Grave

Yisroel Taub

The Modzitzer Rebbe "Divrei Yisrael"

Yahrzeit (Hillula)

13 Kislev — Yahrzeit/Hillula of Rabbi Yisrael Taub - the Modzitzer Rebbe

Rabbi Yisroel Taub - the first Rebbe of Modzitz (1848-1920) - the "Divrei Yisrael." Yahrzeit - 13 Kislev Resting place - Cmentarz żydowski, Warsaw, Poland Modzitz Chassidus was founded by Rabbi Yisroel Taub. In 1888, after the passing of his father, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Zvolin, he took over the leadership of the Kuzmir-Zvolin Chassidim. In 1891 he settled in Modzitz and lived there until the outbreak of World War I, fleeing to Warsaw in 1914. He remained there until his passing on 13 Kislev, November 24, 1920. He is known for his work "Divrei Yisrael," containing commentaries on the Torah. He also became famous for composing niggunim – more than two hundred of them. Many of his melodies are still sung by Chassidic groups all over the world today. One of his most famous, the Heimlozer Niggun – the Song of the Homeless, also sung to the words of Mizmor L'David, became a classic. In it, the Rebbe musically expresses the feelings of a Jew torn from his home because of the war. His most famous niggun is Ezkera Elokim. It was composed in 1913, and there is a well-known story behind this niggun about when the Rebbe traveled to Berlin for medical treatment. His doctor, a professor, believed that his life could only be saved by amputating his leg. The Rebbe agreed to the operation, but on the condition that no anesthesia be used. It is told that during the operation the Rebbe could see the surroundings of Berlin through the window near his bed. The architecture and color of the buildings reminded him of parts of Jerusalem, and so he composed the niggun "Ezkera Elokim" about the holy city, while thinking at that moment of the concluding service (Ne'ilah) of Yom Kippur. This niggun is sung by Chassidim every year on the Rebbe's yahrzeit, both in Israel and in the United States. In "Divrei Yisrael," Rav Yisroel compares a person's ascent on the ladder of life to a musical scale. Just as the eighth note is a repetition of the root note an octave higher, so too, he says, is a person's ascent throughout life. Although he keeps rising higher and takes satisfaction in his achievements, he must realize that ultimately he must return to his origins. May the merit of the tzadik protect our people! (https://www.geni.com/people/Grand-Rabbi-Yisrael-Taub-the-1st-Modzitzer-Rebbe/6000000002726438276)