🕯️ Today’s Yartzite 10th Elul
🕯️ 11 Elul, 1791 – The Passing of Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz
In the year תקנ”א (1791) passed away the holy Rabbi Pinchas ben Rabbi Avraham Abba Shapiro of Koretz זצ״ל, one of the outstanding disciples and colleagues of the early masters of Chassidus.
Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz was regarded as one of the greatest tzaddikim of the generation following the Baal Shem Tov. Although closely associated with the spread of Chassidus, he was especially known for emphasizing truthfulness, purity of thought, constant attachment to Hashem, and the study of Torah with simplicity and sincerity.
Many teachings preserved in his name stress the importance of internal holiness rather than outward appearance. Chassidic tradition records that great leaders of subsequent generations viewed him as a model of absolute devotion to Hashem.
He passed away in Shpikov (Shpikovka), where his resting place became a destination for those seeking inspiration from the legacy of an early Chassidic master.
🕯️ His Emphasis on the Study of Nevi’im
A famous tradition relates that Rabbi Pinchas instructed his son to devote significant attention to the study of Nevi’im (the Prophets).
He explained that the books of the Prophets correspond to the Divine attributes of:
- Netzach (Eternity)
- Hod (Splendor)
As alluded to in the Zohar, these attributes are associated with the “legs” that carry and reveal holiness into the world. Through the study of Nevi’im, a person gains deeper awareness of Divine providence, prophecy, repentance, redemption, and the unfolding relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people throughout history.
Because of this teaching, Rabbi Pinchas is remembered not only for his Chassidic wisdom but also for his encouragement of broad Torah study that includes Tanach alongside the study of Gemara and halachah.
🕯️ 1896 – The Passing of Rabbi Yitzchak of Bohush
In the year תרנ”ו (1896) passed away the holy Rabbi Yitzchak Friedman of Bohush, son of Rabbi Shalom Yosef of Ruzhin, זצ״ל.
A son of the famed Ruzhiner Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak carried forward the unique path of the Ruzhin dynasty, which combined regal dignity, profound holiness, and deep devotion to the welfare of the Jewish people. From his court in Bohush (Buhuși, Romania), he guided generations of chassidim and became one of the leading figures of Romanian Chassidus in the nineteenth century.
His court served as an important center of Torah, prayer, and chassidic life, and many later branches of the Ruzhiner family trace part of their heritage through the Bohush dynasty.
🕯️ 1915 – The Passing of Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Reines
In the year תרע”ה (1915) passed away the gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov ben Rabbi Shlomo Naftali Reines זצ״ל, author of עדות ביעקב and many other works.
Rabbi Reines was one of the outstanding rabbinic figures of his generation, serving as Rav, educator, and communal leader. He was known for his broad Torah scholarship and his efforts to strengthen Jewish education during a period of immense change in Eastern European Jewish life.
Among his many accomplishments was the establishment of innovative Torah institutions designed to preserve traditional Jewish learning while addressing the challenges facing Jewish youth in the modern era.
His sefarim display profound learning in halachah, Talmud, and Jewish thought, and his influence extended far beyond his immediate community.
🕯️ 1947 – The Passing of Rabbi Moshe Yehudah Leib of Peshkan
In the year תש”ז (1947) passed away the holy Rabbi Moshe Yehudah Leib of Peshkan, author of ברכת משה, son of Rabbi Yitzchak of Bohush, זצ״ל.
A descendant of the illustrious Ruzhin-Bohush dynasty, Rabbi Moshe Yehudah Leib preserved the traditions of his forefathers through Torah scholarship, Chassidic leadership, and devotion to his followers.
His work Birkas Moshe contains Torah insights and Chassidic teachings that reflect the spiritual heritage of the Bohush court.
🕯️ 1961 – The Passing of Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Perlow of Novominsk
In the year תשכ”א (1961) passed away the holy Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh ben Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, the Novominsker Rebbe, זצ״ל.
Among his published works are:
- קול יהודה
- לב אריה החדש
Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh was one of the leading representatives of Polish Chassidus in America after the Holocaust. Settling in New York, he worked tirelessly to rebuild Torah and Chassidic life after the destruction of European Jewry.
Known for his humility, scholarship, and leadership, he helped preserve the traditions of the Novominsk dynasty and laid foundations for future generations of chassidim in the United States.
He passed away in Belleville, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of Torah, chessed, and steadfast commitment to authentic Chassidic values.
🕯️ Today in Chabad History 10th Elul
🕯️ 10 Elul, 5652 (1892) – The Wedding of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, Daughter of the Rebbe Maharash
One of the notable events in Chabad history associated with 10 Elul is the wedding of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, daughter of the Rebbe Maharash (Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn), to the distinguished chassid Rabbi Moshe Hornstein.
Since the Rebbe Maharash had passed away when Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka was still a young child, the arrangements for her marriage were overseen by her brothers, chiefly the Rebbe Rashab (Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn) and Rabbi Zalman Aharon (“the Raza”).
Prior to the wedding, the Rebbe Rashab sent invitations to chassidim, warmly inviting them to participate in the family simchah. In the invitation he expressed his hope that friends and chassidim would join the celebration and share in the joy of the occasion, blessing them in return that they merit happiness from their own children and families and receive life, peace, and blessing from the Master of Peace.
Although an earlier date had been discussed, the wedding itself ultimately took place on:
Friday, Parshas Ki Seitzei, 10 Elul 5652 (1892)
The occasion was marked by the delivery of numerous maamarim of Chassidus, continuing the Chabad tradition of connecting family celebrations with Torah and spiritual elevation.
The Frierdiker Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, later recalled details of the festivities. Since the chuppah took place on Friday, the celebrations continued through Shabbos. On Motzaei Shabbos, after Havdalah, many relatives, chassidim, and members of the two families gathered at the home of the Rebbe Rashab.
What began as the traditional gathering to drink the customary hot beverage after Shabbos soon developed into a joyous Melaveh Malkah. The atmosphere became one of deep Chassidic warmth and celebration, with chassidim rejoicing together in honor of the marriage and the continuing growth of the household of the Rebbeim.
The marriage later produced a family that remained closely connected to the leadership and heritage of Chabad-Lubavitch, and the wedding itself is remembered as one of the significant family simchos of the Lubavitcher Rebbeim during the generation following the histalkus of the Rebbe Maharash.