Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev
Date of passing: 25-Tishrei. He is one of the most popular rebbes in chassidic history. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch...
(1740 – 25 Tishrei, 1810) Reb Levi Yitzchak is one of the most popular rebbes in chassidic history.
Born into a prominent rabbinical family, he studied with the famed author of the “Pri Megadim,” was himself a great scholar and served as rabbi of several Polish communities. However, after meeting Rabbis Shmelke Nikolsburg and Dov Baer of Mezritch, he was won over to Chassidism and eventually became one of the most influential leaders of Chassidism in Central Poland and the Ukraine.
Rebbe Levi Yitzchak had a close relationship with Rebbe Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe. Rebbe Nachman of Breslev called him the Peer (glory) of Israel.
Rebbe Levi Yitzchak is particularly famous for defending the Jewish people before G-d and always interpreting their actions in the best possible light. He was known as the “defense attorney for the Jewish people”.
His fervor in prayer and the fulfillment of Mitzvot are legendary. His song before Havdalah, “Dudele”, expressing man’s yearning and awareness of G-d’s presence, is still sung with tenderness and great feeling.
Rebbe Levi Yitzchak’s work, “Kedushat Levi,” was published in his lifetime and is still popular. It is a commentary on the weekly Torah portion and the Jewish holidays.
Source: Leaders in the Diaspora
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