a sampling of his halachic decisions and correspondence. Story #1212
-- see Archives Rabbi Ze'ev-Wolf
Kitzis [c. 5460 - 12 Mar-Cheshvan 5548 (c. 1700 - Oct. 1788)]. served as Rabbi
of the community in Toltzin, and later held the position of Av Beis Din (chief
rabbinical judge) in the town of Medzibuzh, even before the town had become the
founding center of the Baal Shem Tov's chasidic movement. When the Baal
Shem Tov moved there,his initial reaction was one of great opposition, although
after a short while he became one of his greatest followers. Rabbi Ze'ev-Wolf
Kitzis was well-known as a highest level Torah scholar, and as extremely meticulous
in all areas of mitzvah observance. He is buried in Medzibuzh, immediately to
the right of the Baal Shem Tov. Story #152, 255, 1016,
1038-- see Archives Rabbi Ze'ev
Wolf of Zhitomir [?-(Purim) 14 Adar 1800] was one of the inner circle of disciples
of the Maggid of Mizritch. He is the author of Ohr Hameir, one of
the early foundation texts of general Chassidut. Rabbi Ze'ev-Wolf of
Strikov. [5566 - 11 Elul 5651 (1806 - Sept. 1891)], the oldest son of Rabbi
Avraham Landau of Chekhanov, was considered one of the wisest and most learned
of Menac?em Mendel of Kotsk's disciples, Upon the death of the Kotsker in 1859,
many of the chasidim accepted R. Ze'ev Wolf as their Rebbe, although he himself
became a follower of the Chidushei HaRim of Ger. In 1878, upon the death of his
father, R. Wolf succeeded him as Rebbe in Chekhanov. His discourses on the Torah
and festivals were published in Zer Zahav-Keter Torah (1901). A collection of
his correspondence, discourses and poems (in Hebrew] was published in 1926. Story
#1011 -- see Archives Rabbi Zushya
of Anapoli [? - 2 Shvat 5560 (?-Jan. 1800 C.E.)], was a major disciple
of the Maggid of Mezritch, successor to the Baal Shem Tov. The seemingly
unsophisticated but clearly inspired "Reb Zusha" is one of the best
known and most beloved Chassidic personalities. He and his famous brother, Rebbe
Elimelech of Lizensk, spent many years wandering in exile, for esoteric reasons.
Story #148, 178, 241, 422, 478, 529, 578, 790, 999, 1056, 1100, 1108-- see Archives
Zvi (see Tzvi) |