13 Tammuz · Yahrzeit
Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz
Rabbi Mordechai ben Yechiel Michl of Kremnitz (1745-1746) - son of Rabbi Yechiel Michl of Zlotchov.
Yahrzeit - 13 Tammuz
Burial place - Kremnitz
He was born to Miriam and Rabbi Yechiel Michl of Zlotchov, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch. The Rebbe of Kremnitz was married to the daughter of Rabbi Eliezer Kolbasov. He was a disciple of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk.
After his father's passing, he began serving the Rebbe of Lizhensk and became one of the greatest Rebbes of his generation.
He wrote a prayer collection called "Tefillah Yesharah" ("The Upright Prayer"), which was printed in Bradville and became known as the "Berdichev Siddur."
Among his students were Rabbi Avraham Dov Auerbach of Ebrich, Rabbi Yeshaya Shor (author of the book "Klil Tiferet"), and Rabbi Meir of Premishlan, who even instructed his nephew, Rabbi Yissachar, to name his son Rabbi Mordechai Mandborn. Rabbi Nathan of Breslov began his path toward Chassidus specifically through Rav Mordechai.
Sipurei Tzadikim
Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz and the Megillat Esther: "But Mordechai would neither kneel nor bow down."
We have said that not every tzadik openly identifies with the figure whose name he bears, but tzadikim named Mordechai are notable in this regard. This was seen above all in Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz, son of the Maggid of Zlotchov. What stands out most about the original Mordechai is that "Mordechai would neither kneel nor bow down" — his refusal to submit or bow before Haman. This same Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz, who apparently identified deeply with Mordechai the Jew of the original story, adopted the practice - which he took upon himself - of never bowing, never lowering his head.
Once, before Sukkot, etrogim were brought from abroad - it is not always easy to obtain an etrog, and especially a perfect one - it can be very expensive. A merchant came with etrogim, and he had a very expensive etrog, something beautiful and extraordinary. He showed the etrog to Rav Mordechai of Kremnitz, and the Rav liked the etrog very much - he was ready to pay any price, it was very expensive and he agreed - except that he had a box of money, and to get the money out, he needed to bend down.
He had an attendant who used to help him, so he called the attendant to open the box and take out the money for the etrog. The attendant was not there - he called him, but he did not come. Rav Mordechai asked the etrog seller to wait until the attendant arrived, but the Jew grew impatient and said he had no time to wait - either the Rav should buy it right away, or he would find another buyer.
Having no choice, Rav Mordechai decided to compromise, against the one habit of his entire life; in order to buy the etrog he wanted, he bent down to get the money.
This story ended badly - that same Jewish seller died within the month.
The Chozeh of Lublin, one of the greatest tzadikim, whenever he told this story that ended so badly, would say: "Der naeshkizer iz kevu a guter id." For Mordechai the Jew not only refused to bow to Haman, but took upon himself never to bow to anyone or anything, ever.
The segula in the merit of Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz - for the sake of an ideal, of spiritual principles - never to bend, to hold fast to the principles of one's faith under any circumstances.
This is what Mordechai HaYehudi teaches us.
May the merit of the tzadik Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz protect us all!
https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/1113-Rabbi-Mordechai-of-Kremnitz