🗓️ Today’s Yartzite – 18 th Sivan
🕯️ 1751 – The Passing of Rabbi Avraham HaKohen Rappaport, Author of “Eitan HaEzrachi”
In the year 5511 (1751), the gaon Rabbi Avraham ben Rabbi Yisrael Yechiel HaKohen Rappaport זצ״ל passed away in Lemberg (Lvov).
He was a distinguished halachic authority and the author of איתן האזרחי, a sefer reflecting his breadth of knowledge and depth in Torah scholarship. As part of the prominent Rappaport rabbinic family, he stood among the leading תלמידי חכמים of his generation, contributing to the rich Torah life of Eastern Europe. His writings and teachings were valued by later authorities, preserving his influence within the עולם התורה.
🕯️ 1843 – The Passing of Rabbi Yissachar Ber of Radoshitz, “The Saba Kadisha”
In the year 5603 (1843), the holy Rabbi Yissachar Ber ben Rabbi Yitzchak of Radoshitz זצ״ל, known as the Saba Kadisha, passed away. A revered chassidic tzaddik, he was known for his deep עבודת ה׳, humility, and connection to the Divine. It was said of him the verse: “בצל כנפיך יחסיון”—“In the shadow of Your wings they take refuge”—which chassidim homiletically interpreted as alluding to his passing in the month of Sivan, a time of closeness to Hashem through Torah. His presence brought strength and inspiration to many, and his teachings emphasized simplicity, sincerity, and heartfelt devotion. Even after his passing, his memory remained a source of comfort and guidance for his followers.
🕯️ 1861 – The Passing of Rabbi Yisrael Zev Horowitz of Ohel
In the year 5621 (1861), the holy Rabbi Yisrael Zev ben Rabbi Shmuel HaLevi Horowitz זצ״ל passed away in Tiberias.
He was a descendant of a distinguished rabbinic family and the author of works such as ארץ חמדה and נחלה לישראל, which reflect both halachic knowledge and spiritual depth connected to Eretz Yisrael.
Living in the Holy Land, he contributed to its Torah environment during a period when the הישוב was still developing, helping preserve and strengthen Torah life in Tiberias and its surroundings.
🕯️ 1936 – The Passing of Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz, Mashgiach of Mir, Author of “Daas Chochmah U’Mussar”
In the year 5696 (1936), the great gaon and tzaddik Rabbi Yerucham ben Rabbi Avraham Levovitz זצ״ל passed away.
He served as the Mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, one of the most influential positions in the Mussar world, shaping generations of תלמידים with his clarity, depth, and penetrating understanding of human character.
His works, including דעת חכמה ומוסר and דעת תורה, became foundational texts in Mussar, offering profound insights into the development of character and the service of Hashem.
It is related that Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz זצ״ל, one of the leaders of Mir, would recount that he ate at his table every Shabbat for years, observing firsthand how Rabbi Yerucham constantly sought to recognize and appreciate the virtues of his wife. From this, he demonstrated that true עבודת המידות begins within the home, in honoring and valuing others.
Rabbi Yerucham’s influence continues to shape the עולם הישיבות, where his teachings remain central to the study of מוסר and personal refinement.
של חורבן in Europe, adding to the profound loss of Torah leadership in that generation.