Rabbi Gershon Shaul Yom-Tov Lipmann ben Nathan ha-Levi Heller’s yahrzeit began last evening at the Remuh cemetery. Heller (1579-1654) was an exceptional Talmudist and the author of religious literature and numerous works in the fields of kabbalah, philosophy, maths and astronomy. He was born in Wallerstein and according to Majer Bałaban, Lipmann was a far cry from regular Polish Jews. He was balanced, versatile and was not keen on pilpul. Before coming to Krakow, Lipmann Heller was a rabbi in the Czech Republic (Mikulov, Moravia), Austria (Vienna) and Poland (Niemirowo and Włodzimierz Wołyński). For 28 years he held the position of a dayan in Prague. During the Thirty Years’ War, he faced the difficult decision to establish the contribution that particular members of the Prague Community were to pay. As an honest man,…
The Jewish Religious Community in Krakow opened classes for the youngest members of our Community. During regular meetings run by Kuba Lewinger, children will learn the basics of the Hebrew alphabet, the Jewish traditions and religion . Meetings take place at Miodowa 55 or Miodowa 27. For all inquiries please contact our office at (12) 429-57-35. Classes are available exclusively to the members of the Jewish Religious Community in Krakow.
BS”D 5 Tamuz 5781 We have reached today paragraph 7 of chapter 2 of Mesillas Yesharim, in which R. Luzzatto concludes the second chapter. R Luzzatto reminds the reader that even if one takes the proper time for reflection and guards his actions, this alone will not be sufficient for salvation. One, without the assistance of the Holy One, blessed is He, will not be able to achieve salvation. “If one oversees himself” – states further Rabbi Luzzatto – he will be saved from the evil inclination. However, it is essential to observe one’s behaviour. If one does not do that, then the Holy One, blessed is He, will not watch over him. If one is not compassionate towards himself then who will show him compassion? In support of his…
BS”D 4 Tamuz 5781 We begin now with paragraph five of chapter two of Mesillas Yesharim by R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, of blessed memory. In this paragraph, the author compares the advice of the evil inclination (to make oneself busy and consequently avoid thinking about one’s actions) to the order of the wicked Pharaoh that work should be made hard so that men would spend their day working and be unable to avoid reflection on their deeds. This is a common trait of totalitarian governments and cults: the victims are made to overwork, stay hungry and kept too tired so that they will have no time to think. Additionally, this makes them more vulnerable to brain-washing. In fact, there are even modern corporations that try to eliminate “free time” from…