🕯️ 1787 – The Passing of Rabbi Yaakov Kopel, the “Shivisi” Chassid
In the year תקמ”ז (1787) passed away the holy Rabbi Yaakov Kopel ben Rabbi Nechemiah Feivel of Tismenitz זצ״ל, one of the distinguished disciples of the Baal Shem Tov.
Rabbi Yaakov Kopel became famous as the “Shivisi’nik”, because of his constant focus on the verse:
“שִׁוִּיתִי ה’ לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד”
“I have set Hashem before me always.”
He was known for extraordinary deveikus and purity of thought, and often served as chazzan in the Baal Shem Tov’s beis midrash. Chassidic tradition remembers him as one of the hidden pillars of the early movement.
He is also regarded as one of the early forebears of the great Kosov-Vizhnitz dynasty, which would later become one of the largest Chassidic movements in the world.
🕯️ 1857 – The Passing of Rabbi Shmuel Nachum Neuberg
In the year תרי”ז (1857) passed away the gaon Rabbi Shmuel Nachum ben Rabbi Kehas HaLevi Neuberg זצ״ל, author of:
- היכלי שן
- מגדל שן
Rabbi Neuberg was known as a distinguished Torah scholar whose writings display broad mastery of Talmudic and halachic literature. His sefarim earned respect among תלמידי חכמים and contributed to nineteenth-century Torah scholarship.
🕯️ 1941 – The Passing of Rabbi Chanoch Henich Eiger
In the year תש”א (1941) passed away the gaon Rabbi Chanoch Henich ben Rabbi Simcha Reuven Eiger זצ״ל, author of מרחשת.
A descendant of the illustrious Eiger rabbinic family, Rabbi Chanoch Henich served as a leading Torah authority in Poland. His sefer Minchas Marcheshes became one of the classic halachic works of the twentieth century and is studied in yeshivos throughout the world.
His brilliance, originality, and depth earned him a respected place among the greatest poskim of his generation.
🕯️ 1942 – The Passing of Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Horowitz
In the year תש”ב (1942) passed away the gaon Rabbi Avraham Yaakov ben Rabbi Shmuel HaLevi Horowitz of Provizhna זצ״ל, author of שו”ת צור יעקב.
Rabbi Horowitz was known as a respected posek and communal rabbi. His responsa, Tzur Yaakov, address a wide variety of halachic issues and continue to be cited by later authorities.
🕯️ 1942 – The Martyrdom of Rabbi Tzvi Yechezkel Michelson הי”ד
In the year תש”ב (1942) was murdered על קידוש השם the gaon Rabbi Tzvi Yechezkel Michelson of Plonsk הי”ד.
Rabbi Michelson served as one of the prominent rabbinic leaders of Poland before the Holocaust. During the destruction of European Jewry he remained with his community and ultimately perished together with countless קדושי ישראל.
His memory stands among the many rabbanim and Torah scholars who sanctified Hashem’s Name during the Holocaust.
🗓️ Today in Chabad History – 15th Elul
🕯️ 15 Elul, 5657 (1897) – The Founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim
One of the most transformative events in the history of Chabad took place on 15 Elul 5657 (1897). During the wedding celebrations of his son, the future Frierdiker Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Rebbe Rashab, Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, publicly announced the establishment of a new kind of yeshivah that would forever change the landscape of Jewish education.
This institution would later become known throughout the Jewish world as:
Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch
🕯️ A Vision Ten Years in the Making
At the gathering, the Rebbe Rashab revealed that the founding of the yeshivah was not a sudden decision.
He declared:
“For ten years I have been thinking about establishing this yeshivah.”
During those years he repeatedly visited the holy resting places of his father, the Rebbe Maharash, and his grandfather, the Tzemach Tzedek, seeking Heavenly assistance and guidance for the undertaking.
🕯️ A New Kind of Yeshivah
The Rebbe Rashab emphasized that the purpose of the institution was not merely to create another place of Torah study.
He explained that Torah learning itself was not lacking:
“Thank G-d, there are already many yeshivos.”
Rather, his goal was to create a yeshivah in which:
- Nigleh (the revealed parts of Torah) would be studied with depth and excellence.
- Chassidus would be studied systematically.
- Both would be united into one complete educational program.
The objective was to produce students whose entire outlook and conduct would be permeated by Torah and Chassidus alike.
🕯️ The Rebbe’s Blessing
At the founding announcement, the Rebbe Rashab offered a heartfelt prayer for the success of the institution:
“May Hashem bestow upon it a spirit of fear of Heaven, a spirit of avodah, a spirit of refined character, and a spirit of accepting the yoke of Heaven.”
These ideals became the foundation upon which the entire Tomchei Temimim system was built.
🕯️ The Naming of “Tomchei Temimim”
For almost two years the yeshivah operated without an official name.
Then, on Simchas Torah 5659 (1898), during hakafos, the Rebbe Rashab announced:
“The yeshivah that has been established through the kindness of the Almighty still has no name. I now call it Tomchei Temimim.”
He explained that the purpose of the yeshivah was to unite:
Toras Hashem HaNigleh and Toras HaChassidus
into a single, complete whole.
Borrowing from the verse:
“תורת ה’ תמימה משיבת נפש”
“The Torah of Hashem is perfect, restoring the soul,”
he declared that the yeshivah would be called Tomchei Temimim, and its students would be known simply as:
“Temimim.”
🕯️ Historical Impact
The founding of Tomchei Temimim became one of the most important developments in modern Jewish education.
From its halls emerged generations of:
- Rabbanim
- Mashpi’im
- Roshei yeshivah
- Shluchim
- Torah scholars and community leaders
who carried the teachings of Chabad across the world.
The educational model established by the Rebbe Rashab, combining rigorous Gemara study with deep engagement in Chassidus and personal avodah, remains the foundation of Chabad yeshivah life to this day.
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Directives of the Rebbe in connection with this date:[1] · One is to add in the learning of Chassidus on this day. This especially applies to the Torah of the Baal Shem Tov, Alter Rebbe, Rebbe Rashab and Rebbe Rayatz. · To strengthen and establish new classes in Chassidus. · To add in the service of prayer, which is uniquely connected to the purpose of this Yeshiva. · To hold a Chassidic gathering in all Yeshivas of Tomchei Temimim. · To open branches of Tomchei Temimim in all applicable areas.
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[1] Hisvadyos 1989 4:315; Hiskashrus 995