Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitch

Rav Mordechai Yoffe of Lechovitch was born in 5502 (1742) to Rav Noach of Nesvizh (in Belarus).

He was a direct patrilineal descendant of Rav Mordechai Yoffe (1530-1612), who was born in Prague and known as the Levush for his commentary on the Shulchan Aruch. Both Mordechais were direct descendants of Rashi.

He was orphaned in childhood. In his early years, Rabbi Mordechai was a student of Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, who once remarked that a third of the world stood upon his shoulders. Later, Rav Mordechai became an outstanding student of Rav Shlomo of Karlin.

He also traveled together with his friend Rabbi Asher of Stolin (the first) to visit Rabbi Baruch of Mezhibuzh.

Rabbi Mordechai lived in Nesvizh until the passing of his rabbi, Rav Shlomo of Karlin, at which point he began leading his own community in Lechovitch. His chassidim numbered in the thousands. In 5559 (1799), Rabbi Mordechai was imprisoned by the Russian government together with Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe) and Rabbi Asher of Stolin, following accusations from opponents of Chassidism. He was released that same year, in the month of Kislev.

Rabbi Mordechai was a close friend of Rabbi Avraham of Kalisk, even though the two never met in person. Rabbi Avraham appointed him head of the tzedakah fund for the poor of the Land of Israel, managed by Kolel Reisin. In this role, Rabbi Mordechai was extremely active in supporting the chassidic community in the Land of Israel.

Rabbi Mordechai passed away on 13 Shevat 5570 (1810), while he was in Stolin for the wedding of his grandson, Rabbi Shlomo Chaim.

Before his passing, he promised to intercede in Heaven on behalf of anyone who lights a candle in his honor on his yahrzeit.

Rabbi Mordechai's son, Rabbi Noach, succeeded him as leader of his chassidic court.

The Mishnah (Berachot 40a) states: "One who says the blessing of 'Shehakol' over all foods has fulfilled his obligation,' having performed the mitzvah of blessing before eating."

Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitch explains these words as follows:

"When a person says, regarding all the suffering that has come into his life, 'Shehakol nihiyah bidvaro' - that everything happens by the word of Ha-Shem - then with this faith he 'goes out' (fulfills his obligation) from all his troubles." https://silatehilim.com/браха-шеаколь-ниhья-бидваро-от-всяки/

The Power of Faith

A Jew once broke his leg and was suffering greatly. He was brought to the Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitch, of blessed memory. The Rebbe said to him:

- Repeat after me the second and third blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei: "You are mighty forever, my L-rd, You bring the dead to life. You are great in salvation... He who heals the sick."

The man repeated it word for word. The Rebbe asked:

- Do you believe everything you just read?

The sick man answered that he did believe. The Rebbe rebuked him:

- Don't lie. Let's say it once more.

The sick man repeated the blessing after the Rebbe, concentrating on every word. When they finished, the Rebbe

asked:

- Now do you believe?

- Yes, I believe.

The Rebbe rebuked him once again, saying that his faith was still not complete. They repeated the blessing a third time. The sick man concentrated on every word with all his strength, and when they finished, he cried out:

- I believe! I believe!

The Rebbe said:

- Get up out of bed.

The man got up. Once he had come to believe with complete faith that Ha-Shem is the true Healer, he was healed.

The Rebbe told him that he must conceal this open miracle and continue lying in bed for another full day, as if he were still ill.

The man later said that it was very hard for him to remain in bed for so long, because he was already completely healed. (Toras Avos, Maasei Avos, 55)