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Hilula and Yarzeit for the Hebrew Month of Shevat שבט
Do you realize that when you say the month of Shevat you are also saying Shabbat? Make the month of Shevat a month of Shabbats in your life because words manifest.
Per the sages, it is good just to say the Name of a Tzadik. Of course, the more one learns about each individual Tzadik strengthens one's connection to that Tzadik and assists in the Channel of connection between you and he/she. As we develop more information about a particular Tzadik his or her name will appear as a Link. Otherwise, it will just be listed below the date.
One spiritual ritual recommended by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov is to say the Names of the Tzadikim starting with Adam and Chava and continuing until today. This list will be added as a link when it is available. In the meantime try doing this ritual with the Names of all the Tzadikim who passed in a Hebrew month.
Here is a link to make a donation or to purchase a spiritual gift to help support the building of this list.
Below are the Tzadikim who celebrate their Hilulah during the month of Shevat - שבט
Rosh Chodesh Shevat which is Aleph of Shevat - א שבט starts Evening of January 2 2022
Shaul Hamelech,- (2883, or circa 1082 BCE–1010 BCE) was the first king of a united Kingdom of Israel and Judah. He was anointed by the prophet Shmuel (Samuel) and reigned from Gibeah. Shaul began as a pious Torah Scholar with much humility and he became a successful warrior-king. After an auspicious start he went on to exhibit both cruelty and paranoia, making him a very complex figure. Wars raged throughout his entire reign,
and Shaul merited great victories in his battles against the Pelishtim and other enemies. When it came to the great war against Amalek, however, Shmuel did not obey Hashem’s command to annihilate the entire nation of Amalek. When he became aware of Hashem’s displeasure, Shaul fell into a deep depression, which could be relieved only by the music of David, the man who would ultimately replace him as King. Shaul ended by falling on his sword to avoid capture in the battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, during which three of his sons were also killed. He was buried in Zelah, in the region of Benjamin within modern-day Israel.
Jonathan Ben Shaul HaMelech A great soul brother to David HaMelech. (2883)
Shaul's other sons The whole family died in battle against the Philistines attesting to the greatness of HaShem
Rabbi Nosson Nota of Chelm (1812) ben Rabbi Avraham talmid of the Rebbe Reb Elimelch of Lizensk and Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz. He wrote Nota Shashuim
Rabbi Binyomin Rabinowitz (2002) ben R' Aryeh Mordechai Leib was a great tzadik and Admor of Mishkenos Haroim in Meah Shearim member of Eida Chareidis. Scion of the Peshischa dynasty. One of his sons succeeded him, and another is the Porisover Rebbe, both highly regarded tzadikim.
Rabbi Moshe Schick, the Maharam Shick (1807-1879). His “last name” was created by his family in response to a demand by government agencies; it is an acrostic for “Shem Yehudi Kodesh.” Born in Brezheva, a small town in Hungary, he was sent at the age of 11 to learn with his uncle, Rabbi Yitzchak Frankel, av beis din in Regendorf. When he was 14, he was sent to learn under the Chasam Sofer in Pressburg, where he stayed for six years. When he was 20, he married his cousin, Gittel Frankel. He was appointed Rav in Yargen in 1838, the year of the Chasam Sofer’s petira, then became Rav in Chust.
Rabbi Moshe Yechiel Halevi Epstein from Ozerov (1890-1971), great-grandson of Rabbi Leibish, the first Ozerover Rebbe. In 1912, he became Rav of Ozerov and in 1918, he replaced his father as Rebbe. During World War I, Ozerov burned down, with only 22 houses left standing (only 11 of Jewish inhabitants). In 1920, he traveled to America to publicize the importance of Agudas Israel, and in 1927, he moved his family to the Bronx. He moved to Eretz Yisrael in 1949 and settled in Tel Aviv. Rabbi Moshe Yechiel wrote two monumental works, Aish Daas, comprised of 11 volumes, and Be’er Moshe, 12 volumes on Chumasah and Tanach. Each volume contained at least 500 pages, over 10,000 pages in all. Two biographies have been written about him, “Balabas Aish” and “The Aish Daas of Ozerov.” Rabbi Moshe Yechiel was succeeded by his son-in-law, Rabbi Tanchum Binyamin Becker.
Rabbi Avraham Yehuda Farbstein (1917-1997), Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chevron. Rabbi Farbstein's father was one of the founders of Bnei Brak and was head of its first city council. As a youth, Reb Avraham Yehuda studied in the Chevron Yeshiva and the Mir Yeshiva in Europe. Rabbi Farbstein's wife was a daughter of Rabbi Yechezkel Sarna, He taught in the Chevron Yeshiva for 50 years.
Rebbetzin Menucha Ettel Nekritz (1914-2006), granddaughter of the Alter of Novardok, and the daughter of Rabbi Avraham Yaffen, the rosh yeshiva of Novardok in Poland. Born in 1914 in Bialystock, Poland. She was named after Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz's mother Ettel — the sister of her mother — with the name Menucha added because her aunt had died young. The Alter was nifter when she was six years old, and her father, Rabbi Yaffen, ran the large network of Novardok yeshivas that were spread out all over Poland. Its nerve center was in Bialystock. She married Rabbi Yehuda Leib Nekritz in 1935.
Bet of Shevat - ב שבט starts Evening of January 3 2022
Rabbi Simcha Bunim Kalish of Vorka (1907) ben Rabbi Mordechai Menachem Mendel. He moved to Teveria - year unknown.
Rabbi Meshulam Zusia of Anapoli (Hanapol) ben Rabbi Elazar Lipman, (1718–1800 CE), popularly known as Reb Zusha. The Reb was attracted to Chasidism in his youth, becoming a disciple of Dov Baer, the Maggid of Mezhirech, and encouraging his brother Elimelech to join him.
There are many stories told about him and his brother. Although Zusha wrote "Menorat Zahav" (Candelabra of Gold), he was not noted for his learning, unlike his brother who became the famous Zaddik of Lizansk. Zusha’s fame rests on his humility, his generous disposition and his charismatic personality. His flock knew him as the rebbe who recognized only goodness. In his final years he suffered from a protracted illness, but he never complained. "Whatever comes from God is good," he would say. The final resting place of this beloved chasidic rebbe is beside the grave of his mentor, the Maggid of Mezritch.
Rabbi Yisrael Chaim Kaplan, son-in-law of Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz, mashgiach at Beis Medrash Elyon in Monsey , from mid 1940 until his Hilula in 1970.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Krochmahl of Nikolsburg, the Tzemach Tzedek (~1600-1661). He learned in Krakowat the yeshiva of the Bach, his rebbi muvhak and had a close relationship with the Taz. In 1631, he fled Krakow because of the uprisings of the Cossacks and settled in Moravia, becoming Rabbi in Krezmir. He later became Rabbi in Prosnitz, then in 1648 of Nikolsburg. There is a sefer called Pi Tzadik which has been attributed to him, but research has determined that the author is his son, Rabbi Aryeh Yehuda Leib.
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Rabinowitz (1910)
Rabbi Mansour BenShimon, author of Shemen HaMaor (1998) .
Gimmel of Shevat - ג שבט starts Evening of January 4 2022
Rabbi Yosef (1591) ben Rabbi Avraham Gershon HaKohen Katz of Cracow, brother-in-law of the Rema and author of Sheiris Yosef. . Note: the Admor of Desh, Rav Tzvi Meir Panet (1923-2003) also authored a sefer called Shearis Yosef.
Rabbi Yosef Yerachmiel Ahron Kalish of Amshinov (1936) ben Rabbi Menachem (Yerachmiel Ahron was added on in his final illness)
Rabbi Shmuel David Hakohen Munk, author of Pe'as HaSadeh (1981)
Rabbi Yosef Rakover, Rabbi of Eibeshetz, author of Mirkeves Hamishna (1703)
Rabbi Pinchas of Plutzk, talmid of the Vilna Gaon, and author of Maggid Tzedek (1823) [NOTE: Rav Yitzchak Maltzen (Maltzan), best known as the author of Siddur HaGra, Ishei Yisrael, also wrote a commentary on the Haggada called Maggid Tzedek However, elsewhere, we read that the same Yitzchak Maltzan wrote in Siach Yitzchak “in the name of the sefer Maggid Tzedek,” suggesting a different person.
Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (1767-1828). was one of the key leaders of Chasidic Judaism in Poland. After studying Torah at yeshivas in Mattersdorf and Nikolsburg, he was introduced to the world of Hasidism by his father-in-law, and became a chasid (follower) of Rabbi Yisroel Hopsztajn (Magid of Kozhnitz), and then Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak of Lublin (Chozeh), and the Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Rabinowicz (Yid Hakodosh), the Hasidic leaders of the day. After the death of the Yid Hakodosh, most of the chasidim followed Rabbi Simcha Bunim as their rebbe. Not wanting to take up a rabbinical position, he supported himself by practising pharmacy. At a later stage he became an agent for Temerl Bergson, a wealthy businesswoman who supported many of the chasidic leaders during her time. 
He wrote no works of his own, but many of his teachings were transmitted orally, some of which have been collected in Kol Simcha. Others are cited in later works. One of the more famous oral teachings attributed to Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peschischa goes as follows:
“Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into the one or the other, depending on the need. When feeling lowly and depressed, discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: ‘For my sake was the world created. But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: I am but dust and ashes.’”
Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Leib Zilberberg, Rabbi of Kutna and Yerushalayim, author of Zayis Raanan and Tiferes Yerushalayim (1865)
Rabbi Yosef Kalish, Rebbe of Amshinov (1878-1935 or 1937). The son of Rabbi Menachem of Amshinov, grandson of Rabbi Yaakov David of Amshinov, and great-grandson of Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorka. Rabbi Yosef was appointed Rabbi of Ostrova at the age of 27. He then succeeded his father in 1918. His son, Rabbi Yaakov David (1906-1942), became Rebbe of Amshinov, upon Rav Yosef’s petrira.
Dalet of Shevat - ד שבט starts Evening of January 5 2022
Asher ben Yaakov Avinu (1562-1439 B.C.E.)
Rabbi Yisrael Charif of Stanov (1781), the Tiferet Yisrael. He was a diciple of the Baal Shem Tov
Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov (1745-1807). Moshe Leib was a student of Shmuel Shmelke of Nickolsburg, Dov Baer (the Maggid of Mezhirech), and Elimelekh of Lezhynsk. His teachings are contained in the books, Likutei RaMal, Toras ReMaL Hashalem, and Chidushei RaMal. He excelled at the Mitzvah of Redeeming captives.
Rabbi Avraham Katz of Kalisk (1810). Originally a disciple of the Vilna Gaon, he was advised to visit the Maggid of Mezritch and subsequently became his follower. His prayers were noted for their fervor. In Adar of 1777, he joined his close friend, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, in leading 300 chasidim to the Eretz Yisrael. They settled in Teverya. On the death of Rabbi Menachem Mendel, Rabbi Avraham became the leader of the chassidic community in Israel. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said that he was the only person that he ever saw in which there was "shleimus".
Rabbi Avraham Aharon Yudelevitch (1850-1930). Born in Novardok, White Russia, his mother was a sister of Rabbi Meir Marim Saphit (d. 1873), Rabbi of Kobrin, White Russia, and author of "Nir," a famous commentary on the Talmud Yerushalmi. Beginning in 1874, he served as Rabbi in several Russian towns before moving to Manchester, England, and from there to Boston and finally New York. He was a prolific author. His works include the multi-volume Darash Av, on Chumash and the festivals, and the multi-volume halachic responsa, Beis Av. In Av Be'chochmah, he defends what was probably his best-known and most controversial ruling, that the chalitzah act could be performed al yedei shli’ach. Among those who opposed his ruling were Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer and the Rogatchover.
Rabbi Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg, author of Seridei Aish (1885-1966). A student of the Mir and Slabodka yeshivos. When World War 1 broke out he went to Germany and studied at the university of Giessen, receiving a Ph.D. for a thesis on the masorectic text. He subsequently taught and eventually became rector of the Berlin Rabbinical Seminary founded by Rabbi Ezriel Hildeshimer.
Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the Baba Sali (1890-1984). Born in Tafillalt, Morocco, he moved to Eretz Yisrael in 1964, eventually settling in Netivot in southern Israel in 1970. Below is additional information about the Baba Sali.
Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeirah - The Baba Sali
Born: Tafillalt, Morocco,1890
Died: 4 Shevat, Israel, 1984
Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeirah was of a well-known rabbinical dynasty. His grandfather was the famous tzaddik, Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeirah. He had great skill in Talmudic interpretation and many of his halachic decisions were accepted and took root among his followers. He was regarded as someone who possessed the Ruach Hakodesh or "Divine Spirit".
Although still very young, people flocked to R' Yisrael for blessings for their parnassa (income), family, and health. Consequently he became known as "Baba Sali," (our praying father) because of the prayers that he would invoke on behalf of those who sought out his guidance.
One day, young Yisrael's father told him, "My child, you have a great power to bless people which you cannot measure. Your words can bring great help to men. From now on, you must use this power to say good things about others and to bless them."
Young Yisrael gave his word. Soon it became known that the blessings of this young child brought miraculous results. He became famous as Baba Sali. A master of the Kabbalah and a great Torah Sage, he took over his father's position as head of the yeshiva and Rabbi of the community. Although he regularly gave many lectures in Torah and kabbalah, he did not permit his students to write them down because he wanted his scholarship to remain unknown. Nevertheless, his fame as a holy man and a righteous Tzaddik continued to draw Jews to him from all over. Even Arabs came to receive his blessings and the coins he gave for charity.
At 19 he was inducted as the Rosh Hayeshiva, after his father's death. After an extended one year trip to Eretz Yisrael he returned, and was compelled to take the position of Rav of the community after the murder of his brother by an Arab. He gave daily lectures, served as a judge in the beit din (rabbinical court), and set the tone for the kehilla. The community appreciated that nothing escaped his holy, penetrating eyes. From throughout Morocco, people converged on his home for his blessings, his counsel, and his encouragement.
In 1964 when Baba Sali noted that much of Moroccan Jewry had emigrated to Eretz Yisrael, he followed them to fulfill his dream of settling there. Baba Sali chose Yavne as his home because many of his followers had settled there.
In 1970 he moved to Netivot where he was steadily visited by Chassidim, Ashkenazim and Sephardim who sought his unique counsel. He stressed emunah (faith), humility, ahavat Yisrael (love of fellow Jews) and kiyum hamitzvot (fulfillment of mitzvot). His phenomenal memory allowed him to access information at will, whether it dealt with law, Talmud, Kabbalah,etc.
He was very humble and did not want to attract attention, however, his prophetic powers and his miraculous prayers soon became renowned. Thousands of Jews from all over the world would come to seek his advice and blessings for children, health, and livelihood. Baba Sali was very close to other great Torah scholars, especially the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whom he referred to as "the Great Eagle in the Heavens." He strongly encouraged the Rebbe's Mitzvah campaigns, especially urging young girls to light candles for Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Below is a story that represents what some people consider the Baba Sali's Miracle Making Abilities.
Young and old, men and women, observant and secular, Sephardim and Ashkenazim of every stripe, all streamed to the door of the great kabbalist and tsaddik, Baba Sali, in Netivot, seeking his blessing and help. Everyone, without exception, held him in the highest esteem.
Once a man from Holon, Eliyahu, was scheduled to have his legs amputated. His spinal cord had been damaged by a bullet in the Yom Kippur War. He had already spent much time in the hospital, and so was reconciled to his fate. The procedure was to take place on Friday.
That Thursday, an elderly woman acquaintance suggested that he receive a blessing from Baba Sali before the operation. She said that she knew of someone who had been paralyzed, yet was healed through Baba Sali's blessing. Although Eli was not at all observant, he decided to try it anyway, in desperation. Maybe, maybe....
It would have been impossible to get permission to leave the hospital the day before the operation, so Eli snuck out. He didn't even disclose his intention to see Baba Sali to his concerned family.
Eli sat on a chair in the waiting room near the entrance to the tsaddik's room. After many hours, finally his turn came. The custom was, before anything, to approach Baba Sali on his couch and kiss his hand, but because of the advanced thrombosis of his legs and the crippling pain that accompanied it, Eli was unable even to rise to enter the room.
Following Baba Sali's instruction, Rabbanit Simi, his wife, approached Eli and asked, "Do you put on tefillin?" Do you keep Shabbat? Do you say blessings?
"No," admitted Eli, and burst into sobs.
Baba Sali seemed to be moved by Eli's suffering and his sincerity. He said to him, "If you do my will and observe the Shabbat and repent completely, then G-d, too, will listen to my will."
With great emotion, Eli promptly cried out, "I accept upon myself the obligation to observe the Shabbat in all its details. I also promise to do full tshuvah, to 'return' in repentance all the way."
At Baba Sali's directive, Eli was served tea. After he drank it, the Rabbanit suggested that being that the Rav had blessed him, he should try to get up, in order to go and and kiss the Rav's hand.
After much effort and pain, Eli managed to rise. He couldn't believe it-his legs were obeying him! Shakily, he walked over to Baba Sali and kissed his hand! By then nearly delirious with shock and joy, he began to thank Baba Sali profusely. The Rav interrupted him, saying with a smile, "Don't thank me. Just say: 'Blessed are those who sanctify His name publicly!'"
As if in a dream, Eli stumbled out the door and descended the stairs. He experimented, walking this way and that. He had to know: Was he really awake? Could this truly be happening? With each step, his legs felt better.
On his "new" legs, he went over to Yeshiva HaNegev, not too far from the home of Baba Sali. When the students realized they were seeing the results of a miracle that had just occurred, they surrounded Eli with happy dancing and singing, and words of praise and gratitude to G-d.
Rejoicing in his new-found ability to walk, Eli returned to the home of Baba Sali to say goodbye properly and to thank him again. He also expressed his fear that his legs would relapse to their previous weakness and disease. Baba Sali calmed him, saying cheerfully, "Don't worry. In the merit of your oath to 'return' and repent, and especially that you promised to observe Shabbat according to its laws, which is equal to all the commandments, G-d has done this miracle and nullified the decree against you. Now it is up to you to fulfill your words."
Leaving Baba Sali's house again, Eli telephoned his mother. "I'm all better!" he shouted, without explanation. She figured that fear of the surgery had caused him to loose touch with reality. "Are you coming home?" she asked with concern. "Or will you go straight to the hospital?"
Eli then told her what he had promised Baba Sali, the blessing that he had received from the tsaddik, and the miraculous improvement that had already occurred. As soon as he hung up, he called his doctor at Achilov Hospital in Tel Aviv and informed him of his cure. The doctor told Eli to be back at the hospital the following day, and to "stop acting crazy!"
Eli did go to the hospital the next day. The doctor was barely able to accept the evidence of his eyes. After a few days and many tests, Eli was released. The first thing he did was to return to Netivot, to thank Baba Sali again. The Rav requested of his household that a seudat hoda'ah, a meal of thanksgiving to G-d in honor of the miracle, be prepared and served. At the end of the meal, Baba Sali blessed a bottle of water and told Eli to deliver it to the hospital so that his doctor could drink l'chaim from it. "And tell him," added Baba Sali, "not to be so hasty to cut off legs."
Baba Sali's gabbai (attendant) during most of his years in Netivot, Rabbi Eliyahu Alfasi [who witnessed much of the story and heard the rest of the details from Eli of Holon], reports that he once asked Baba Sali how he performed this great miracle. The tzaddik answered him innocently, "Believe me, Eliyahu, all I did was tell him 'Stand up!'"
Rabbi Yaakov Elazar Friedman (2002), son of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Friedman, Rabbi of Rakoshegy, Hungary. He was a descendent of the Shaarei Torah, Shemen Rokeach, Yerias Shlomo, Ponim Meiros, Chacham Tzvi, Bach, Tosfos Yom Tov, Maharshal, and Levush.
Debborah Lynn (Debbie) Friedman (1951– 2011) was an American composer and singer of songs with Jewish religious content. She was born in Utica, New York, but moved with her family to Minnesota at age 6. She is best known for her setting of "Mi Shebeirach", the prayer for healing, which is used by hundreds of congregations across America. Her songs were used by some Orthodox Jewish congregations, as well as non-Orthodox Jewish congregations. Ms. Friedman was a feminist. Orthodox Jewish feminist Blu Greenberg noted that while Ms. Friedman’s music impacted most on Reform and Conservative liturgy, "she had a large impact [in] Modern Orthodox shuls, women’s tefillah [prayer], the Orthodox feminist circles.... She was a religious bard and angel for the entire community.” 
While it is too early for the Jewish World to proclaim her a Tzadeket, her impact on Jewish song and Jewish Tefilah must be taken into account as a revitalizing aspect of Judaism. She was born on February 23, 1951 which is the 16th day of Shevat. She transitioned in 2011 on the 4th of Shevat, just shy of her 60th birthday. According to the Mekubalim these facts are indications of being a Tzadeket.
A few weeks prior to her transition she introduced a new melody for the song Shalom Aleichem. It has rapidly traveled from person to small group to synagogue and is rapidly becoming her best known song.
If this MP3 recording does not start playing on your computer, please right click the link and save it to your machine and then open it on your MP 3 player.
Hey of Shevat - ה שבט starts Evening of January 6 2022
Rabbi Chaim Dovid Chazan, Rishon L’tzion (1869)
Rabbi Shalom Shachna Yelin, (1874), Rav of Bielsk and author of "Yefeh Einayim".
Bielsk is a town 52 km south of Bialystok in northeastern Poland, which had a substantial Jewish presence before World War II. Bielsk became part of the Russian Empire in 1807 after the partitioning of Poland. In the 1840s, the town was absorbed into Grodno Gubernia, a province of the Russian Pale of Settlement allowing Jewish residency. In 1898, residents built a large wooded synagogue and called it Yefeh Einayim in honor of Rabbi Yelin.
Rabbi Aryeh Yehuda Leib Alter of Ger, the Sfas Emes (1847-1905). Since his father, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai, died when he was 8 years old, Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Leib was raised by his grandfather, the Chidushei Harim. He became Admore of Ger at the age of 23 in 1870. On 18 Elul 1901, his wife, Yocheved Rivkah, passed away. He then married Raizel, daughter of Rabbi Baruch of Gorlitz, the son of the Sanzer Rav. He fathered a total of ten children. Four passed away in childhood and the surviving children were: his eldest son the author of the Imrei Emes, Rabbi Moshe Betzalel, Rabbi Nechemia of Lodz, and Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Pavinezh. His two sons-in-law were Rabbi Yaakov Meir Biderman, dayan in Warsaw, and Rabbi Tzvi Chanoch HaKohen Levine, Rabbi of Bandin.
Rabbi Avraham Eliezer Alperstein (1853-1913). Born in Kobrin, White Russia he studied under Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Willowsky (the Ridvaz) and in yeshivos in Kovno and Vilna. Rabbi Alperstein moved to New York in 1881, then Chicago in 1884, where he was rabbi of the Kovner and Suvalker congregations. In 1899, he relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1901, Rabbi Alperstein returned to New York. There, he was an early leader of Yeshiva Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan (RIETS), which later evolved into Yeshiva University. The following year, he participated in the organizing convention of the Agudas Harabanim / United Orthodox Rabbis of America and signed its Constitution as one of its 59 charter members. Rabbi Alperstein published a commentary on Maseches Bikkurim with an haskamah from Rabbi Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik (the Bet Halevi).
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Friedman, Rachover Rav (1980). He was mechaber of Kedushas Yom Tov and a follower of the Rebbe of Sziget. After his father Rabbi Israel Chaim Friedman died suddenly in 5682 (1922) in a flash flood his son, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Friedman, a scholar and author of “Kedushas Yom Tov” took his place. The Rabbi was known as a great scholar, a wonderful teacher and a kind person. He was much loved by the Jews of Rachov. Between the two world wars he ran a large Yeshiva in Rachov, with as many as 150 students. Most of the students were from Marmaros, but some also came from other areas in Carpatho-Rus. This was, of course, a Yeshiva in the Chassidic style, following the tradition of the Sziget Hassidim, but its students included those from other Chassidic groups. He survived the Holocaust after experiencing the horrors of the death camps of Auschwitz. After the war he settled in Satmar, where he was head of the rabbinic court and watched over the Jewish life of the survivors that settled in Satmar. He made strenuous efforts on behalf of agunot and agunim (women and men whose spouses were missing) from the Holocaust. In 1947 he escaped from Romania and settled in Logano in Switzerland where he was the head Rabbi. He was warmly welcomed by the Jews of the community and in all of Switzerland he was sought out and considered as one of the great halachic decisors. His last years were spent in the home of his son-in-law, Rabbi Menahem Mendel Horowitz, in Bnei Brak. He died at a ripe old age on Shevat 4, 5740 (1980), and his coffin was carried to Jerusalem and interred in the Mount of Olives.
Vav of Shevat - ו שבט starts Evening of January 7 2022
Rabbi Yitzchak of Kalish (1840) ben Rabbi Ahron Aryeh
Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman ben Yisroel Halpern of Bialystok (1816 - 1879), author of Oneg Yom Tov
Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Teitelbaum of Sighet (1926 some say 1836) ben Rabbi Chananya Yom Tov Lipa was the brother of Rabbi Yoel, the Satmar Rebbe and grandfather of the current Satmar Rebbes
Rabbi David Yitzchak Issac Rabinowitz (1898 - 1979) ben Rabbi Boruch Pinchos Rabinowitz was the Skolya Rebbe and wrote Tzemach Dovid
Zion of Shevat - ז שבט starts Evening of January 8 2022
Rabbi David Biderman of Lelov (1814) ben Rabbi Shlomo Tzvi was a talmid of the Noam Elimelech and Chozeh of Lublin.
Rabbi Nosson David Rabinowitz of Partzov (1820) ben Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak was the author of V'Eileh Hadvarim Shenemru L'Dovid.
Rabbi Mordechai David Ungar of Dombrov (1847) ben Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch
Rabbi Yitzchok Ahron Segal Itinga (1891) ben Rabbi Mordechai Zev HaLevi, author of Shailos U'teshuvos Mahari HaLevi
Rabbi Mordechai David Levin (1967) ben Rabbi Boruch, Rosh Yeshiva of Eitz Chaim and author of Darkei David
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh, son of the Baal Shem Tov (1779)
Rabbi Raphael Shlomo Laniado (1740-1793). Originating from Spain through their progenitor, Rabbi Shmuel, the Laniado family was among the most famous and well-established in the Syrian city of Chaleb. Rabbi Raphael Shlomo Laniado was a prolific writer, and he is well-known for the several halachic works: HaMaalos LeShlomo, Beis Dino Shel Shlomo, Lechem Shlomo, and Kisei Shlomo.
Rabbi Mordecai Yosef Leiner of Ishbitz (1800-1854 - some say 1878), founder of the Chassidic Court at Ishbitz after leading a group of disciples from the court of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk. Born in Tomashov, Poland in 1800, he was a childhood friend of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern, later to become the Kotzker Rebbe, and they studied together in the school of the Chasidic Master, Reb Simcha Bunim of Pshiske. His sefer. Mei HaShiloach, is considered a fundamental work of Izhbitz and Radziner chasidus. Among his talmidim were Rav Tzadok HaCohen miLublin and Rav Leibel Eiger.
Rabbi Shalom Yosef Friedman of Husyatin (1879 [1851, according to some). One of the 1st Rebbe of Husyatin, Rabbi Mordechai Shraga (the youngest son of the Rizhiner Rebbe, who had moved to Husyatin in 1865 and was nifter in 1894. He was the father of Rabbi Moshe of Boyan-Cracow (“Reb Moshenu”).
Rabbi Moshe Dovid Walli (Vally; Vali) (1697-1777). The foremost talmid of Ramchal in Padua, Italy, he practiced as a physician in Padova. When the Ramchal was forced to leave Italy, Rabbi Moshe David was appointed head of the/his academy in Padova. Also known as the Rama"d Vali, he wrote a commentary on commentary on Chumash (Ohr Olam on Breishis; Bris Olam on Shemos; Avodas Hakodesh on Vayikra; Shivtei Kah on Bamidbar; Mishna Lamelech on Devarim), Na"Ch, Likkutim.
Rabbi Yosef Elyashiyov (2007). Born in the former Soviet Union to Rabbi Tzion, who was killed by the authorities for his efforts to promote Judaism, he moved from Samarkand to Tashkent after marrying; there he and his wife raised their seven children. While living in Tashkent he had to spend seven years away from home — four years in custody on suspicion of underground religious activity and three years hiding from the KGB, who had him under surveillance for his activities to promote Judaism. In 1971 he managed to secure an exit visa and left his home and his family, traveling to Eretz Yisroel. He opened the first Shaarei Tzion institutions in 1980, naming them after his father. He then started a kollel with the goal of drawing avreichim from Bukharan families as well as a school in Kiryat Ono for Bukharan immigrants. Today, a total of 4,500 students, from kindergartners to avreichim, study at Shaarei Tzion institutions.
Chet of Shevat - ח שבט starts Evening of January 9 2022
Rav Baruch ben Rav Shmuel of Pinsk (1834 CE). In 1830, Rav Yisrael of Shklov, one of the closest of the disciples of the Vilna Gaon, began an effort to locate the "Ten Lost Tribes", which were believed to have an independent kingdom where they practiced true semichah of rabbis as handed down from Moshe Rabbeinu until the Fourth Century CE. Rav Baruch ben Rav Shmuel of Pinsk served as the messenger and departed from Tzefas with a letter of introduction to the king of the Lost Tribes. Rav Baruch traveled through the Middle East for almost three years before he was murdered in Yemen.
Rav Nasan Aminadav Yonah (ben Moshe David) Cassuto of Florence(1909-1945 CE). The son of the Florence Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Nasan became an ophthalmologist after receiving semicha. When the Mussolini government forbad Jews to serves as doctors, Rav Nasan became the Chief Rabbi of Milan.
He returned to Florence as their Rav in 1943. When the Nazis overran northern Italy in September of 1943, he hid his three children in a monastery, but he and his wife were arrested. He was transferred to Aushwitz in February 1944 and shot to death on a death march one year later. His wife, Chana, survived the war but was murdered by Arabs on 4 Nissan 1948.
Rabbi Yosef Meir Kahana (1978 CE) the Spinka Rebbe of Yerushalayim, son of Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kahana. Rav Yosef Meir was succeeded by his son, Rav Mordecai Dovid Kahana.
Tet of Shevat - ט שבט starts Evening of January 10 2022
Rabbeinu Nissim Gerondi (1376 CE) ben R' Reuven, the Ran.Rabbi Ezra of Gerona (1227 CE), 
a disciple of R. Yitzchak Sagi Nahor (Isaac the Blind), the blind son of the Ra’avad. In around 1200 Kabbalah had reached Girona in Spain. Thereafter the city began to be regarded as one of the most prominent centers within the framework of esoteric thought. Among Kabbalists of the time, Gerona was already known as a Mother of Israel city. Rabbi Ezra was extremely well versed in Kabbalah that he had learned from his father, who was the Ramban’s teacher.
Rabbi Yaakov Reischer (1733 CE), author of Minchas Yaakov, Chok Yaakov, Iyun Yaakov, and Shvus Yaakov
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, the sixth rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, passed away on the 10th of Shevat, January 28th, 1950.
Rabbi Yehosef Schwartz (1865 CE), author of Tevuos Haaretz about Eretz Yisroel
Rabbi Avraham Aminov (1939 CE), Head Rav of Shchunas Habucharim in Yerushalayim
Rabbi Eliezer Silver (1968 CE), Head of the Agudas HaRabbanim of America, and prominent Hatzolah worker during WWII
Rabbi Nachum Aba Grossbard (1993), Mashgiach of Ponevezh
Rabbi David ben Rabbi Yitzchok Twersky (2001 CE), the Skverer Rebbe of Boro Park
Ezra Hasofer (313 BCE or 320 BCE?) and Nechemya
Rabbeinu Yosef, son of Shmuel Hanaggid, and son-in-law of Rav Nissim Gaon of Kirouan was murdered in an Arab pogrom with another 1500 Jews in Spain (1067 CE).
Rabbi Yehuda (“Reb Yiddel”) Weber (1920-2006 CE). Born in Vodkert, Hungary to Rabbi Yissacher Weber, a descendent of the Bach, and Rebbetzin Chana, a niece of the Arugas Bosem. After his Bar Mitzvah, Yehuda was sent to learn in Pupa under Rabbi Yaakov Yechezkel Grunwald, the Vayaged Yaakov, the Pupa Rebbe, who was his rebbi muvhak for 7 years. When he was nifter at the age of 59, he was succeeded by his son, Rabbi Yosef Grunwald, the Vayechi Yosef. Rabbi Yehuda then served as mashgiach of Pupa. When the yeshiva was closed in 1944, Rabbbi Yehuuda spent 6 months in the local work camps before being deported to Bergen Belsen. In 1946, his sister introduced him to his Rebbetzin, Batsheva. A year later, his sister, Miriam, married the Pupa Rebbe. Both families settled in Antwerp, then moved to Williamsburg, in New York, in 1950. In 1952, he was appointed Rosh Yeshiva of the newly established Pupa Yeshiva , first located in Queens, then in Ossening, in Westchester County. Although his family stayed in Williamsburg, Reb Yiddel made the 40-mile drive for four decades.
Yood of Shevat - י שבט starts Evening of January 11 2022
Rabbi Sholom Mizrachi Didia ben Yitzchak Sharabi, (born in 5480 (1720 CE) in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen), was often known as the “Rashash” (initials for “Rabbi Shalom Sharbi”). His father was Rosh Yeshiva of Beit-El. Rabbi Sholom. After being miraculously saved from a difficult situation, Rabbi Sholom made a vow to go to the Holy Land of Israel in order to live in Jerusalem, where he arrived after a journey that led him through India, Baghdad and Damascus. Although he had already established himself in his previous countries of residence as a significant Torah scholar and Kabbalist, he was determined to keep his abilities hidden in the Holy Land.
He approached Rabbi Gedalia Chayon, the head of Beit El Yeshiva, the major center for Kabbalah study, and applied for the job of shammash (caretaker). All he asked for in return was a roof over his head and some food. The headmaster took pity on the young orphan and gave him the job. In this way he was able to stay anonymous yet quench his thirst for Torah. His official job was to wake up the students for the Midnight Rectification Prayer, keep the shelves of holy books in order, bring water and serve hot tea. This enabled him to stand innocently in the corner during lessons as if he were not part of the privileged group of students, yet he was listening intently. No one dreamed that this simple shammash was actually a great scholar. Rabbi Shalom developed a habit of answering very difficult questions anonymously by inserting a note in one of the Yeshiva’s books. He was eventually discovered by the Rav Gedalia’s daughter, Chana, and although he desired to remain anonymous, his identity was revealed and he was accorded the respect he deserved.
After Rav Gedalia’s death in 5507 (1747 CE), the Rashash, then only 27 years old, was appointed Rosh Yeshiva, according to Rabbi Gedalya's dying wish. Among his greatest students are the Chida (Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai), Rabbi Gershon Kitover (the Ba’al Shem Tov’s brother-in-law) and the Maharit Algazi who became the Rosh Yeshiva after the passing of the Rashash. Along with a number of other writings, Rabbi Shalom wrote a siddur, known as the "Siddur HaKavanot," which is still used by the mekubalim today for prayer. The great Kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Pelaji testified that Rabbi Shalom Sharabi's soul was that of the holy Ari of Tzefat, and Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri used to say, "One can have memorized all of the written teachings of the Ari, and have studied them and the commentaries upon them in 
great depth, but if you have not learned the works of the Rashash, you have not yet entered into the study of Kabbalah." The Rashash is considered the father of all contemporary Sephardic kabbalists. On the 10th day of Shevat, in the year 5537 (1777) he passed on at the age of 57, in Jerusalem. He is buried on the Mount of Olives, where his grave is a pilgrimage site until this day.
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak ben Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Schneerson (1880 - 1951 CE) the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. His son-in-law, the last Lubavitcher Rebbe is buried next to him. Buried in Queens, NY. He is referred to as the Father in Law by the Last Lubavitcher Rebbe. The son of Rav Shalom Dov Ber, he dedicated his efforts to the yeshiva founded by his father, Tomechai Hatemimim. He was jailed by the Russian government for teaching Torah, and on his release, he settled in Riga, Latvia. He escaped to America in 1940.
Rabbi Rachamim Chai Chavita (1959 CE) ben Rabbi Chanina HaCohen, author of Minchas Cohen and Simchas Cohen
Rabbi Meir ben Yitzchak Katzenellenbogen, the Maharam Padua (1482-1565 CE). Born in Ellenbogen, Germany, founder of the Katzenellenbogen family. After studying in Prague, he went to Padua, Italy, and studied under Rabbi Yehuda Minz, whose garnd-daughter he married. He succeeded his father-in-law, Rabbi Avraham Minz, as Rav of Padua. Among his contemporaries who sent him shaylos were Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno and Rabbi Moses Iserles, the Rema. Some say his Hilula is the last day of Shevat.
Rebbetzin Rivka Schneersohn (1833-1914 CE) a granddaughter of Rabbiv DovBer, the 2nd Rebbe of Lubavitch, at age 16 married her first cousin, Rabbi Shmuel, who later became the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. Surviving her husband by 33 years, for many years she was the esteemed matriarch of Lubavitch. She is the source of many of the stories recorded in the talks, letters and memoirs of her grandson, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe). The Beis Rivka network of girls' schools are named after her.
Rabbi Yitzchak Eizek Sher of Slabodka (1875-1952 CE). Born in Halusk, he studied in Volozhin under the Netziv's son-in-law, Rabbi Refuel Shapira, before moving to Slabokdka. There he studied b'chavrusa with Rabbi Avraham Grodzinski. In 1903, Rabbi Yitzchak Eizek married the Alter's youngest daughter, Mariasha Guttel, and moved to Kelm where he continued to learn diligently. He also studied for a brief period in the Mir, where his brother-in-law, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, served as rosh yeshiva. In 1911, the Alter appointed Rabbi Yitzchak Eizek to the position of rebbi in the yeshiva. In 1928, Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel went to Eretz Yisrael, along with the majority of Slabodka's students, and settled in Chevron. At that point, Rabbi Yitzchak Eizek was appointed rosh yeshiva of Slabodka's European division, with its mashgiach, Rabbi Avraham Grodzinski. On Shabbos morning, the sixteenth of Av, 1929, the Arab massacred Chevron's Jews. After the massacre, the survivors reestablished the Chevron Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. Rabbi Yitzchak Eizek, at the advice of the Chazon Ish, reestablished the European branch of the Slabodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak.
Rabbi Rachamim Chai Chavita, Rav of Djerba, Tunisia, author of Minchas Cohen and Simchas Cohen (1959). Head of the Beis Din of Jerba.
Yood Aleph of Shevat - יא שבט starts Evening of January 12 2022
Rabbi Yehuda Leib ben David (1806 CE), Rabbi in Berlin and Dassaeu, wrote sefer Korban Eidah.
Rabbi Chaim Yehoshua (1888 CE) ben Reuven Hakohen Blumenthal was the Rabbi of Kaminetz.
Rabbi David Nosan Deutsch, son of Rabbi Yosef Yoel Deutsch, and the second Rabbi of Kretchenif (1879 CE). He authored Nefesh Dovid on Chumash.
Yood Bet of Shevat - יב שבט starts Evening of January 13 2022
Rabbi Chaim Kapusi (Capoci)(~1540-1631 CE) was one of the noted rabbis of Egypt, a Torah sage who knew the revealed and the secret Torah. Born in Algiers, he moved with his family to Egypt in his early years. He was especially close to Rabbi Yosef Bagiliar, who studied with the Ari in Tzefat.
This close friendship with R' Yosef brought him into contact with the Gurei Ari (students of the Ari - Rabbi Yitzchak Luria), so that he is numbered among them. He was known as a miracle worker, and also authored Sifsei Chaim (unpublished) on the Sifri and the Mechilta, and Be’or Hachaim on Chumash, which was published about 300 years after his petirah. He became Rabbi and Dayan in Egypt and at the age of 91 passed away and is buried in the Cairo Jewish cemetery. Some say his Hilula is the 13th of Shevat.
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Shor (1635 CE), author of Toras Chaim.
Rabbi Baruch Kapilish of Lublin (1739 CE).
Rabbi Meir Atlas, one of the foremost rabbis in Lithuania in the late 1800s and early 1900s. (1848-1926 CE) He helped found the Yeshiva of Telshe in 1875 and brought Rabbi Eliezer Gordon to head it. Rabbi Meir's daughter, Michle was married to Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman, Rosh Yeshiva of Baranovich. Rabbi Meir first served as Rav in Libau, Kurland, and subsequently in Salant, Kobrin, and Shavli.
Rabbi Zev Dov Zamoshitz (1942 CE), author of Minchas Zikaron.
Rabbi Shmuel Chamoula (1942-2004 CE).
Rabbi Shabtai Aton [Atun], Rosh Yeshivas Reishis Chochmah (1925-2006 CE). Born in Yerushalayim's Old City to Rabbi Ben-Tzion, one of the ten founders of Yeshivas Porat Yosef in the Old City, Rabbi Shabtai learned at his father’s yeshiva and was appointed as Rabbi of the Yerushalayim neighborhood of Malcha. In 1957, he was appointed as the spiritual leader of Yeshivas Porat Yosef, under the Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbi Ezra Attiah and Rabbi Yaakov Addas. It was at this time that the Yeshiva moved from the Old City to Geulah. In Teves 1960, Rabbi Aton was widowed and left with four small children. In 1967, he opened Yeshivas Reishis Chochmah. At first, the Yeshiva was located in the Yerushalayim neighborhood of Mekor Baruch, after which it moved to its present location in Sanhedria Murchevet.
Yood Gimmel of Shevat - יג שבט starts Evening of January 14 2022
Rabbi Mordechai (ben Noach) of Lechovitz (1810 CE) founder of Kobrin and Slonim dynasties (1810) a descendant of the Levush talmid of Rabbi Boruch of Mezibuz and talmid muvhak of Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin and Rebbe of Rabbi Moshe of Kobrin. He always told his chassidim that he first learned Torah from Rav Aharon of Karlin, who taught him Torah from the heart. Rabbi Mordechai is known by his mother's name Rabbi Mordechai ben Adel (or Udel).
Rabbi Yaakov Shimon of Zaslow (1808 CE), son of Rabbi Pinchos of Koretz.
Rabbi Baruch Sorotzkin, Rosh Yeshiva of Telshe in Cleveland. Born in Zhetl, Lithuania, where his father, Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin, was Rav (the father was later known as the Lutzker Rav). Rabbi Baruch’s mother was the daughter of Rabbi Eliezer Gordon, Rosh Yeshivah of Telshe. As a young man, Rabbi Baruch studied under Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman, in Baranovich, and then under Rabbi Baruch Ber Lebovitz in Kamenitz. In 1940, he married Rachel Bloch, daughter of the Telsher Rav and Rosh Yeshivah, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Bloch. With the advent of WW2, they escaped to America and settled in Cleveland, where he joined his wife's uncles, Rabbi Eliahu Meir Bloch and Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Katz who re-established Telshe in America. In 1943, Rabbi Baruch began delivering shiurim in the Yeshivah. In 1964, Rabbi Baruch, together with Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, assumed responsibility for the Yeshiva. He was also very active with Chinuch Atzmai, Torah Umesorah, Agudath lsrael of America (1917-1979)
Yood Dalet of Shevat - יד שבט starts Evening of January 15 2022
Rabbi Aryeh Moshe Eliyahu ben Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan (1983 CE) author of many seforim and translater of Meam Loez
Rabbi Yaakov Yehoshua Falk Katz, the Pnei Yehoshua (1680-1756 CE), was born in Krakow, Poland, the scion of a rabbinic family. His father was Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh. Rabbi Yaakov studied at Lvov (Lemberg), where he became Rav in 1718, succeeding the Chacham Tzvi; he became Rav of Berlin in 1730 and Metz in 1734, succeeding Rabbi Yaakov Rischer (the Shevus Yaakov), then Rav of Frankfurt in 1740. At the tender age of twenty-two, Rabbi Falk’s life had been forever changed. On the 3rd of Kislev of 1702, he was trapped under fallen rubble following an explosion that killed a total of 36 Jews of Lemberg, including his wife, Leah, and their only daughter, Gittel. He vowed that if he got out alive, he would write a sefer. Miraculously saved, he possessed the strength and courage to complete what would be his life’s mission: to carry on in the tradition of his grandfather and commit himself completely to Torah study. In doing so, he created the Pnei Yehoshua. Rabbi Falk also became renowned for his diligence and piety. It is told that before he began writing his P’nei Yehoshua he studied the entire Talmud thirty-six times, corresponding to the thirty-six lives that were lost in the explosion. 
But Rabbi Falk was also famous for his stubbornness, and his unwillingness to compromise forced him to move from community to community. At the height of his career he was appointed chief rabbi of Frankfurt am Main. There he would become embroiled in the Emden-Eybeschutz controversy. Due to his vociferous support of Rabbi Yaakov Emden, he was forced to leave Frankfurt in 1751. When he was invited back to Frankfurt several years later, his opponents prevented him from teaching publicly, causing him to flee once again. Rabbi Falk lived in Worms and Offenbach until his death in 1756. Although he requested no eulogy, he was eulogized by Rabbi Yechezkel Landau, the famed Noda B’Yehudah, and was buried in Frankfurt.
Rabbi Yechiel Danziger (Danczyger), first Rebbe of Alexander (1894 CE). Born to Rabbi Shraga Feivel of Gritz-Makova, he became a chasid of Rabbi Yitzchak Kalish of Vorki, then his son, Rabbi Mendel of Vorki. Following’s Rabbi Mendel’s petira, Rabbi Yechiel became a follower of Rabbi Dov Ber of Biala. After his own petira, Rabbi Yechiel was succeeded by his son Rabbi Yisrael.
Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (1935-1983 CE). Born in New York City, Rabbi Aryeh had a prolific but tragically brief career, producing over 60 works. After his early education in Torah Vadaas and Mir Yeshivos in Brooklyn, he studied at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He also received a master's degree in physics and is listed in the Who's Who in Physics.
Rabbi Aharon Aryeh Leib Leifer, Nadvorner (Nadworna) Rebbe author of the Yad Aharon (1817 - 1897 CE). The son of Rabbi Issachar Dov Bertzi Leifer of Nadvorna, succeeding him as Rebbe.
Rabbi Elazar Hendeles, close aid to the Gerrer Rebbes (1913-2004 CE). Born in Lodz, Poland, he made aliya in 1937. He was a confidante of the Lev Simcha and was a loyal messenger of the Beis Yisrael, establishing homes for refugees, working on hachnasas kalla, helping the sick and poor, and establishing Orthodox communities in Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and Arad.
Tet Vav of Shevat - טו שבט starts Evening of January 16 2022
Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Margulies (1823 CE) ben Rabbi Mordechai Manish, author of Shaarei Teshuva on Shulchon Aruch
Rabbi Gedalya Ahron Rabinowitz of Linetz (1878 some say 1877 CE), ben Rabbi Yitzchok Yoel, author of Chein Ahron, grandson of the author of Teshuas Chein, abbi' Gedalia of Linitz
Rabbi Rafael Shlomo Laniado, Rosh Yeshivas Porat Yosef (1925)
Rabbi Baruch Kunstat, (1885-1967 CE), was born in Pressburg, Hungary, to Rabbi Avraham Aryeh, a descendent of the Chasm Sofer. He studied in the yeshiva of Rabbi Simcha Bunim Sofer (the Shevet Sofer) and his son Rabbi Akiva Sofer (the 
Das Sofer), and was then appointed Rav of Fulda in 1907 at the age of 22. There, he married Tzipora, daughter of Rabbi Elchanan Moshe Emanuel, and he founded a yeshiva. In the Shoah he spent some time in Buchenwald, but was released, and then moved to Eretz Yisrael. Along with Rabbi Yechiel Michel Shlesinger (who also escaped from the camps), he founded Yeshiva Kol Torah in 1939. It was the first Azhkenazi Yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael in which shiurim were delivered in Hebrew and not Yiddish, the format having been approved by the Chazon Ish.
Tet Zion of Shevat - טז שבט starts Evening of January 17 2022
Rabbi Yaakov Hager of Zablatov (1881 CE) ben Rabbi David, grandson of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kosov
Rabbi David of Kolomai, a talmid of the Baal Shem Tov (1732 or 1742 CE). Rabbi David of Kolomai once lost his way during a trip on behalf of "Chanuka Gelt" for ransoming Jewish captives. He wandered into the home of the Baal Shem Tov before his revelation and was welcomed by his wife. Accustomed to receiving guests from the village, she prepared a table for him and offered him a room in which to rest. The Baal Shem Tov meanwhile returned and joyfully served R' David a meal prepared by his wife. He made his bed and prepared water for him to wash his hands.
Lying asleep on his bed that night., R' David suddenly awoke to notice a fire blazing from beneath the stove. Afraid that the blaze would spread he cried aloud , "Fire !" He seized the pitcher of water and ran to pour its contents on the stove. But when he reached the blaze he saw an unbelievable sight. The Baal Shem Tov was seated next to the stove saying tikun chatzot (a prayer recited after midnight) and a bright light shone about him. R' David fainted and lay almost lifeless on the floor until the Baal Shem Tov revived him. Awakening, R' David turned to the Baal Shem Tov for an explanation of the strange sight he had seen. "I was only saying some psalms of Tehillim but it is possible that my attachment to God created the blazing light which you saw." That very night the Baal Shem Tov removed his mask and revealed his true identity to Rabbi David. The latter swore his allegiance and eventually developed into one of the foremost of his disciples and disseminators of his Torah.
Rabbi Yona Navon ben Rabbi Channan, Rav of Yerushalayim (1713-1760 CE). Appointed Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Gedulat Mordechai in Yerushalayim at the age of 19 years, he later moved to Italy due to the harsh poverty. Supported by relatives, he published Nechpah Bakessef, his sefer of responsa. He also authored Get Mekushar on the sefer Get Pashut of Rabbi Moshe ibn Chaviv, as well as Pri Mipri to refute the questions on Pri Chadash raised by the Pri Toar and the Simlah Chadasha. Among his many talmidim was Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azoulai, the Chida.
Rabbi Asher Tzvi of Ostraha, author of Maayan HaChachmah (1817)
Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Hakohen Schwadron, the Maharsham (1835-1911 CE), also known as the Brezaner Rav. He gave s’micha to Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin. He was the ultimate rabbinical authority not only for the rabbis of Galicia, Poland and even Lithuania, but for the entire Disapora. His writing include “Mishpat Shalom” on Choshen Mishpat, “Darchei Shalom” on Talmud and its commentators, “Da'as Torah” on the laws of kosher slaughter, “Galui Da'as” on sections 61-69 of Yoreh De'ah. One prominent opponent on the latter book was Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Shapira, author of “Darchei Tshuvah,” head of the rabbinical court of Monkatch. He is the grandfather of the Magid of Yerusholayim, who bore the same name.
Rabbi Alter Yechezkel Horowitz (1930-1994 CE). At the age of 15, he was deported with his father to Aushwitz, then to Gluzen in Austria. His mother was nifter when he was 12, and his father did not survive the war. In 1946, he joined a yeshiva for refugees in Austria. When he was 19, he came alone to America. He met Rabbi Aharon Kotler and joined the yeshiva in Lakewood. At the same time, he also became a very close follower of the Satmer Rebbe. In the 1960s, he moved his family to Monsey and became part of the Kollel of Bais Midrash Elyon. In 1968, he opened his beis midrash, the Sanzer Kloiz. In 1984, the Viener Kehilla in Boro Park asked him to serve as their dayan. Thereafter, he also took on the position of Rosh Bais Din of Kehillas Adas Yereim.
Rabbi Avraham Shlomo Biderman, the Lelover Rebbe of Yerushalayim (1927-2000 CE). Son of Rabbi Moshe Mordechai of Lelov, he was born in Cracow, Poland, on Rosh Chodesh Adar. He was only four years old when his father decided to take up residence in Eretz Yisrael, settling in the Botei Warsaw neighborhood in Yerushalayim. When his father moved to Tel Aviv in 1943, he transferred to the Beis Yosef Novardok yeshiva. He married the daughter of Rabbi Zundel Hager. In 1965, when his father moved from Tel Aviv to Bnei Brak, he was appointed rav of the beis medrash in Tel Aviv. With the petirah of his father, Rabbi Avraham Shlomo was appointed Admor, and he moved to Yerushalayim.
Rabbi Binyamin Beinish ben Rabbi Eliezer Yeduda Finkel, Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva (1911-1990 CE). Born in Mir on Yom Kippur. In 1931, he studied under the Chafetz Chaim, and in 1934-35 under Rabbi Yitzchak Zev Soloveitchik of Brisk. Rabbi Beinish married the daughter of Rabbi Shmuel Greineman, the Chazon It's brother-in-law. He took over as rosh yeshiva for his father, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel after the latter’s petira in 1965.
17th of Shevat - יז שבט starts Evening of January 18 2022
Rabbi Chaim Falagi (Palagi) ben Rabbi Yaakov, Rav of Izmir (1788-1858 CE). Rabbi Chaim was a kabbalist and halachist. He derived much of his Torah knowledge from his grandfather, 
Rabbi Raphael Yosef (the Chikrei Lev), and together with him, wrote the work, Semicha L'Chaim. After his father's petirah in 1828, he accepted the positions of dayan and mashgiach ruchani in the Beis Yaakov Rabbi yeshivah. In 1855, he was appointed to the position of rav hakollel, the highest rabbinical position in Izmir. During his life, he authored Kaf HaChaim, Moed L'chol Chai, and at least 70 other sefarim. He also wrote a sefer called Tenufas Chaim. Seventy-two of his works are known, but it also is known that some of his manuscripts were destroyed in the great fire which struck Izmir in 1841. It is said that he wrote 72 Seforim to connect him to the mystical aspect of his studies.
In one of his works, R' Falagi describes his own life as follows: "I call heaven and earth to testify that from the age when I could control my faculties until I was 20, I used to devote myself single-mindedly to Torah study, day and night, with no wasted time. I had no involvement with worldly matters. From age 20 to age 40, when my children were dependent on me, I dealt with worldly matters as a broker. Nevertheless, whenever I had no work, I did not turn to frivolity and wasteful things, but rather I returned to my studies. From age 40, when I was appointed to be a rabbinical judge and teacher and to handle matters of concern to the public, until this day, there is not a minute when I am not surrounded by litigants or by public affairs. These matters come both from this city and its environs, and also various decrees of the government keep me busy with matters affecting the public. Therefore my heart worries within me that I do not spend sufficient time studying. I therefore force myself to use the limited time that I have for studying, and may others see me and do the same; may they learn from me that when distractions come along, whether they come from public or private matters -- for one's eyes and heart search for a spare moment -- that spare time, when it comes, should not be wasted. If one lives thus, his Torah studies will be blessed."
Rabbi Yechezkel ben Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh of Kazmir [Kuzmir] (1772-1856 CE, some say 1855). Born in Plonsk, Poland A disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, he was the grandfather of the first Modzitzer Rebbe. After opponents of chassidut drove Rabbi Yechezkel out of Plonsk, he moved to Shanana. Rabbi Yechezkel became an admor in 1827. After becoming famous throughout Poland, Rabbi Yechezkel moved to Kuzmir. One of the most idyllic towns in Poland, Kuzmir lies next to the Vistula river, in the shadow of a fourteenth century castle, reputedly built by King Casimir the Great. A Jewish community existed there since 1406 and, by Rabbi Yechezkel's time, Jews comprised half the town's population.Today, Jewish visitors to Poland pass through the town to visit the surviving shul and cemetery that date back to the sixteenth century. Rabbi Yechezkel’s Torah insights were collected by a son-in-law and published in the sefer, Nechmad MiZahav, which was reprinted, along with other divrei Torah of the dynasty, in the sefer Toras Yechezkel, in 1973.
Rabbi Yehuda Chitrik (1899-2006 CE). A Lubavitcher chassid known for his encyclopedic memory, and for passing on the chassidic mesora of previous Rebbes. A book of translations of his stories, "From My Father's Shabbos Table," was published in 1991. Rabbi Chitrik was born in Russia and was sent by his father at the age of 15 to study at the central Lubavitch yeshiva near Smolensk, Russia. After World War II, he moved to the Netherlands and then to Montreal. He moved to New York City in 1983 after the death of his wife. He is survived by well as over 300 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Moshe of Kitov (kitover) - student of the Baal Shem Tov
Rabbi Yaakov Margulies, Rav and also Av Beis Din Nuremberg (1492 some say 1490, others say 1501 and some others say 1520 CE). Author of Seder Haget V'hachalitza, which is quoted extensively by the Rema. His son, Rabbi Isaac, was a rav in Prague and was the one who compiled his father’s sefer.
Rabbi Elimelech Menachem Mendel Landau of Strikov (1859-1936 CE)was born in Poland to Rabbi Dov Berish Landau of Strikov and his wife Biala. His name at birth was Menachem Mendel. Elimelech was added a year before his petira. After the petira of Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorka in 1848, the majority of his Vorka Chassidim chose to follow Rabbi Menachem Mendel’s father, Rabbi Dov Berish. After his petirah in 1876 none of his sons was immediately willing to accept leadership, so the Chassidim followed Rabbi Dov Berish’s primary talmid, Rabbi Yechiel of Alexander. Rabbi Menachem Mendel and his brothers moved to Alexander to follow Rabbi Yechiel, and – after his petirah in 1894 – his son, the Yismach Yisrael. When the Yismach Yisrael died childless in 1910, Rabbbi Menachem Mendel’s brother, Rabbi Aharon Tzvi founded a court. Only when he passed did Menachem Mendel 
accept leadership of the Chassidim and set up court in Strikov, which had many Jewish residents. After World War I, Rabbi Menachem Mendel settled in the town of Zhgierzh, adjacent to Lodz, and founded Yeshivas Beis Aharon, named after his brother. When he visited Eretz Yisrael, he founded Yeshivas Zechusa DeAvraham. His divrei Torah were printed in Maggid Devarav L’Yaakov and in Bayeshishim Chachmah. One of the Rabbi’s sons, Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Dan, succeeded him and was murdered by the Nazis on 4 Cheshvan 1943. Another son, Rabbi Avraham, survived the war and reestablished Strikover Chassidus in Eretz Yisrael.
Rabbi Binyamin Beinish ben Rabbi Eliezer Yeduda Finkel, Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva (1911-1990 CE). Born in Mir on Yom Kippur. In 1931, he studied under the Chafetz Chaim, and in 1934-35 under Rabbi Yitzchak Zev Soloveitchik of Brisk. Rabbi Beinish married the daughter of Rabbi Shmuel Greineman, the Chazon Ish's brother-in-law. He took over as rosh yeshiva for his father, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel after the latter’s petira in 1965.
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Rabbi Binyamin Zev Shapiro of Prague (1718 CE)
Rabbi Yitzchak Baruch ben Rabbi Eliyahu Sofer, father of the Kaf Hachaim (1905 CE)
Rabbi Shmuel ben Rabbi Yechiel Michel Ahrron Weinberg of Slonim, the Divrei Shmuel (1916 some say 1936 CE). Grandson of Rabbi Avraham of Slonim, the Yesod HaAvodah. He was succeeded by his sons Rabbi Yissochor Leib and Rabbi Avraham, the Beis Avraham.
Rabbi Shimon ben Rabbi Yehuda Greenfeld of Somihali (Szemihaly), the Maharshag (1930 CE), a student of the Maharam Shick. His nephew and talmid, Rabbi Shmaya, was 1st Rav of the Satmar Kehilla in Montreal.
Rabbi Elimelech Menachem Landau, first Admor of Strikov (1936 CE). During his time, 150 botei medrash of Strikover chassidim were scattered throughout Poland. After his petirah, he was replaced by his son, Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Dan, the rav of Kinov, who led the group until he perished al kiddush Hashem in 1944.
Rabbi Shmuel Carlebach (1927-1999 CE). Educational director of the Bnei Brak Or Hachaim Seminary and the Beis Yaakov Seminary of Ashdod. Born in Frankfort, Germany. He was sent to Belgium during the War. In 1939, the Carlebach family settled in Tel Aviv. Reb Shmuel merited to be one of the first students of Yeshivas Kol Torah under Rabbi Yechiel Michel Schlesinger, its founder. In 1946, he learned at Ponovezh and became close to Rabbi Abba Grossbard and Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler. After his marriage in 1951, he continued 
his studies at the Ponovezh Kollel In 1954, Rabbi Wolf asked him to direct the Or Hachaim Seminary for girls. He headed this institution for thirty years. In1985, he was appointed head of the Seminar Avos of the Ponovezh Institutions of Ashdod, and the educational director of Be'er Miriam in Bnei Brak, and remained in those capacities until his final day.
Rabbi Hershel Mashinsky, co-founder of Kupath Ezrah of Rockland County. He began teaching at Yeshiva of Spring Valley in 1947, then after marrying Malka leah Felsenburg and moving to Monsey, at the Talmud Torah and Mesivta Ohr Reuven. (1925-2004 CE)
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Rabbi Chaim David "Doctor" Bernhard of Pietrokov (1850 CE) ben Yisachor Ber was a secular doctor, who Rabbi David of Lelov made into a Baal Teshuva and brought him to the Chozeh. After the Chozeh's passing, he became a talmid of the Radoshitzer. He became a great Chassidic Rebbe.
Rabbi Ovadyah Hadyah (1969 CE) ben Rabbi Sholom was a mekubal of Yeshiva Beit El and Rav in Yerushloayim. Author of Responsa Yaskil Avdi, a greatly respected halachic work.
Birth and petira of Asher ben Yaakov Avinu (1565 BCE)
Rabbi Avraham Abba Freedman (1920-2002 CE). He was sent from Brooklyn to Detroit in 1944 by his rebbe, Rabbi Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz in order to help launch the day school that had been established there by Rav Simcha Wasserman. On his first Shavuos there, the only two people to stay up learning Torah were Rabbis Freedman and 
Wasserman. Rabbi Freedman is credited with the growth of Detroit into a Torah metropolis, including a yeshiva ketana, a mesivta, a Bais Yaakov, a beis medrash, and a kollel. His biography, written by Gary Torgow is named “Holy Warrior: A Portrait of Strength and Determination”. The “warrior” reference in the book’s title describes Rabbi Freedman’s legacy: 58 years of relentless striving in Detroit to instill in children and share with adults - especially the waves of Russian immigrants - his love for Torah and dedication to the religious way of life. Rabbi Freedman wrote an essay entitled “We Are A Historical Society.” which abounds with joy in the here and now and optimism for the future. “Everything,” he assures us, “is in God’s hands. While the once-mighty ancient empires that oppressed us are but forgotten dust, under God’s shepherding, the Jewish people and our Torah have survived for thousands of years and will survive forever. Our future is “as clear and vivid to us as our past,”
Rabbi Yosef of Yampoli (1812 CE). Son of Rabbi Yechiel Michael HaMaggid of Zlotskov.
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