26 Tishrei · Yahrzeit
Rabbi Asher Perlov of Stolin
Rabbi Asher Perlov of Stolin (the first) was the son of Rabbi Aharon the Great of Karlin (1759 – 1826).
Yahrzeit - 26 Tishrei
Resting place - Karlin, Belarus
He was born to Rabbi Aharon the Great of the Karlin dynasty and his wife Leah. His father, a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, passed away when he was 12 years old, and in his youth he was raised by his father's disciple, Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin. After Shlomo's passing in 1792, most of his disciples turned to Perlov and asked him to take over leadership of the community. After the Chassidim were forbidden to grow peyot in that region, Rav Asher moved his residence to Stolin.
During the period when Rav Asher led the Karlin-Stolin movement, he traveled extensively with his friend, Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitz, visiting tzadikim such as Rabbi Baruch of Medzhybizh (grandson of the Baal Shem Tov), Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz, Avraham of Apt, and the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the latter becoming Perlov's matchmaker, arranging the shidduch with Rabbi Asher's third wife.
In 1798, Perlov was imprisoned by the Russian government due to his dissident speech, together with Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi and Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitz. He was released in the month of Kislev of that same year. He was exiled to Kozhnitz and lived there until he returned to Stolin.
He urged his followers to immigrate to Eretz Yisrael and worked to raise funds for immigration. He worked on the immigration movement together with Avraham Kalisker, who himself had made aliyah in the 1770s.
He stood out among other Chassidic rabbis for his passionate prayers. He was used as a public emissary on behalf of the community. He led his community for 35 years until his passing in Karlin on 26 Tishrei. His son, Rabbi Aharon II of Karlin, succeeded him as the fourth Rebbe of the dynasty.[7]
After his father's passing, he was raised by his father's successor, Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin, who became one of his main sources of inspiration. Later, Rabbi Asher settled in Stolin. He was well known for his support of the Chassidic presence in the Holy Land. His righteous son, Rabbi Aharon of Karlin II, became his successor.
His teachings and commentaries were collected in a book called "Birkat Aharon," an anthology of the sayings and stories of all the rebbes of Karlin-Stolin.
Rabbi Asher of Stolin taught that we should always look forward to the coming of Shabbat throughout the week, thinking to ourselves: "When will Shabbat come?" (Beit Aharon, Likkutim, p. 286)
Every day of the week, remember the holy Shabbatot by preparing, if possible, something in its honor. (Derech Chaim 7-42)
One Hour of Repentance
Someone once asked Rabbi Asher of Stolin:
"But how can I repent? I have committed one of the sins for which no teshuva can help."
"What business is that of yours?" the Rebbe replied.
"You should go forward and do what you are obligated to do. As for your concern about whether you will be deemed worthy of a share in Olam Haba, our sages have already taught: 'One hour of repentance and good deeds in this world is better than the entire life of the World to Come.'" (Sipurei Chassidim)
May the merit of the tzadik protect Am Yisrael!