20 Adar · Yahrzeit
Yahrzeit/Hillula of Rabbi Eliyahu Mishan of Aram Tzova - the "Sfat Emet"
Rabbi Eliyahu Mishan of Aram Tzova - "Sfat Emet"
Yahrzeit - 20 Adar
Resting place - Aleppo, Syria
Rabbi Eliyahu Mishan became known by the name of his work on the hidden dimensions of Torah, called "Sfat Emet."
He was born to his father, Rabbi Becher Avraham, and his mother, Merhava.
His (only) son was Rabbi Ovadia.
From childhood he devoted himself day and night to the study of Torah and was counted among the great rabbis of Aram Tzova (Syria). It is known that he was well versed in the depths of Kabbalah, and prayed from the siddur according to the kavanot of the Arizal.
To earn his livelihood, he taught Talmud Torah for only a few hours a day.
He was renowned as an exemplary worker, and in his humility he would sign documents modestly.
He named his book "Sfat Emet" as an acronym for Eliyahu Masha'an Tamim.
Before his passing, he asked that he not be showered with praise at his funeral.
Sipurei Tzadikim
One day a stranger approached Rabbi Eliyahu and pleaded, "Save me, Rabbi." He explained that he lived in one of the villages in the western part of the country, and that every year a major fair was held there. Thousands of farmers from the entire region would come to buy what they needed for the coming year. They would buy fabrics, notions, dishware, spices - everything. This Jew standing before the rabbi was a well-known merchant, an honest and trustworthy seller, and everyone bought their goods from his shop, thereby providing him with his livelihood.
This year, too, he had filled his shop with a great deal of merchandise purchased on credit. Unfortunately, however, no one came to his shop. Crowds of buyers streamed into the village from everywhere, but no one brought him any business. By evening he looked into the matter and discovered that his Arab neighbor had incited the farmers to boycott the Jew's goods. They knew that he sold the finest goods at the best prices, but everyone was afraid of the powerful Arab neighbor.
"What can I do," sighed the rabbi, "what's done is done - the fair is over, isn't it?" "No, Rabbi, it continues for two more days. That is why I have taken the trouble to come to you."
"If so," replied the holy rabbi, "spend the night here. Write the Arab's name on a slip of paper and leave it in the Beit Knesset in the morning."
He then approached the rabbi with reverence, who turned to him kindly and said, "The Gemara teaches that if a person has enemies, he should come early and stay late in the Beit Midrash, and they will be defeated. You have already done this, so now you may return to your village." The merchant hurried back to his town and saw the funeral procession of his late neighbor. That very day he sold all his merchandise.
May the merit of the tzadik protect Am Yisrael!
(https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/180-Rabbi-Eliyahu-Mishan-of-Aram-Tsoba)