Archive for January 2021
“Mesiras Moda’ah”: Understanding the Purpose of Aggadah (Part Two)
Translated by: R’ Yaakov Klein The article that follows is part two (of three) of a remarkable essay entitled, “Mesiras Moda’ah.” This work, which is printed in the back of sefer Derech HaMelech, was penned by Rav Kaloynimus Kalmish Shapira zy”a, the Piacezner Rebbe, as an introduction to his commentary on the Zohar HaKadosh, “Reshimos…
Read More“Mesiras Moda’ah”: Understanding the Purpose of Aggadah (Part One)
Translated by: R’ Yaakov Klein The article that follows is part one (of three) of a remarkable essay entitled, “Mesiras Moda’ah.” This work, which is printed in the back of sefer Derech HaMelech, was penned by Rav Kaloynimus Kalmish Shapira zy”a, the Piacezner Rebbe, as an introduction to his commentary on the Zohar HaKadosh, “Reshimos…
Read More24 Teves – Baal HaTanya
24 Teves is the yahrtzeit of the first Rebbe of Chabad, Reb Shneur Zalman (ben Baruch) zy”a, known as the “Alter Rebbe” or “Baal Hatanya”. He was niftar on the first day of the week of Va’era 5573. This tzaddik was a disciple of the Mezritcher Maggid, the Baal Shem Tov’s successor. As such, he…
Read More24 Teves – Shem M’Shmuel
24 Teves is the yahrtzeit of the author of Shem MiShmuel, Reb Shmuel of Sochotchov zy”a. He passed away in the week of Va’era. This tzaddik was the son of Reb Avraham, the Avnei Nezer, and is alluded to in the words וארא אל אברהם אל יצחק (Avraham and his son) which, with the five…
Read More22 Teves – Shotzer Rebbe
22 Teves is the yahrtzeit of the Shotzer Rebbe, Reb Sholom (ben Mordechai Yosef Moshe) Moskowitz zy”a. He passed away in 5718/1958 and is buried in London, where people flock for yeshuos. He wrote in his ethical will that just as he worked hard to bring people to teshuvah during his lifetime, he will continue…
Read More21 Teves – Reb Yisroel Dov Ber of Vilednik zy”a
21 Teves is the yahrtzeit of Reb Yisroel Dov Ber (ben Yosef) of Vilednik zy”a, a talmid muvhak of Reb Mottel Chernobyler. He was known for his great Ahavas Yisroel through which he brought many Jewish souls to teshuvah. He was a great miracle worker, and his kever in Vilednik, Ukraine, was always known as…
Read More20 Teves – Abir Yaakov
20 Teves is the yahrtzeit of the Abir Yaakov, Rav Yaakov (ben Masoud) Abuchatzeira zy”a, the grandfather of the Baba Sali. The Abir Yaakov authored many seforim, including Pituchei Chosam and Machshof Halavan (which are written primarily al pi sod but can often be understood on a basic level as well). Although the Abir Yaakov passed…
Read More20 Teves – Rambam
20 Teves is the yahrtzeit of the Rambam, Rav Moshe ben Maimon zy”a. It is recorded that a wagon carrying the Rambam’s body miraculously brought him to Teveria from his home in Egypt. The Rambam passed away on the Monday of Parshas Shemos, the parsha where Moshe is born and the first time the name of…
Read More18 Teves – Reb Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov zy”a, B’nei Yissaschar
18 Teves is the yarzeit of the author of B’nei Yissaschar, Rav Tzvi Elimelech (ben Pesach) of Dinov zy”a. He was a prolific writer, leaving us with a treasure trove of Seforim on all areas of Torah; Halacha, Tanach, Gemara, Zohar and much more,expounding on them according to Peshat, Remez, Drush and Sod. He wrote…
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