🗓️ Today in Jewish History– 10th Menachem Av
🕯️ The Birth and Passing of Yissachar Avinu
According to ancient traditions of Jewish chronology, Yissachar, the fifth son of Yaakov Avinu and Leah Imeinu, was born on this day and passed away on the same date at the age of 122 years.
Yissachar became the symbol of Torah scholarship among the tribes of Israel. Chazal identify the Tribe of Yissachar as the tribe devoted to the study of Torah and the determination of the Jewish calendar and halachic rulings.
The blessing given by Yaakov Avinu and later by Moshe Rabbeinu established Yissachar as the embodiment of diligence in Torah learning and spiritual wisdom. The famous partnership of “Yissachar and Zevulun”—Torah study supported by those engaged in commerce—traces its roots to the role of Yissachar among the tribes.
🕯️ Yechezkel and the Elders of Israel
During the Babylonian exile, a group of the elders of Israel came before the prophet Yechezkel seeking Divine guidance:
“ויבואו אנשים מזקני ישראל לדרוש את ה’ וישבו לפני”
(Yechezkel 20)
At this critical period, the kingdom of Yehudah stood on the brink of destruction. The elders sought prophetic direction while the political leadership continued to place its hopes in alliances and military solutions.
This chapter contains one of Yechezkel’s most powerful historical reviews of the spiritual failures of Israel from Egypt through the First Temple period.
🕯️ Tzidkiyahu’s Covenant to Free Jewish Slaves
At approximately this same period, King Tzidkiyahu entered into a covenant with the people of Jerusalem to fulfill the Torah’s command regarding Hebrew slaves.
The people initially complied and freed their Jewish servants and maidservants. However, shortly afterward many reversed their decision and forcibly reclaimed those whom they had freed.
In response, Yirmiyahu HaNavi delivered a severe prophecy condemning the violation of the covenant and warning of the impending destruction of Jerusalem.
This episode forms the basis of the prophetic rebuke found in Yirmiyahu chapter 34, emphasizing that social justice and obedience to Torah law are essential foundations of national survival.
🕯️ 1306 – The Expulsion of the Jews from France
In the year 5066 (1306), King Philip IV of France expelled the Jews from his kingdom.
Jewish communities that had flourished in France for centuries were uprooted, their homes and possessions confiscated, and thousands of Jews were forced into exile.
This expulsion became one of the major tragedies of medieval European Jewry and foreshadowed future expulsions throughout Europe.
🕯️ 1497 – The Expulsion of the Jews from Portugal
In the year 5257 (1497), approximately five years after the Expulsion from Spain, the Jews of Portugal were likewise expelled or compelled to convert.
Many Spanish refugees who had sought shelter in Portugal after 1492 now found themselves once again facing persecution and displacement.
The destruction of Iberian Jewry ranks among the most significant upheavals in Jewish history, leading to the widespread Sephardic diaspora throughout North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, Eretz Yisrael, and beyond.
🗓️ Today’s Yartzite – 10th Menachem Av
🕯️ 1827 – The Passing of Rabbi Aryeh Yaakov of Smila
In the year תקפ”ז (1827) passed away the holy Rabbi Aryeh Yaakov ben Rabbi Moshe Lemberski of Smila זצ״ל, author of שו”ת רבנו יעקב מסמילא.
He was regarded as a distinguished posek and Torah scholar whose responsa reflect deep knowledge of halachah and practical rabbinic leadership.
🕯️ Yahrzeit of Rabbi Mas’ud Chai Rekach
On this day occurs the yahrzeit of the gaon Rabbi Mas’ud Chai Rekach זצ״ל of Tripoli, author of the celebrated מעשה רקח.
His monumental commentary on the Rambam is considered one of the foremost explanations of the Mishneh Torah. The Ma’aseh Rokeach is distinguished by its breadth, clarity, and ability to reconcile difficult passages in the Rambam.
His work remains an important resource for students and scholars of Rambam to this day.
🕯️ 1772 – The Passing of Rabbi Dovid, Disciple of the Baal Shem Tov
In the year תקל”ב (1772) passed away the holy Rabbi Dovid ben Rabbi Tzvi זצ״ל in Neustadt, one of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov.
As part of the first generation of Chassidim, he helped transmit the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and spread the spirit of Chassidus after the passing of its founder.
🕯️ 1895 – The Passing of Rabbi Ephraim Fishel Tzvi Goldhamer
In the year תרנ”ה (1895) passed away Rabbi Ephraim Fishel Tzvi ben Rabbi Shlomo Goldhamer זצ״ל of Zarnow.
He was known as a respected Torah scholar and communal leader, and his memory remained cherished among the rabbanim and תלמידי חכמים of Poland.