🗓️ Today in Jewish History 28th Av
🕯️ Completion of the 390 Days of Yechezkel’s Symbolic Lying
On this day ended the 390-day period during which Yechezkel HaNavi lay upon his side as commanded by Hashem, symbolically bearing the sins of the House of Israel.
As described in Sefer Yechezkel, this dramatic prophetic act served as a warning regarding the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the consequences of the nation’s spiritual decline. Having completed this prophetic mission, Yechezkel was prepared for the next stage of prophecy that would follow shortly thereafter.
🕯️ Today’s Yartzite 28th Av
🕯️ 1897 – The Passing of Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehudah Berlin (The Netziv)
In the year תרנ”ז (1897) passed away the gaon Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehudah Berlin, known throughout the Torah world as the Netziv of Volozhin, זצ״ל.
The Netziv was one of the greatest Torah leaders of nineteenth-century Jewry and served for many decades as Rosh Yeshivah of the famed Volozhin Yeshivah, the “mother of Lithuanian yeshivos.”
His principal works include:
- העמק דבר on the Torah
- העמק שאלה
- משיב דבר
- מרומי שדה
The Netziv’s commentary Ha’amek Davar remains one of the classic Torah commentaries, combining pshat, halachah, and profound insight into the Torah’s message. Thousands of students passed through Volozhin under his leadership, and his influence helped shape the modern yeshivah world.
He passed away in Warsaw, leaving behind a legacy that continues to illuminate Torah study throughout the world.
🕯️ 1925 – The Passing of Rabbi Avraham Chaim Ades
In the year תרפ”ה (1925) passed away the gaon Rabbi Avraham Chaim ben Rabbi Yitzchak Ades זצ״ל.
Rabbi Ades was among the distinguished Sephardic sages of Jerusalem and was associated with the founding and development of institutions dedicated to Torah study and the teachings of Kabbalah for the Jews of the Old Yishuv.
His influence helped strengthen the world of Torah and פנימיות התורה in Jerusalem during the early decades of the twentieth century.
🕯️ 1972 – The Passing of Rabbi David Cohen (“The Nazir”)
In the year תשל”ב (1972) passed away the gaon Rabbi David Yehudah Aryeh Leib Cohen, universally known as HaRav HaNazir, זצ״ל.
A unique and inspiring personality in modern Jewish thought, Rabbi Cohen was the foremost disciple of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook and dedicated much of his life to preserving and publishing Rav Kook’s teachings.
Among his well-known works are:
- קול הנבואה
- פתחי פרדס
- Editorial work on many of Rav Kook’s writings
Known for his lifelong commitment to special practices of holiness and self-discipline, he became one of the most distinctive figures in twentieth-century Torah scholarship. Through his efforts, much of Rav Kook’s Torah was preserved for future generations.
🕯️ 2012 – The Passing of Rabbi Akiva Ehrenfeld
In the year תשע”ב (2012) passed away the gaon Rabbi Akiva Ehrenfeld of Kiryat Mattersdorf, Jerusalem זצ״ל.
A son of the Mattersdorfer Rav, Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld, he devoted his life to strengthening Torah institutions and preserving the heritage of the distinguished Chasam Sofer-Ehrenfeld tradition. He played a central role in the development of Kiryat Mattersdorf in Jerusalem and was respected for his dedication to Torah, communal affairs, and acts of kindness.