Grave

Tosafot Yom-Tov

Yahrzeit (Hillula)

2 Adar — Rabbi Yom Tov Algazi

Rabbi Gershon Shaul Yom-Tov Lipman HaLevi Heller Wallerstein (1579-1654) - "Tosafot Yom-Tov". Yahrzeit - 6 Elul Burial place - Remuh Cemetery, Szeroka, Kraków, Poland He became famous not only for his numerous works on philosophy, astronomy, halacha, belles-lettres, and other fields of knowledge, but also for his difficult character. Yom-Tov Lipman Heller was born in the town of Wallerstein, in Bavaria. However, he received his education in Prague under the guidance of one of the most renowned rabbis of that era, the Maharal of Prague (Rabbi Yehuda Loew ben Betzalel). Lipman was considered the most brilliant and talented of the Maharal's students. Already at the age of 18 he became a judge on his teacher's rabbinical court. Living in one of the centers of European scholarship of that period, Lipman actively studied mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, grammar, Kabbalah, and much more. In 1625 he was appointed rabbi of the city of Nikolsburg, and within half a year became head of the rabbinical court in Vienna. However, a denunciation put an end to Lipman Heller's brilliant career. He was arrested for allegedly insulting the state and the Pope, and sentenced to death. His family managed, at great expense, to secure his pardon and release from prison. In 1631 Lipman Heller moved to Poland. He served in turn as rabbi in Lublin, Ludmir, Nemirov, and Brest. Yet even there Lipman found no peace. While in Lublin, for instance, he sought to renew and strengthen the enforcement of a ban on obtaining rabbinical positions through payment. Those displeased with his activity informed against him, and he was expelled from the city. In 1643 Lipman Heller became rabbi of Kraków, where he lived until his death in 1654. Among the dozens of books written and published by this rabbi, a special place is held by his commentary on the Mishnah (the 2nd-century code of law on which both Talmuds are based), titled "Tosafot Yom-Tov." Lipman Heller is also considered the author of the "Av HaRachamim" prayer, composed in memory of the Jewish communities that perished during the Khmelnytsky uprising. This prayer, along with Lipman's other memorial prayers, is still recited in synagogues around the world to this day. May the merit of this tzadik protect our people!