🗓️ Today’s in Jewish History – 11th Tamuz
🗓️ 1775 – “Purim of Algiers” (Purim D’Algier)
In the year 5535 (1775), a great salvation occurred for the Jews of Algiers. A Spanish military force led by General O’Reilly attempted to conquer the city, placing its inhabitants—including the Jewish community—in grave danger.
Through Divine mercy, the attack failed, and the Jews were saved from potential destruction. In gratitude, the community established a local יום טוב known as “Purim D’Algier.”
They composed a special piyut beginning “Mi Kamocha”, recounting the miracles that had taken place, and instituted various customs and practices for the day—similar in spirit to other local Purims established after salvation. This day joined the long tradition of communities marking their personal deliverances with thanksgiving and praise to Hashem.
🗓️ 1895–1906 – The Affair of Alfred Dreyfus
In the late 19th century, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French army, was falsely accused of treason in a case driven by antisemitism.
He was publicly degraded in a humiliating ceremony in 1895, stripped of rank, and exiled. Years later, following public outcry—including the famous declaration “J’accuse” by Émile Zola—his innocence was eventually recognized and he was released and reinstated.
This episode exposed the depth of antisemitism even in modern Europe and became a defining moment in Jewish history.
🗓️ Today’s Yartzite – 11th Tamuz
🕯️ 1831 – The Passing of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Zidichov, “Sar Beit HaZohar”
In the year 5591 (1831), the holy Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch ben Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Zidichov זצ״ל passed away.
Known as the “Sar Beit HaZohar,” he was one of the greatest תלמידי חכמים in Kabbalah and Chassidus of his generation. Due to his extraordinary holiness, asceticism, and devotion, it is said that the gates of wisdom—both Chochmah and Binah—were opened to him, and he became unique in his deep understanding of the inner Torah.
It is related that during a time of epidemic, his merit helped stop the plague. Later tzaddikim taught that his yahrzeit carries a spiritual light comparable to Lag BaOmer, the day of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. They encouraged those unable to be in Meron on Lag BaOmer to connect spiritually through this day as well.
🕯️ 1942/1943 – The Martyrdom of Torah Leaders in the Holocaust הי״ד
During the Holocaust, among the great rabbanim murdered על קידוש השם were:
- Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman זצ״ל, Rosh Yeshiva of Baranovitch, author of Kovetz Shiurim, one of the leading תלמידי חכמים of the Lithuanian yeshiva world
- Rabbi Yehuda Leib Zirelson זצ״ל, Av Beit Din of Kishinev, author of Gevul Yehuda, a prominent rabbinic and communal leader
Their deaths marked an immeasurable loss to the עולם התורה, yet their teachings continue to illuminate generations.