Misplaced Pages

#382617

43-924: Followers of the rebbes of Vizhnitz are called Vizhnitzer Hasidim . The Vizhnitz Hasidic dynasty is a branch of Kosov Hasidism , founded by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kosov, author of the "Ahavat Shalom." Rabbi Menachem Mendel was the son of Rabbi Yaakov Koppel Hasid (a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov ) and a disciple of Rabbi Zev Wolf of Cherni-Ostrog, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna, Rabbi Meshulam Feivush Heller of Zbarizh , and others. Rabbi Zev Wolf promised him in one of his letters: His kingship will be renewed, both for him and for his household, and it will not leave his sons and descendants forever. After his death in 1825 (תקפ"ו), his son, Rabbi Chaim Hager, author of "Toras Chaim," succeeded him as Rebbe. After his death in 1854 (Hebrew year תרי"ד), his son Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vizhnitz, son-in-law of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin, became

86-434: A rav ( / ˈ r æ v / , also pronounced rov / ˈ r ɒ v / by Jews of Eastern European or Russian origin), who is a more authoritative halakhic decider. A significant function of a rav is to answer questions of halakha (the corpus of Jewish law), but he is not as authoritative as a posek . The short form reb is an honorific for Orthodox Jewish men, who are most likely to have profound knowledge of

129-600: A Hasid has a rebbe as his spiritual guide and an additional rav for rulings on issues of halakha . Hasidim use the concept of a (non-Hasidic) rebbe in the simple sense of rabbi , as the Yiddish-German equivalent to the Hebrew word רַבִּי ‎ rabi [ˈʁäbi] . For example: "I will ask my rebbe ( / ˈ r ɛ b ə / ), Rabbi ( / ˈ r æ b aɪ / ) Ploni (so-and-so), for advice about this personal matter." A Hasidic rebbe ( / ˈ r ɛ b ɛ / )

172-522: A central role in the intellectual and social life of their communities, delivering sermons and dialogues and building educational and religious institutions. Zalman Schachter-Shalomi theorized that the historical Hasidic Rebbes may be viewed as occupying one or several of the following roles or functions about their support of their followers: Storozhynets Storozhynets ( Ukrainian : Сторожинець , IPA: [storoˈʒɪnetsʲ] ; Romanian : Storojineț ; see below for other names )

215-404: A close family member, if not more so. However, the degree and nature of this belief vary depending on the movement. There are some functions that are exclusively the domain of Hasidic rebbes: A rebbe conducts a tish ( Yiddish : פֿירט טיש : feert tish , literally, "to run [a] table") or a farbrengen —a communal festive meal with highly mystical overtones—on Shabbat and other occasions. At

258-498: A conduit between Jews and God. based on traditional Kabbalistic concepts and terminology, Hasidic philosophy bridged deveikut , a Jewish concept referring to closeness to God, to the Hasidic rebbe, embodying and channeling the Divine flow of blessing to the world, because Creation is dependent on the continuous flow of Divine lifeforce, without which it would revert to nothingness. Given

301-520: A family connection, or a belief that a specific tzaddik or Nasi HaDor (although others might have greater spiritual stature) connects best with one's soul. For example, the Kosover Rebbe makes yearly pilgrimages to the Tosher Rebbe. Nonetheless, his followers remain very loyal to him. Unlike rabbis or non-Hasidic rebbes in other Jewish movements, Hasidic Judaism considers a "Hasidic rebbe" to be

344-471: A rebbe's physical awareness of God and the rebbe's transcendent perception of Godliness, many Hasidim take special care to observe their rebbe's specific and sometimes minute practices. Even things that seem mundane may nonetheless be seen by Hasidim as incredibly significant. For example, Lubavitcher Hasidim frequently shape their fedoras to match the way that the Lubavitcher Rebbe shaped his hat-which

387-485: A tish, the rebbe distributes shirayim (lit. remnants) to the Hasidim seated at or gathered around the table. When a gathering similar to a tish is led by a rabbi who is not a rebbe (i.e. a Mashpia ), it can be referred to as a botte (esp. amongst groups from Romania) or sheves Achim . A rebbe has times when Hasidim (and other petitioners) may come for a private audience. A kvitel (Yiddish for "note", plural kvitlach )

430-581: Is Rabbi Yisroel , named after his grandfather, the "Ahavas Yisroel"; his other son is Rabbi Menachem Mendel , named after the founding Vizhnitzer Rebbe, author of Tzemach Tzaddik . Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua's sons-in-law are famous rabbis. The eldest daughter married Rabbi David Twersky , the Skverer Rebbe of New Square , New York. One daughter married Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach , the Belzer Rebbe from Jerusalem . One daughter married Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum ,

473-434: Is a note with the name of the petitioner and a short request for which the rebbe is asked to pray. The formula in which a person's name is written is one's own Hebrew name, the son/daughter of one's mother's Hebrew name, such as Shimon ben Rivkah (Simeon the son of Rebecca). Hasidim believes that rebbes read supernaturally "between the lines" of a kvitel , and in every Hasidic movement there are numerous anecdotes relating how

SECTION 10

#1732852375383

516-533: Is a small city located in Chernivtsi Raion, Chernivtsi Oblast of western Ukraine , north of the border with Romania . It hosts the administration of Storozhynets urban hromada , one of the hromadas of Ukraine. It is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) southwest of the oblast capital, Chernivtsi . Population: 14,077 (2022 estimate). Storozhynets is located in the historic region of Bukovina , which has been governed by Moldavia (before 1774),

559-546: Is generally taken to mean a great leader of a Hasidic dynasty , also referred to as "Grand Rabbi" in English or an ADMOR , a Hebrew acronym for Ad oneinu -Mo reinu-ve R abbeinu ("our lord/master, teacher, and rabbi"). Outside of Hasidic circles, the term "Grand Rabbi" has been used to refer to a rabbi with a higher spiritual status. The practice became widespread in America in the early 1900s when Hasidic rebbes began to emigrate to

602-537: Is now the modern Hebrew word in Israel for rebbe . Hasidim use the term rebbe also in a more elevated manner, to denote someone that they perceive not only as the religious leader or nasi of their congregation, but as their spiritual adviser and mentor. The Rebbe or my Rebbe in this sense is a rav or rabbi whose views and advice are accepted not only on issues of religious law and practice, but in all arenas of life, including political and social issues. Sometimes

645-503: Is the spiritual leader in the Hasidic movement , and the personalities of its dynasties . The titles of Rebbe and Admor, which used to be a general honorific even before the beginning of the movement, became, over time, almost exclusively identified with its Tzadikim . Today, rebbe is used in the following ways: An ordinary communal rabbi, or rebbe in Yiddish, is sometimes distinct from

688-760: The Austrian empire (1774–1918), Romania (1918–1940 and 1941–1944), the USSR (1940–1941 and 1944–1991) and Ukraine (since 1991). Other names for the city include: Storozhynets was a part of the Principality of Moldavia and was first mentioned in 1448. The first inhabitants were a settlement of loggers. In 1774, the region was annexed by Austria , as the Duchy of Bukovina . It was marked with great changes as Austrians and Germans arrived en masse. There were schools with German, Romanian, and Ukrainian as their languages of instruction. Since

731-689: The Holocaust , Reb Chaim Meir settled in Bnei Brak , Israel , to build a community there. Disciples from pre-war Europe gathered around him, and formed a comprehensive net of educational and communal institutions. He became a spiritual mentor of the Agudas Yisrael party in the Israeli Knesset . Agudas Yisrael won substantial government aid for Bnei Brak and affiliated communities, in return for its support in coalition governments. Reb Chaim Meir had two sons:

774-680: The Satmar Rebbe from Kiryas Joel , New York. The youngest daughter married Rabbi Menachem Ernster, the rosh yeshiva of the Vizhnitz Yeshiva in Bnei Brak. Rabbi Mordechai Hager, born in 1922, was the Vizhnitzer Rebbe in Monsey until his death in 2018. Following the death of his father Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager of Bnei Brak, Israel , thousands of Vizhnitz hasidim followed him. When he died he

817-550: The "Ludmirer Moyd", was the only female rebbe in the history of the Hasidic movement; she lived in the 19th century in Ukraine and Israel. According to Maimonides , a tzadik is "one whose merit surpasses [his/her] iniquity", and every person can reach the level of a Tzadik. According to the Tanya , a tzadik has no evil inclination, and only a select few predestined to attain this level can attain it. According to Kabbalah (and particularly

860-558: The Hasidic understanding of Kabbalah), the world is sustained on the "shoulders" of Tzadikim Nistarim , divinely predestined exceptionally righteous people in a generation. Nobody knows who was such a tzaddik, even one of these exceptionally righteous people would not know that they are such a tzadik. These people are understood to have perfected their service of God to such an extent that they become literally and physically aware of God. These righteous people's perception (of both spiritual and physical, not to mention temporal matters) transcends

903-653: The Holocaust, all three moved to Israel and settled there. It is customary in the Vizhnitz Hasidic dynasty that no eulogy is given at the funeral of the Rebbe. After the Rebbe's death, all the sons become Rebbes. Another Hasidic dynasty influenced by Vizhnitz is Toldos Avraham Yitzchak , whose Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Kohn, was a student at the Vizhnitz Yeshiva and a follower of Rabbi Chaim Meir. Menachem Mendel Hager

SECTION 20

#1732852375383

946-854: The Rebbe until 1884 (Hebrew year תרמ"ה). After him, his son Rabbi Boruch of Vizhnitz, author of "Imrei Boruch," became the Rebbe. Rabbi Boruch had nine sons, most of whom served as Rebbes in towns near Vizhnitz in Bukovina and Galicia . After his death in 1893 (Hebrew year תרנ"ג), his son, Rabbi Yisroel Hager, author of "Ahavas Yisroel," succeeded him as Rebbe. During World War I , he relocated with his followers from Vizhnitz to Oradea (formerly known as Grosswardein). He died in 1936 (Hebrew year תרצ"ו). Four of his sons served as Rebbes after his death. His eldest son, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager, author of "She'erit Menachem," settled in Vișeu de Sus and served as both Rebbe and Rosh Yeshiva. He died in 1941 (Hebrew year תש"א) and

989-727: The Talmud and Torah, as opposed to Reconstructionist , Reform or Conservative Judaism . Originally, this title was added to the names of Jews at the time of the schism with the Karaite sect , as a sign of loyalty to the original rabbinic tradition , known today as Orthodox Judaism . As a rule, among hasidim, rebbe ( / ˈ r ɛ b ə / ) is referred to in Hebrew as admor (pl. admorim ), an abbreviation for Hebrew adoneinu moreinu v'rabeinu ( Hebrew : אדמו"ר acronym for אד וננו מ ורנו ור בנו), meaning 'our master, our teacher, and our rabbi', which

1032-1160: The United States and internationally: Rabbi Yisroel in Monsey, New York ; Rabbi Mendel in Kiamesha Lake, New York ; and Rabbi Yitzchok Yochonon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn . The other sons serve internationally: Rabbi Eliezer in Jerusalem, Israel or in Lakewood; Rabbi Dovid in London; Rabbi Aharon in Canada headquartered in Montreal, Quebec , his youngest son, Rabbi Buroch Shamshon, in Beit Shemesh , Israel; and his grandson Rabbi Yakov Yosef, son of eldest son Rabbi Pinchus Shulem, in Boro Park , Brooklyn. Rebbe A Rebbe ( Yiddish : רבי , romanized :  rebe ) or Admor ( Hebrew : אדמו״ר )

1075-523: The United States and was derived from the German Grossrabbiner . Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov , the founder of Hasidism, is regarded by Hasidim as the first Hasidic rebbe. During his lifetime he was referred to mainly as "The holy" rather than as "Rebbe", and his disciples were " magidim " or "preachers", such as the Magid of Chernobyl or the Magid of Mezritch . The first "rebbe" to be known as such

1118-500: The apparent boundaries of existence. However, a Hasidic rebbe is generally said to be a righteous person, called a " tzaddik ". Furthermore, a rebbe is said to be able to affect divine providence, and a rebbe is said to be able to "see the future", or at least have strong insight into the life and trials of another. As a result, Hasidim in some Hasidic circles seek their rebbe's advice for a variety of concerns: spiritual, physical, and even business concerns. Furthermore, many people seek

1161-600: The area around Storozhynets became a county. Trade, industry, agriculture, science, education, and culture developed at a rapid pace. On 15/28 November 1918, soon after the end World War I , the Union of Bukovina with Romania was declared by the General Congress of Bukovina , and the town became part of the Kingdom of Romania . On 18 December 1918, Storojineț County was created, with Storojineț as its capital. In 1921, Romanian became

1204-546: The area passed again under Soviet control. Until 18 July 2020, Storozhynets served as an administrative center of Storozhynets Raion . The raion was abolished in July 2020 as part of the administrative reform of Ukraine, which reduced the number of raions of Chernivtsi Oblast to three. The area of Storozhynets Raion was merged into Chernivtsi Raion . In 2001, 81% of the inhabitants spoke Ukrainian as their native language, while 11.45% spoke Romanian, and 6.56% spoke Russian. In 2001,

1247-692: The blessing ( bracha ) of a rebbe (and a Hasid will specifically seek the blessing of his rebbe) for anything, from minor (and all the more so major) physical troubles, to grand spiritual concerns. In some movements the Hasidim believe that their rebbe is the " tzadik hador " ( tzaddik of the generation ) and would regard any thought that detracts from his perfection and holiness as heresy. Other sects lessen this idealization to some degree or another. Since many rebbes are sons-in-law or students of other rebbes, it makes sense that they would view themselves as subordinate to those other rebbes. Nonetheless, their Hasidim remain loyal to them because of their special loyalty,

1290-600: The blessing is given, and a redemption for the soul of the petitioner. ("A gift makes its receiver glad" is given as an explanation: a blessing only comes from a joyous heart.) It is also customary to tip the gabbai, although this too is not obligatory. Other tasks are not exclusive to Hasidic rebbes but are important roles they play in their community similar to other rabbis . These include the leading of prayer on Shabbat and Holy Days , performing mitzvot with their Hasidim, and participating in or officiating at weddings, brit milahs , and other events. Hasidic rebbes also play

1333-1280: The mantle of leadership from his father, Menachem Mendel Hager, and became rebbe to thousands of Hasidim. He led them for only eight years until his death in 1892. His Torah thoughts were collected in Imrei Boruch by his son-in-law. Eight of his sons became rebbes in different locals: His eldest, Reb Yisroel, succeeded him in Vyzhnytsia; Reb Chaim became rebbe in Ottynia ; Reb Moshe in Suceava ; Reb Shmuel Avrohom Abba in Horodenka ; Reb Yaakov Yitzchok Dovid in Storozhynets ; Reb Pinchos in Borsha ; Reb Feivish in Zelishtshik; Reb Yechiel Michel succeeded his brother in Horodenka. Another son, Reb Sholom, died in his youth. His sons-in-law were Reb Shmuel Dov Chodorov of Petriva; Reb Mordechai Chodorov of Kolomea , who published Imrey Boruch ; Reb Sholom Yosef Friedman of Sadigur-Chernovitz. He

Vizhnitz (Hasidic dynasty) - Misplaced Pages Continue

1376-737: The official language, and the Ukrainian language was not used any more in the administration. On 28 June 1940, Northern Bukovina was occupied by Soviet troops . After the start of the war against the Soviet Union, in June 1941, Northern Bucovina was reintegrated into the Kingdom of Romania. Between 1941 and 1943, a great part of the Jewish population was killed or deported to concentration camps in Transnistria . In 1944,

1419-561: The older Moshe Yehoshua (Reb Moshelle), and the younger Mordechai (Reb Mottele). Reb Chaim Meir's sons-in-law include Rabbis Yidele Horowitz , Yitzchok Yaakov Weiss (both were married to Reb Chaim Meir's daughter, Miriam), Moshe Ernster and Yisrael Friedman (married to Reb Chaim Meir's daughter, Tziporah. Their son is Hoshea Friedman ). Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager, was the Vizhnitser Rebbe in Bnei Brak. He died on March 13, 2012, aged 95. He had two sons and four daughters. His elder son

1462-407: The rebbe saw things that were not written in the kvitel . In most Hasidic groups, the kvitel is written by the rebbe's gabbai (secretary), however, sometimes the petitioner writes it on his own. Usually, but with some exceptions, a pidyon (redemption) of cash is customarily handed to the rebbe under the kvitel , but this is not obligatory. This is considered to be the conduit through which

1505-473: The second half of the 19th century, a rapid population growth began with the arrival of Jews to the city, as well as Hungarian and Romanian businessmen, legal and banking officials, most of whom were Jews. In 1854 Storozhynets received the status of city. By the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, the city was populated mainly by Jews. In 1903 in Storozhynets opened a private school. On May 21, 1904,

1548-624: Was appointed as rebbe in Vyzhnytsia. The young rebbe invigorated the dynasty and attracted many more followers from the surrounding provinces. He established many Talmud Torahs , and also a yeshiva, to which he appointed his son Rabbi Menachem Mendel as rosh yeshiva . When World War I broke out he was forced to move to Grosswardein ( Oradea ). He lived there until his death on 2 June 1936. In 1949, his remains were transferred to Israel and re-interred in Zichron Meir, Bnei Brak . Hager had 5 sons and six daughters. Four of his sons became Rebbes: After

1591-750: Was born on May 17, 1830, in Kosiv , now in Western Ukraine. He was the son of Rabbi Chaim Hager of Kosiv, the grandson of Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov , his namesake, and the son-in-law of Rabbi Israel Friedman of Ruzhyn . He was appointed Rebbe at the age of 24, and soon after, he moved to Vyzhnytsia, a small town close to Kosiv. As his reputation grew, so did his followers. He became known and admired for his charitable acts, sincerity in prayer, and love for Eretz Yisrael . In his older years, he endeavored to emigrate there. He had two sons, Reb Boruch and another, Reb Yaakov Dovid, who died during his lifetime. His son-in-law

1634-417: Was good. Yisroel Hager was born on August 20, 1860. He was the first-born son of Rabbi Boruch Hager. He married the daughter of Rabbi Meir Horowitz of Dzhikov . In 1875, he moved to his father-in-law's house and studied at great length with his brother-in-law Rabbi Yehoshua of Dzikov. Three years later he returned to Vyzhnytsia and became very close to his grandfather, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager. In 1893 he

1677-689: Was more flat than many others. Many Skverer Hasidim (of the Skverer Rebbe in New Square ) wear their peyos identical to those of the Skverer Rebbe. While Hasidim do not always follow the specific practices of their rebbe, the rebbe can create practices that may be specific and unique to his Hasidim. For example, Rabbi Aaron Roth ( Reb Areleh , as he was called) the first rebbe of Shomer Emunim , told his Hasidim to pause frequently while eating their meals to keep them from overindulging. A Hasid will usually display love and admiration for their rebbe as they would

1720-676: Was succeeded by his son Rabbi Boruch, who perished in the Holocaust. Rabbi Boruch's daughter, Tzipora, married after the Holocaust to Talmud scholar Prof. David Halivni. Three other sons of the "Ahavas Yisroel" served as Rebbes and public leaders in Romania and Bukovina. Rabbi Chaim Meir succeeded his father in Grosswardein, Rabbi Eliezer served as Rosh Yeshiva and Rebbe in Vizhnitz, and Rabbi Boruch served as Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva and later as Rebbe in Siret. After

1763-517: Was the Baal Shem Tov's grandson, Rabbi Boruch of Mezhibozh , who was referred to as "The Rebbe" during his lifetime. After him, those who rose to positions of leadership and their successors began to be called rebbe . The title gradually came to suggest a higher spiritual status. Each Hasidic group refers to its leader as "the rebbe". Hannah Rachel Verbermacher , also known as the Maiden of Ludmir or

Vizhnitz (Hasidic dynasty) - Misplaced Pages Continue

1806-638: Was the oldest hasidic rabbi in the world. He was known for his devotion to learning Torah: he studied 18 hours a day and asked his Chasidim to study at least two hours every day. He had about 3,000 to 5,000 followers internationally. Rabbi Mordechai died on March 16, 2018 (29 Adar 5778), at Mount Sinai Hospital . The funeral was held with the attendance of 100,000 mourners. He was buried in the Vishnitzer Cemetery in Monsey , New York. Rabbi Mordechai bore 14 children, 8 sons and 6 daughters. His sons and grandson serve as leaders of his followers in

1849-451: Was the son of Rabbi Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz , Reb Shmuel of Sokal. His Torah thoughts were published under the title Tzemach Tzaddik . He died on October 18, 1884, and was buried in Vyzhnytsia. His son Reb Boruch took his place, becoming the second Rebbe of Vizhnitz. Boruch Hager was born in 1845 and was named after Rabbi Boruch of Medzhybizh at the behest of his grandfather, Yisroel Friedman of Ruzhyn . In 1885, aged 40, he inherited

#382617