13 Tammuz · Yahrzeit
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Epstein - the "Baal HaPardes"
Rabbi Aryeh Leib ben Mordechai Epstein - the "Baal HaPardes", also known as "Ben Mordechai" (1708-1775).
Yahrzeit - 13 Tammuz
Resting place - Königsberg (Kaliningrad)
He was born in Grodno in 1708. At first he refused to become a rabbi, preferring to devote himself entirely to Torah study; but in 1739, due to poverty, he was compelled to accept the rabbinate of Brestovitch, Lithuania, and in 1745 he became the rabbi of Königsberg, remaining in that position until his death. He corresponded with the Vilna Gaon and with Yonatan Eybeschutz, whose side he took in the disputes over amulets.
His works:
"Or HaShanim" on the 613 commandments (Frankfurt an der Oder, 1754);
"Halacha Aharon" and "Kuntres HaRayot" (Königsberg, 1759);
"Sefer HaPardes" in three parts: (1) on the Shema and the observance of Shabbat, (2) sermons, (3) eulogies (1759).
Several other kabbalistic and halachic works that came from his pen are mentioned in his own writings or by his biographer.
The prayer he composed for the dedication of a new synagogue in Königsberg (1756) is held in the Bodleian Library.
He was one of the first to compile a siddur with the kavanot of the Arizal - "Pardes".
May the merit of the tzadik protect Am Yisrael!
He was one of the first to compile a siddur with the kavanot of the Arizal - "Pardes".
May the merit of the tzadik protect Am Yisrael!