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3rd of Sivan – Yahrzeit of Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon bar Yitzchak of Shepetovka – Story of His Fiery Debate with the Noda BeYehudah – Speaker: Rabbi Nasan Maimon.
The Shepetovka was a great authority in Halakha whose Torah scholarship was widely revered. His father was a descendant of Rabbi Yitzchak, the Rav of Slavuta, who descended from Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropol zal. The Shepetovka was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz, and a close friend of Rabbi Baruch of Medzhiboz.
Rabbi Yaacov Shimshon succeeded his father as rabbi in the Ukrainian city of Shepetovka, but in 1799 he settled in Teveria (Tiberias, Israel) where he met Rebbe Nachman of Breslov while he was on his journey in Israel. The Shebetovka expressed great joy to meet Rebbe Nachman. He made a festive seudah in his honor and spoke with the Rebbe privately at great length.
Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon traveled as an emissary on behalf of the chassidic settlers in Israel. The Shepetovka passed away in Tiveria in 5562 (1801) – his yahrzeit is on the 3rd of Sivan.
Rav Yechezkel Landau zal was known by the name of his most well-known sefer, Noda BeYehudah. The son of Rabbi Yehudah Levi, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau was born in 5474 (1713) in Opatow, Poland. In 1751 he was appointed Rav of Prague, where he taught Torah and devoted himself to the needs of the community, establishing institutions for Tzedakah and Chesed. He passed away on the 17th of Iyar 5553 (1793) in Prague.
The Noda beYehudah was especially beloved for his insight and wisdom. For example, a man once came to him for advice, saying. “In my house, people are constantly coming and going. This bothers me because it prevents me from studying Torah.” So Rabbi Yechezkel told him, “If those who come to you are rich, ask them to lend you some money – you won’t see them again. And if they are poor, lend them some money – you won’t see them again either.”
PART 2 of this debate is HERE.
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