🗓️ Today in Jewish History – 4th Tishreiy
🕯️ The First Three Plagues of Egypt Conclude
According to calculations found in the Midrashim, the first three plagues inflicted upon Egypt extended until 4 Tishrei.
These were:
- Blood
- Frogs
- Lice
The progression of the plagues was gradual and systematic, demonstrating Hashem’s mastery over every aspect of creation and preparing Egypt for the subsequent plagues that would ultimately lead to the Exodus.
🕯️ The Cessation of the Harsh Labor in Egypt
Chazal teach that on Rosh Hashanah the harsh enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt came to an end.
Although the Jews would not leave Egypt until many months later, the crushing labor imposed upon them ceased on this day.
🕯️ Thus, Rosh Hashanah became a day of redemption even before the actual Exodus, marking the beginning of the end of Egyptian bondage.
🕯️ Lady Rosa (“Di Goldene Roiz”), the Golden Rose of Lvov
Approximately 398 years after her passing, Jewish communities continued to remember the righteous and heroic Lady Rosa of Lvov (“Di Goldene Roiz”) ע”ה.
The daughter of Rabbi Yaakov of Lvov, she became renowned throughout Jewish history for her courage, wisdom, and self-sacrifice on behalf of the Jews of Poland.
When powerful enemies sought to seize a synagogue and persecute the Jewish community, she intervened with extraordinary determination and became one of the most famous female defenders of Jewish rights in medieval Europe.
🕯️ Her memory was preserved for generations as a symbol of Jewish courage and devotion.
🗓️ Today’s Yartzite – 4th Tishreiy
🕯️ The Passing of Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem of Ostroh
Passed away the holy Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem, known as the first Baal Shem of Ostroh, זצ”ל.
One of the early hidden tzaddikim and kabbalists, Rabbi Yoel belonged to the chain of Baalei Shem who preceded the revelation of the Baal Shem Tov. He was renowned for his holiness, mastery of Kabbalah, and devotion to helping fellow Jews.
🕯️ Later generations regarded him as one of the spiritual forerunners of the Chassidic movement.
🕯️ 1748 – The Passing of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Ashkenazi of Halberstadt
In the year תק”ח (1748) passed away the gaon Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch ben Rabbi Naftali Hirsch Ashkenazi, author of:
כוס הישועות
Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch was among the distinguished rabbinic scholars of Germany and Central Europe. His writings display broad mastery of Torah literature and earned him a respected place among the Acharonim.
🕯️ 1775 – The Passing of Rabbi Yaakov of Shklov
In the year תקל”ה (1775) passed away the gaon Rabbi Yaakov ben Rabbi Yehudah Shik, Av Beis Din of Shklov and author of:
מורה צדק
His sefer became an important halachic work and reflected the strong Torah scholarship for which the city of Shklov was famous.
🕯️ 1799 – The Passing of Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov Burla
In the year תקנ”ט (1799) passed away the gaon Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov Burla, Av Beis Din of Jerusalem, זצ”ל.
Rabbi Burla was among the leading Sephardic sages of Jerusalem during the early years of the Old Yishuv and devoted his life to Torah and communal leadership.
🕯️ 1821 – The Passing of the Chayei Adam
In the year תקפ”א (1821) passed away the gaon Rabbi Avraham ben Rabbi Yechiel of Danzig, author of:
- חיי אדם
- חכמת אדם
- Other foundational halachic works.
The Chayei Adam was written to make practical halachah accessible to every Jew. It quickly became one of the most widely studied summaries of daily Jewish law.
The Chofetz Chaim frequently recommended its study, and it remains an enduring classic of practical halachic literature.
🕯️ Few sefarim have had a greater impact on everyday Jewish observance.
🕯️ Yahrzeit of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt
The yahrzeit of the holy Rabbi Yitzchak Aryeh “Zekel Leib” Wormser, known as the Baal Shem of Michelstadt, זצ”ל, is commemorated on this day.
One of the most famous wonder-working rabbis of Germany, he was revered for his holiness, acts of kindness, and dedication to helping the suffering and downtrodden.
Stories of his righteousness became legendary throughout Central European Jewry.
🕯️ The Passing of Rabbi Nechemiah of Przysucha
Passed away the holy Rabbi Nechemiah ben Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak, son of the Yehudi HaKadosh of Przysucha, זצ”ל.
A prominent Chassidic leader, Rabbi Nechemiah continued the spiritual path established by his saintly father and was known for profound avodah, humility, and devotion to his followers.
Some traditions record his yahrzeit on this date, while others place it on 19 Tishrei.
🕯️ He remains one of the respected figures in the early history of Peshischa Chassidus.