Yahrzeit/Hillula of Rabbi Yisrael Taub - the Modzitzer Rebbe

Modzitz Chassidus was founded by Rabbi Yisrael Taub (1849, Poland). In 1888, after the passing of his father, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Zvolin, he took over the leadership of the Kuzmir-Zvolin Chassidim. In 1891 he settled in Modzitz and lived there until the outbreak of World War I in 1914, after which he fled to Warsaw. He remained there until his passing on 13 Kislev, November 24, 1920. He is known for his work "Sefer Divrei Yisrael," containing his commentaries on the Torah. He also became famous for composing niggunim - more than two hundred of them. Many of his melodies are still sung by Chassidic groups all over the world today. One of his most famous, the Heimlosser Niggun - the Song of the Homeless, also sung to the words of Mizmor L'David, has become a classic. In it, the Rebbe musically expresses the feelings of a Jew torn from his home because of war. His most famous niggun is Ezkera Elokim. It was composed in 1913, and there is a well-known story behind this niggun, from when the Rebbe traveled to Berlin for medical treatment. His doctor, a professor, believed that his life could only be saved by amputating his leg. The Rebbe agreed to the operation, but on condition that no anesthesia be used. It is told that during the operation, the Rebbe could see the surroundings of Berlin through a window next to his bed. The architecture and color of the buildings reminded him of parts of Jerusalem, and so he composed the niggun "Ezkera Elokim" about the holy city, while thinking of the closing service (Neilah) of Yom Kippur. This niggun is sung by Chassidim every year on the Rebbe's yahrzeit, both in Israel and in the United States. In "Divrei Yisrael," Rav Yisrael compares a person's ascent on the ladder of life to a musical scale. Just as the eighth tone is a repetition of the fundamental tone an octave higher, so too, he says, is a person's ascent throughout life. Although he keeps rising higher and takes satisfaction in his achievements, he must realize that ultimately he must return to his origins. May the merit of the tzadik protect our people! (https://www.geni.com/people/Grand-Rabbi-Yisrael-Taub-the-1st-Modzitzer-Rebbe/6000000002726438276)