Rabbi Moshe Cordovero

Rabbi Moshe bar Yaakov Cordovero (the Ramak) — one of the greatest kabbalists of all generations (1522—1570) Resting place - Tzfat; Yahrzeit - 23 Tammuz; His surname Cordovero indicates the origin of his family – Cordova (Spain). The Ramak lived in Tzfat and from a young age earned a reputation as an extraordinary genius. He was also one of four who received special smicha – ordination from the great Rabbi Yaakov Beirav – in 1538, together with Rabbi Yosef Karo, Rabbi Moshe Mitrani, and Rabbi Yosef Sagis, even though all of them were much older and more famous than this young prodigy. In 1542, at the age of 20, the Ramak heard a heavenly voice urging him to study Kabbalah with his brother-in-law Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz, the author of "Lecha Dodi". Thus he became initiated into the secrets of the holy "Zohar HaKadosh" of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. The young Ramak grasped the Zohar with ease. This, however, did not satisfy him, because the text is often obscure and lacks structure. To clarify it in his own mind, he began writing two books. The first was "Or Yakar" (Precious Light), a multi-volume work of 16 volumes of commentary on the Zohar. The second, "Pardes Rimonim" (Orchard of Pomegranates), cemented his eternal fame. Three other books through which the Ramak became known are "Tomer Devorah", "Or Ne'erav," and "Eilima Rabbati." Around 1550, the Ramak founded a kabbalah academy in Tzfat. He led this academy for 20 years, until his death. It is known that the prophet Eliyahu appeared to him. Among his students were many luminaries of Tzfat, including Rabbi Eliyahu de Vidas, author of "Reishit Chochma" and Rabbi Chaim Vital. This group of mystics, studying the Zohar, engaged in many acts of repentance in order to hasten the redemption. When the Arizal came to Tzfat, he joined this group of kabbalists, conducting himself with great humility, hoping to conceal his greatness. Only the Ramak, with his gift of insight, understood who he truly was. Before his death, the Ramak said: "I will soon leave this world. After my death, someone will take my place. And although many of this person's statements may seem to contradict mine, do not oppose him and do not argue with him, for they come from the same source as mine, and they are entirely true. His soul is a spark of Shimon bar Yochai, and whoever opposes him opposes the Shechinah." "What is his name?" the students asked. "I cannot tell you. He does not yet wish to be known. However, I can tell you this: whoever sees the cloud that will follow my coffin at my funeral will be my successor." A few weeks later, on the 23rd day of the month of Tammuz, Rabbi Moshe Cordovero ascended to the Heavenly Yeshiva. A great crowd accompanied the Ramak on his final journey, and all were weeping. When the procession reached a certain place, the students said: "We should bury him here, near one of the greatest sages of Israel." But the Ari stopped them: "Do not bury him here. The cloud following his coffin keeps moving, showing where the Ramak wishes to be buried." Hearing these words, everyone was stunned. Now they recognized their new teacher. On that very day, the fame of the Ari began to spread, and many great students began to gather around him.   Segulot on the Ramak's Yahrzeit 1. Studying the book of the Ramak (Rabbi Moshe Cordovero), of blessed memory, "Tomer Devorah". The Rebbe of Sanz, the "Divrei Chaim," זצ”ל, taught his chassidim (as heard by his grandson, Rav Moshe Halberstam, זצ”ל, from the Satmar Rebbe, זצ”ל): "Studying the book 'Tomer Devorah' is a segula against many ailments, and can help cure even the most severe of known illnesses." It is recommended to study "Tomer Devorah" once a week, although this book is not easy to understand. This segula works according to the principle of "midah ke-negged midah" (measure for measure). In "Tomer Devorah", the 13 Divine Attributes of Mercy mentioned in Micah 7:18-20 are analyzed in detail. If a person emulates G-d's Attributes and acts as He acts – with patience, compassion, forgiveness, etc. toward people – then Ha-Shem will likewise conduct Himself with us – midah ke-negged midah – and will be patient, compassionate, and forgiving. 2. The Mekubalim relate that on the Ramak's Yahrzeit (may his merit shield us), one should recite Tehillim chapter 20, 12 times, and this is a segula from the Arizal to save the children of Israel from all troubles and their enemies. May the merit of the tzadik protect the entire nation!!!   Interesting fact! The Rama of Pano - a great kabbalist, an expert in gilgulim, Rabbi Menachem Azarya of Pano - named both his daughters after the Ramak's sefarim: Alima - after the sefer "Mi-Olamot"; Devorah - after the sefer "Tomer Devorah."   Tomer Devorah - a series of lessons on "Tomer Devorah" with translator Rav Bentzion Melamed can be found on the youtube channel Silatehilim at the link: https://www.youtube.com/@SilaTehilim/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0       (https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/51-Rabbi-Moshe-Cordovero, rabanitiris.com)