📅 Today’s Yartzite – 28th Iyar [1]
🕯️ Passing of Shmuel HaNavi[2]
Born: Year 2830 from Creation (approx. 931 BCE)
Passed away at age 52
Son of Elkanah and Channah. Associated with the Pre First Temple era.
Shmuel HaNavi stands among the greatest leaders of Israel, described by Chazal as equivalent to Moshe and Aharon. His life began as the answer to the heartfelt prayer of his mother Channah, who dedicated him entirely to the service of Hashem. From a young age, he was raised in the Mishkan under Eli HaKohen and merited prophecy early in life.
On this day, the great Prophet Shmuel passed away. Chazal describe how all of Israel gathered to eulogize him, recognizing his unique role as one who bridged multiple eras—serving as a prophet, judge, and leader who guided the people during a time of national transition. It was he who anointed both Shaul and David as kings, shaping the future of Malchus Yisrael, and restoring spiritual direction after a period of decline.
Shmuel HaNavi was renowned for his absolute integrity—Chazal emphasize that no trace of personal gain or bias ever entered his leadership. From his earliest years, dedicated by his mother Channah to the service of Hashem, he embodied devotion, prayer, and clarity of vision. He was laid to rest in his city of Ramah (Nebi Samuel), which remains a place of tefillah and reflection, testifying to his enduring influence on the destiny and spiritual identity of the Jewish people.
Among his major milestones:
- He served as the last of the Shoftim (Judges) and the central spiritual authority of his generation.
- He led the people back toward Hashem during a difficult period and restored national direction and faith.
- He anointed Shaul HaMelech as the first king of Israel.
- After Shaul’s failing, he anointed David HaMelech, thereby establishing the eternal Davidic dynasty.
- Throughout his life, he traveled among the people to judge them with complete honesty, never accepting personal gain and embodying absolute integrity.
🕯️ The Rambam’s Discovery of the Sefer Torah of Ezra
12th century (Rambam, 1138–1204)
The Rambam encountered the Sefer Torah attributed to Ezra HaSofer on this day and established it as a time of joy, feasting, and thanksgiving to Hashem. This discovery represented not merely the finding of an ancient scroll, but a living connection to the transmission of Torah from the era of the Anshei Knesses Hagedolah.
By commemorating this event, the Rambam emphasized the unbroken chain of Torah—from Ezra to later generations—and the profound responsibility to preserve its authenticity. The day thus became one that reflects both gratitude for the past and commitment to the future, celebrating the Divine gift of Torah that continues to illuminate every generation.
🕯️ Passing of Rabbeinu Yitzchak, Author of the Semak
Son of Rabbi Yosef of Corbeil; son‑in‑law of Rabbi Yechiel of Paris
13th century (d. circa 1280)
On this day passed Rabbeinu Yitzchak of Corbeil, author of the Sefer Mitzvot Katan (Semak), one of the foundational halachic works designed to present mitzvot in a clear and practical manner. Living in medieval France during a time of both intellectual flourishing and severe hardship for Jewish communities, he sought to strengthen observance through clarity, accessibility, and devotion.
He was a close disciple within the circle of Tosafist scholarship and connected to the great Rabbeinu Yechiel of Paris, yet his legacy stands uniquely through his ability to distill complex halachic material into a format usable for everyday life. His work became especially beloved for encouraging not only knowledge of mitzvot but also their heartfelt fulfillment.
His students testified that their revered teacher maintained an extraordinary regimen: completing twenty‑six full study cycles each year. Whatever his students were unable to complete, he would review and master on his own, reflecting both personal discipline and a deep sense of responsibility for the continuity of Torah learning. His life stands as a model of diligence, humility, and unwavering commitment to Avodas Hashem.
[1] Taken from Luach Itim Labina
[2] Michaber 580:1
