Today in Jewish History – 23rd Adar[1]
The Seven Days of the Milu’im — Preparing for the Dedication of the Mishkan
Today begins the seven days of inauguration (the Days of the Milu’im) preceding the dedication of the Mishkan, which took place on Rosh Chodesh Nisan.
During these days, Moshe our teacher erected the Mishkan each day and performed the service in it, dressed in a plain white garment without a hem. Each day the Mishkan was assembled and dismantled, from the first of Nisan until Rosh Chodesh Nisan, corresponding to the seven sanctuaries that existed and were later destroyed.
On the eighth day, the Mishkan was erected and remained standing, corresponding to the Third Temple, which will be built speedily in our days and will never be destroyed.
📅 Today’s Yahrzeits[2]
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🕯️ Rabbi Cahim Chaika of Amdur — Author of Chaim Vechesed
🕯️ Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Rothenberg, Gerer Rebbe— Author of Chidushei Harim
Their Background[3]
🕯️ Rabbi Chaim Chaika (Chaykl) of Amdur — Author of Chaim VeChesed
Rabbi Chaim Chaika (c. 1730–1787), known as the Amdurer Rebbe, was one of the earliest Hasidic leaders in Lithuania–Belarus and a foremost disciple of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch. He founded the Amdur Hasidic dynasty and played a pivotal role in spreading Hasidic teachings in regions strongly opposed to the movement. His Torah teachings were recorded and later published as Chaim VeChesed, a foundational Hasidic work marked by spiritual depth, devotion, and emphasis on inner avodah. Despite fierce opposition from the Misnagdim during his lifetime, his influence endured, and his teachings continued to shape early Hasidic thought for generations.
🕯️ Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Rothenberg‑Alter (the Chidushei HaRim), Gerer Rebbe — Author of Chidushei HaRim
Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Rothenberg‑Alter (1799–1866), known as the Chidushei HaRim, was the founder and first Rebbe of the Ger Hasidic dynasty and one of the towering Torah figures of 19th‑century Polish Jewry. A leading disciple of Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa and the Kotzker Rebbe, he combined profound Talmudic genius with spiritual intensity and moral rigor. His teachings, preserved in Chidushei HaRim, are renowned for their originality, depth, and penetrating insight into both halachah and avodat Hashem. Through his leadership, Ger became a central force in Hasidic life, and his legacy continued through generations of Gerer Rebbes who shaped Polish and world Hasidism.
[1] Taken from Luach Davar Beito
[2] Taken from Luach Itim Labina
[3] Please not that these historical notes were prepared with the assistance of Copilot Pro, an AI Research Agent, and have not been independently verified.
