🗓️ Today in Jewish History & Halacha – 20 th Sivan
🕯️ 1171 / 1298 / 1648 – The Fast of the 20th of Sivan and Its Historical Significance[1]
The 20th of Sivan was established in earlier generations as a communal fast day, commemorating a series of tragic persecutions that befell the Jewish people across Europe. Although this fast is no longer widely observed today, its history reflects some of the most painful chapters in Ashkenazic Jewish experience.
The first event associated with this day occurred in the year 4931 (1171), in the town of Blois, France, where 31 Jews—men, women, and children—were falsely accused through a blood libel and burned alive. Despite the baseless accusation (no missing child was ever found), hatred overcame reason, and the entire community was condemned. As they were led to their deaths, they sang “עלינו לשבח” with joy and steadfast faith, refusing to convert and choosing martyrdom for the sake of Hashem’s unity. This tragedy deeply shook the Jewish world, and Rabbeinu Tam instituted the 20th of Sivan as a fast day for all generations, declaring it even more severe than Tzom Gedalia.
The date later became associated with further tragedies. In 5058 (1298), during the Rintfleisch massacres, over 100,000 Jews were murdered and more than 140 communities destroyed across Germany and surrounding regions, again under false accusations. Following this devastation, the fast of the 20th of Sivan was reinstated and additional kinot were composed.
In 5408 (1648), during the Chmielnicki massacres, one of the darkest periods in Jewish history, hundreds of thousands of Jews were brutally killed throughout Eastern Europe. On the 20th of Sivan, the community of Nemirov was annihilated. In response to these horrors, the Vaad Arba Aratzot and the leading sages of Poland once again reinforced the observance of this fast, and works such as Megillat Eifah of the Shach recorded the events in vivid detail.
Over time, however, the widespread custom to fast on this day diminished. Practically, today most communities—including Ashkenazic Jewry—no longer observe the fast, although some recite Selichot. According to Chabad custom, the day is not marked with fasting or Selichot.
This day remains, nevertheless, a powerful remembrance of the endurance of the Jewish people—of communities that faced immense suffering and sanctified Hashem’s name with courage, faith, and unwavering commitment.
🗓️ Today’s Yartzite – 20 th Sivan
🕯️ 1648 – The Martyrdom of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Nemirov, Author of “Shivrei Luchos”
In the year 5408 (1648), during the זמן of the גזירות ת״ח ות״ט, the gaon Rabbi Yechiel Michel ben Rabbi Eliezer of Nemirov זצ״ל, author of שברי לוחות, was killed על קידוש השם הי״ד.
Rabbi Yechiel Michel was one of the prominent rabbanim of his generation, serving his community with Torah leadership during a period of great upheaval. The massacres of 1648 devastated Jewish communities across Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Poland, where entire kehillos were destroyed.
His sefer שברי לוחות reflects both halachic depth and the broken spirit of that generation, capturing the pain and struggle of a people enduring tremendous suffering. His martyrdom stands as part of the tragic but heroic legacy of קדושי ת״ח ות״ט, whose memory is preserved in Jewish history as a testimony to unwavering faith.
🕯️ 1730 – The Passing of Rabbi Yosef Ergas of Livorno, Author of “Shomer Emunim”
In the year 5490 (1730), the gaon and mekubal Rabbi Yosef ben Rabbi Immanuel Ergas זצ״ל passed away in Livorno, Italy. He was one of the great kabbalists of his time and the author of the classic work שומר אמונים הקדמון, which deals with fundamental questions of אמונה, hashkafa, and kabbalistic thought. In his writings, he sought to clarify deep matters of faith and defend traditional Jewish belief against philosophical challenges.
Rabbi Ergas served as a Rav and spiritual authority in Livorno, a major center of Jewish life, and his works continue to be studied by those seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish thought rooted in מסורת ישראל.
🕯️ 1801 – The Passing of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Nadvorna, Author of “Tzemach Hashem LaTzvi”
In the year 5561 (1801), the holy Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch ben Rabbi Shalom of Nadvorna זצ״ל passed away.
A great chassidic tzaddik and disciple within the early generations of Chassidus, he authored צמח ה׳ לצבי, a sefer reflecting deep insights into the service of Hashem. His teachings emphasized attachment to Hashem, simplicity, and heartfelt devotion.
He was part of the lineage of leaders who strengthened Chassidus in Galicia, inspiring his followers with warmth and sincerity in עבודת ה׳.
🕯️ 2000 – The Passing of Rabbi Shraga Feivish Schneebalg of London, Author of “Shraga HaMe’ir DenaHora”
In the year 5760 (2000), the gaon Rabbi Shraga Feivish ben Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Schneebalg זצ״ל passed away in London.
He was a noted תלמיד חכם and author of שרגא המאיר דנהורא, a sefer reflecting Torah insight and scholarly depth. Living in the post‑war generation, he played a role in rebuilding Torah life in Europe, contributing to the עולם התורה through his writings and teachings.
His legacy reflects the continuity of Torah scholarship even after the destruction of European Jewry, as new centers of learning emerged and flourished in cities such as London.
[1] See Taz 566:3, M”A 568:10 and 580:9; Siddur Yaavetz; Siddur Derech Hachaim; Megilas Eifah of the Shach; Sefer Yavan Metzulah; Sefer Mieimek Habacha [Rav Yosef Kohen] p. 49-52; Sefer Dor Dor Uminhagav [Ashkenazi] Chapter 10; Sefer Hasichos 5751 Behalosecha 19th Sivan Os 13