🗓️ Today’s Yartzite – 24th Sivan
🕯️ 1882 – The Passing of Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Shapira of Blendev, Author of “Emet L’Yaakov”
In the year 5642 (1882), the holy Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Shapira זצ״ל passed away in Warsaw.
He was the son of Rabbi Chaim Meir Yechiel of Mogelnitza and a descendant of a distinguished chassidic lineage.
Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak was known for his sefer אמת ליעקב, which reflects his depth in Chassidus and his commitment to אמת in עבודת ה׳. Following the path of his holy forebears, he emphasized inner sincerity and a devotion rooted in authenticity, continuing the legacy of Polish chassidic leadership.
🕯️ 1922 – The Passing of Rabbi Yisrael Chaim Friedman, Author of “Likutei Mahari’ch”
On the 24th of Sivan in the year 5682 (1922), the gaon Rabbi Yisrael Chaim ben Rabbi Yehuda Friedman זצ״ל of Rachov passed away.
He was the author of the well‑known sefer ליקוטי מהרי״ח, a widely used compendium of halachic rulings, minhagim, and customs. His work became especially valued among Poskim and תלמידי חכמים for its clarity and practical guidance, gathering dispersed halachic traditions into an accessible form.
🕯️ 1927 – The Passing of Rabbi Masoud HaKohen Elchadad, Leader of the Beit El Kabbalists
In the year 5687 (1927), the holy mekubal Rabbi Masoud ben Rabbi David HaKohen Elchadad זצ״ל passed away.
He was among the leading figures of the Beit El circle of kabbalists in Jerusalem and served as a ראש חסידים in that holy fellowship.
He authored works such as כח מעשיו, בן מכבד אב, and שמחת כהן, reflecting his deep involvement in both Nigleh and Nistar. His life was dedicated to the דרך of the mekubalim of Jerusalem, continuing the traditions of the Arizal and the תלמידי הרש״ש.
🕯️ 1950 – The Passing of Rabbi Yehuda Berstein, Av Beit Din of Nizhny, Russia
In the year 5710 (1950), the gaon Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Moshe Berstein זצ״ל passed away.
He served as Av Beit Din in Nizhny (Russia) and later lived in the Marina Roscha area.
He was known for his dedication to Torah and communal leadership during difficult times for Jewish life under oppressive regimes. His perseverance in maintaining Torah observance in such conditions stands as a testament to the strength of Jewish faith.
It is related that in later years, even after his passing, his resting place was desecrated by evildoers—an event that evoked great pain and served as a reminder of the challenges faced by Jewish communities in exile.
May the memory of all these tzaddikim be a merit for us, and may Hashem protect His people from harm, gather the exiles, and bring about the time when “those who lie in the dust shall arise and sing.”