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Translated by Jerrold Landau
Economics
The sale of lottery tickets under the permit of the government. The lottery was in the hands of the agents of the regions of Mohilev and Minsk: Yehoshua the son of Menachem Mendel Ratner of Mohilev and Yehuda Leib the son of Aharon Pacjak from Slutsk.
The expensive lottery was 140 rubles. Simple lotteries: full 130 rubles, half 70 rubles, quarter 36 rubles, tenth 15 rubles, one twentieth 8 rubles, and a hundredth 1.60 rubles.
(Hakarmel, issue 38, 4 Nissan 5622, 1862)
The situation of the liquor merchants is bitter. Of the approximately sixty tavern owners in our city, a permit was only given to the five who had rights over their houses that they had purchased prior to last May 3 (the day that the decrees were issued). As of now, eight people are missing out of the twenty whose lot it was to go to the army. The responsibility lies with our directors who did not collect donations to protect those who were to go into the army, as is done in other cities. A Jew who goes to work in the army in place of his younger brother receives a stipend of five rubles from the chairman of the committee of those who take people from the army, and they praise him to his face.
(Hameilitz, issue 34, 1881)
Yeshaya Chorgin
Simcha Zak announces from Slutsk that the high tax officials came there and placed an army guard over the shops until they would come to inspect their merchandise. Even if they did not find foreign merchandise, they took merchandise from Moscow and Łódź if they did not find the lead seals, and imposed a large fine.
Only when they came to a Christian store did they believe the words of the owner that they did not have foreign merchandise.
(Hameilitz, issue 22, 1883)
The great benefit for [the people of] Israel from the factories can now be seen in our city, for in the new year, a tobacco factory (Macharka) has been founded in our city. Many of those who had been unemployed now work in the factory and receive their salary. Had the wealthy people of our nation not founded factories for work and manufacturing, many of our people would earn their livelihood in degradingng ways and live from the work of their hands.
(Hameilitz, issue 22, 1893). M. A.H.
Signs of revival and vitality could be seen in our city with the appearance of engineers who came to repair the railway tracks in the area 70 verst from the Gorody station. The merchants who to this point went about with lowered heads from lack of work are anticipating changes for the benefit of Slutsk, which is situated in a very fruitful area in the Minsk region. Most of its residents are involved in the marketing of grain and fruits, and the railway will ease transportation and commerce. Through the initiative of Sh. Migdal, L. Kontorovitch, and Ch. Bronstein, an assistance fund for the benefit of the impoverished Jewish high school students has been set up, to furnish them with food, school supplies, clothing, and tuition.
Upper grade students in the gymnasia collect donations and pledges every Sunday.
(Waschod, issue 9, 1883) B. Goldberg
Once again this year, the wealthy philanthropist Mr. Yehoshua Ceitlin of Moscow sent one hundred rubles before Passover for Passover flour1. For this, those involved in the preparation of Passover needs for the poor in the city of Slutsk will bless him.
(Hameilitz, issue 34, 1884)
This year as well, the call to army service in our city ended in a positive manner. Of the two-hundred youths who were selected by lottery, only a few were missing, who did not show up on the designated day for various reasons. Therefore, it is no surprise that even from among those who lacked privilege, about ten went free to their homes. Approximately fifty people went to the army. This number also included youths from wealthy families. Everyone was given twenty rubles. All the ministers were filled with feelings of joy and love when they saw this large crowd. They expressed these feelings to us with their mouths, and also treated us kindly. Our hope is that the mouths of our accusers and detractors, who say that we do not fulfil the law of citizens to their homeland, will from now on be shut. However, we have now heard the news that a few of those who went to the army from our city, as well as from other towns of our region, have escaped for their lives after they took an oath of allegiance to their king and homeland. – – –
Many from our city travel to America. Even next week, approximately ten families are preparing to leave our city. Most of those are tradespeople, and as is known, they do well there.
(Hayom, issue 268, 1887) Binyamin Epstein
Immigration
Immigration to America has increased greatly during the latter period. After the Sabbath of the Torah portion of Vayigash, nine families left Slutsk to forge their way to America. Another ten went on Tuesday of the Torah portion of Vayechi. Another fifteen families are ready to cross the ocean. This is despite the news that two ships bringing refugees to America have sunk in the ocean, and that the new country, which to this point has served as a refuge for any person in straits and difficulties, is now only pleasantly welcoming those who are coming with significant sums of money. Nevertheless, those who are leaving do not pay attention to this, for the name “America” is magical and everyone is attracted to it.
(Hameilitz, issue 9, January 12, 1888) Binyamin Abramovitch
Zionism
In Hayom, the pen of a writer from Jerusalem has written words of judgment against the rabbi who oversees the charitable fund for Israel [Chaluka], and against Chovevei Zion, for in recent times, the sending of money from our city to the Holy City has stopped for some strange reason. Has a reason been found from this in the name of “they are saying that it is said”? “For the hands of the rabbi who is the gabbai [trustee] is guilty in this matter, for chaos reigns, and they should assist Chovevei Tzion on behalf of the poor of the Kolel.”2 Now, regarding matters affecting the rabbi gabbai, he should come himself to respond to them and demonstrate that his hands were clean. However, regarding matters related to Chovevei Tzion, I am issuing a public protest, and
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with clear words I say that those who “are saying that it is said” are lying. I, who am aware of all the deeds of Chovevei Tzion from the time the organization was founded up to now, can testify that through this entire time, the rabbi gabbai did not give the organization fund one cent of his own or from the Chaluka fund. His hands were faithful to thwart the steps of the organization at all times, and to disparage it, to the point that he barely let this idea to even take a footstep into the Beis Midrash in which he worshipped. – – – The hands of Chovevei Tzion were not sullied by the blood of their brothers, the residents of the Holy City. They only toiled to build the ruins, and Heaven forbid would they destroy the holy building that was founded by the great ones of our people, and to which the lives of hundreds of souls depended upon.
(Hayom issue 14, 1887) Asher Ebin
Some time ago, the Zionists of our city celebrated the Beit Mishteh Hachamim [Party Houe of Warmth] with great pomp and ceremony. The chairman explained the purpose of the founding of Beit Mishteh Hachamim. The Zionists donated great sums to this endeavor.
Some time ago, the Talmidei Tzion organization performed the Vision of Bar Kochba with great splendor.
(Hatzofeh, issue 11, 1902) Mordechai Lipa Goren
Last week, Rabbi Yitzchak Reines appeared in our city. In his sermons, he aroused the gathering to put their efforts toward Zion. Our organization was founded with his assistance, and has fifty members.
The Talmidei Zion [Students of Zion] organization was recently founded here. Its members speak Hebrew.
(Hatzofeh, issue 27, 1903) M. L. Goren
The rabbi and Gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Reines stayed in Slutsk and delivered his speech. The Beis Midrash was full to the brim with people from all the factions who came to hear about the idea of a national fund.
(Hatzofeh, issue 22, 1903)
The Zionist movement in our city is successful, and had already succeeded in gaining members from all factions. The main organization is Kedma, which excels in its activities. Beit Mishteh Chamim was founded by it. Many people gather there daily. There are about fifteen Hebrew and Russian newspapers there. A book bindery was also founded by it, which contains approximately 2,000 exemplars, and is conducted with proper protocols. The second organization is Mizrachi. Its activities are still limited, because it was only founded half a year ago. We have another organization, Poalei Zion, whose members are workers and tradespeople. It is also conducted in a good fashion.
(Hatzefira, issue 139, 1903) Y. Ch. G.
The Zionists of our city founded a matzo bakery for the poor. Many young women, even from wealthy families, work in baking matzos. At first, we thought that nobody would object to such an enterprise, but we have now discovered that even such an enterprise has opponents.
(Hatzofeh, issue 65, 1903) A. M. Chaikin
Already from the early days of the revolution, the few young Zionists hastened to meet and decided to conduct strong publicity among the strata of the people.
A Zionist organization quickly began to be formed in our city. With the help of excellent orators sent here from the district, comrades Abramovitz and Greenblatt, a large Zionist organization of 250 members was formed from amongst the active male and female youths.
A Zionist club, a library, and a reading hall were founded. Large assemblies and meetings were arranged on occasion. Various committees were chosen for all the Zionist activities. Approximately 1,100 shekels3 were sold, and five delegates were sent from here to the Zionist convention in Petrograd.
A flower day for the benefit of the Jewish National Fund [Keren Kayemet] was arranged on Lag B'Omer. Approximately 700 rubles were earned for the treasury that day.
An organization of Zionist householders, called Kadima, was also founded. More than sixty members participate in it. The Zionists demonstrated life and movement during the elections for the city duma [government]. Thirty-one members were candidates for the elections of June 18th. The Bund joined with the S.D., the S.R., the Russians, and Kyva, and with the assistances of the local garnizon [garrison] were poised to elect a decisive majority for the duma, but they failed. The bloc only received nine mandates from all the candidates. The Zionists, along with lists submitted by the other Jewish organizations, elected thirteen candidates. Th eight remaining spots fell to the hands of the local Russians and Poles. Of the thirteen Jews elected, aside from the Bundists, seven were Zionists and the rest were non-factional Jews. Apparently, the Zionists won a decisive victory in the election. This made the Bund angry. From that time, the Bundists always tried to interfere with the Zionists and to denigrate them in the eyes of the soldiers. They called them counterrevolutionaries” and “supporters of the Black Hundreds”4.
On 20 Tammuz, a memorial was arranged for Dr. Herzl. The large Beis Midrash was filled to the brim. Several speakers from Kadima and Achdut described the holy duty for us to continue his great testament. – – –
A Flower Day was arranged that day for the benefit of the Herzl Forest. Four hundred rubles were collected. On 25 Tammuz, the young Zionists arranged a celebration. They performed Sholom Aleichem's Tzezeit un Tzeshpreit [Scattered Far and Wide], showed pictures from the Land of Israel, and sang and declaimed songs of Zion. The celebration went very well. Approximately 800 rubles were earned for the organization after expenses.
It has been now about two months since the Agudas Yisroel organization was founded here. Among the other sections, there is a section related to work in the Land of Israel, but there is no living spirit in the Aguda. – – –
The Chovevei Sfat Ever society, which was founded before Passover, has opened evening classes at five levels. More than 150 girls attend the classes. Four male teachers and one female teacher are teaching, and are successful in their work.
On June 28, a splendid manifesto was arranged for the benefit of the free loan. Many Jews and Russians signed for the loan.
A representative of the Petrograd Briut [Hygiene] organization came to open a chapter in our city, under the leadership of the Zionist Gutzeit. Representatives of all the societies and organizations gathered together and the question was raised as to whether
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the protection of the health of the Jews, and the founding of hospitals, old age homes, etc. should be given over to the Jewish community? The Bundist declared that the role of the Jewish community organization was only to protect our culture, and that we are no different than the rest of the residents with respect to other questions. When they voted, and their declaration was not accepted, they left the hall as an act of demonstration. A committee was chosen from amongst the Zionists, whose task it was to immediately begin the work of founding the chapter of the organization in Slutsk.
(Ha'am, issue 2, 10 Av, 5777, 1917) Yachin
To my friends, many greetings:
Please G-d, I will be travelling from here today in peace (but not with my money, for there is no money for this master!) to my home and native city of Slutsk. Please G-d I will stay there for two months. Therefore, my friends, if you wish to send me letters or responses to my letters, send them to my house.
May G-d renew for you, for us, and for all those created in His image a good, blessed year, in accordance with your desires and the desires of those who love you and your friends. Here from Kiev, Monday, 18 Elul 5631 (1871)
Tzvi Hirsch Dinov, Magid, native of Slutsk
(Hameilitz, issue 34, August 31, 1871)
New York, 12. The Renowned Zionist preacher Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Masliansky died at age 87.5
SP'A
With the death of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Masliansky, a large branch of the annals of Chibat Tzion and Zionism departed the stage of life. He was one of the great Zionist orators, a wonderful character of an educator of the nation to the love of Zion in a manner blender with old-style oratorial charm and signs of the new publicity. In his wonderful, enthusiastic lectures, he preached love of Zion and Zionism to the masses of people in Jewish communities on both sides of the ocean, as he moved and enthused the hearts of tens of thousands of listeners. It is appropriate to have a chapter on orators in the annals of Zionism – and he was one of them.
He was a native of Slutsk. Already in his youth, he demonstrated the traits of an excellent memory and breadth of knowledge, but his greatest surprise was in his oratorial skill. AT the age of ten, he would wrap himself in a sheet and preach to his young friends regarding the destruction of the Temple. The power of his imagery would move their young hearts to weeping. The many scenes during his youth and young adulthood were just like this miniature scene during his childhood – in front of large gatherings, in synagogues and halls. He was educated at the Yeshiva of Mir, and he went to Karlin. His first job was as a teacher, but with the Storms in the Negev (5641 – 1881)6 he was caught up in the surge of awakening of Chibat Tzion, and preaching became the trademark of his life and his occupation. At first, he lived in Ekaterinoslav where he conquered the hearts of the community with his sermons on Sabbaths and festivals. He moved to Odessa in 5651 [1891]. The greatness of the impression of his preaching can be seen from the fact that Y. L. Pinsker, M. L. Lilenblum, and Ahad Ha'am aroused him to believe in the great power hidden within him, the power of speech that encourages and proves. He knew how to utilize all type of Agada [rabbinic lore] and parables, and all modes of sharpness and rhetoric in order to move the hearts. His preaching route throughout the Pale of Settlement in Russia and outside of it was like a circle of great populist enthusiasm. He knew how to win over the heart of the Maskil who tended toward assimilation and to fan the coal of nationalism so it would reignite. He knew how to win over the heart of the Orthodox, strict in tradition, and to cause their hidden strands to vibrate. Police persecution forced him to leave the bounds of Russia and move throughout the communities of Europe. The impression he left in the ghettoes of the East was the same as in the ghettos of the west. In the growing Jewish settlement of the United States, he found an arena for his activities – as the most famous nationalist preacher, as an active communal worker. He was served as the vice president of the Zionist organization, as a journalist (He published Di Yiddishe Velt with his son-in-law P. Turberg), a Hebrew writer – he was still among the writers of Haboker Or of A. B. Gutlober – and a Yiddish one. Some of this fine oratory skills carried over to writing. He published several books, the most precious of which is the chapters of his memoirs.
(Davar, issue 5330, 7 Shvat 5703, Jan. 13, 1943).
Education
Like me and like you , honored readers! – – – I cannot restrain my grief and control myself from proving before the community and congregation, before the sons of Yeshurun7, to whom the peace of your brethren is also their peace – perhaps you will come hasten to bandage the pressure on our heart – and you will return and heal yourselves.
My hometown of Slutsk in Lithuania8, formerly a major Jewish city, fine in its greatness, with great searchers of the heart living there, wise people, writers, and philanthropists who have also succeeded in splendid charitable deeds in peace and truth. – – – How is it that all hearts do not melt, for to our dismay a new generation has arisen, a generation wise in its own eyes – – – That which our fathers have nurtured and grown has been destroyed, ruined, and removed by the hand of – – – The hospital of which we took pride is continually becoming impoverished, there is no supporter or benefactor, there is nobody who is responsible for gathering in the poor who have become ill – The Talmud Torah about which we have said that from it our Torah will spread, behold mischievous children have gone forth from it. There is no sick person from all the masses of Israel, whose teachers lead them to the waters of knowledge and wisdom, to pay attention that they do not go about naked and barefoot, and wander around outside all day. They wander about the city without any guide or advisor. The Gemillut Chasadim organization [for charitable loans], the Malbish Arumim organization [providing clothing for the needy], and the Hachnasat Orchim organization [providing lodging for wayfarers], these organizations of support and protection have become impoverished – – There is no helper or supporter, no pillar or support – – – They have become impoverished, the sources of money have dried up – – – They lie down naked without clothing. They ask for bread and there is not even a morsel. For those who have sufficient energy to work at any trade, nobody approaches them. The Yeshiva building, which was established from days of yore, its honor has gone down to the ground – – – A bit here and a bit there. Young children and youths, for their path to the route of life is covered over for them from all sides. Those who figured out how to get into the Yeshiva are forced to go from door to door, to bow down to a coin of money.
Woe, for these our souls are grieved! For such an important city among the people of Israel such as the adorned Slutsk can fall so much and fail in charity on the streets. Mercy has declined precipitously, and Torah and faith have been laid on the ground. Shall we not be ashamed, shall we not be embarrassed, dear readers? – – – Let us repent and return from our ways – – – We should be a father to the orphan and savior to the widow, the oppressed, and those bent over. We should extend our hearts to the ill of our nation, to save their souls from descent to the pints. Sh'sh ShM'ch.9
(Ivri Anochi, issue 49, Brody, 13 Elul 5632, 1872)
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In the district of Slutsk – 70 cheders and 894 students. In the district of Pinsk – 85 cheders and 1,925 students. In the district of Novogrodok – 44 cheders and 619 students. These numbers are not all exact.
(According to information on the leadership of the general schools in the region of Minsk)
I have already announced in Hameilitz that the winds of the times influence our brethren here to teach their sons language and books, to turn them into effective people. That is not the lot of the girls in our city. Nobody is concerned with educating them, for there is no girls' school among the people, and their parents cannot afford to pay three or four rubles monthly to the private girls' school, as do the wealthy of the city. For this reason, no attention is paid to the Jewish girls who are being raised without the knowledge and education that leads to productivity. The many teachers in our city are not acting effectively, and who is not guilty? Is it not the leaders and educated people of our city, who pay no attention to concern themselves with the upcoming generation. They waste their energy and time in dispute and discord. How strong is the breach and separation of hearts regarding the cantors Z.M. and Tz.L. It has been three years that he has served in the holy post in first place, and his listeners are satisfied with his pleasant melodies in accordance with musical theory. However, the people of the older generation tried to denigrate him for singing with foreign writing and musical notes that are strange to them on top of the Siddur. They do not understand it. One day, when their hearts were merry at the Chevra Kadisha celebration10, they chose Tz.L. who was the scion of wealthy people, his throat groans and wails, and musical principles are lost on him. They rejected Z.M. A dispute such as this in a Jewish community is sufficient to weaken the power of all those who wish to institute needed improvements in the community.
(Hameilitz, issue 21, 1881) Shalom Epstein
How soured are our hearts to witness the situation of the Talmud Torah in our city, for it is bad: The youths who study there are abandoned and unsupervised, without a teacher or principal. They go from house to house asking passers-by for donations. My masters! For whom have you abandoned the poor of the flock of our community? The two melamdim, impoverished personalities. – – – No my brothers! Your silence during these bad days is not good!… – – – Prepare the Talmud Torah with a trade school. Appoint faithful teachers and supervisors. Pay attention to its protocols and customs. Then the blessing of those lost will come upon you.
N. N.
There is also a Machzikei Yetomim [Upholders of Orphans] home in our city. (more accurately, damagers of orphans11. The older ones go wild on the streets of the city. They do not learn Torah and proper behavior, and they do not even know how to read Hebrew.
(Hameilitz, 1881)
It is pleasant duty to give praise to the students of the seventh and eighth cohort of our brethren here, and especially to the high school students Mr. L. Eliashberg and Mr. L. Gutzeit, for they aroused their friends to found a school to teach youths who are under their hands, and to hire a teacher for them to prepare them for the gymnasia [high school]. The volunteer students have taken it upon themselves to teach for three hours a day, each one three high school students. On Sundays, when they do not attend the gymnasia, they teach for five hours. Aside from this, they have given donations from their own pockets, each in accordance with their means, to pay for the room that they have rented for this. Approximately ten lads come to hear their lessons.
Yeshayahu Chorgin
Mr. Yeshaya Chorgin of Slutsk states that several intelligent girls and enlightened youths from the upper grades of the gymnasia school have taken note of the fate of the poor children who are going around without anything to do, without any work, and without good education. They founded an organization to give over various jobs to the poor children, to teach them trades and professions that can sustain them. The students of the gymnasia teach them the following subjects at set times: the Russian language, arithmetic, and writing craft. To this point, the group has succeeded in teaching trades to ten boys and three girls, and that there is hope that, in time, the group will succeed in growing its activity and glory.
(Hameilitz, issue 44, 1884)
The motto “seeing is not like hearing” is apparently to the point and true. The terrible situation of students of the Talmud Torah in our city has been mentioned in the newspapers more than once. If some of the members of the intelligentsia were to go to the Talmud Torah, they would realize the great need to change and improve the deficient methodologies of the institution.
More than forty naked12 and barefoot youths are crowded into a single room. The classes are disorganized and the knowledge of the students is deficient. The teacher is a schlemiel, lacking pedagogic understanding and training. An organization called Temicha LaYatom [Support for the Orphan], the purpose of which is to provide material assistance to poor youths, has been founded.
A raffle was organized for the benefit of the Talmud Torah, which brought in seventy-five rubles. That money sent three youths there to study a profession. The rest of the money was used to provide clothing and shoes for the rest of the youths. The Orthodox people of the city are not interested in changes and improvements in the Talmud Torah, or in collaborating with the new organization.
(Waschod, issue 31, 1884)
Questions were received from Slutsk to the committee of the organization of dissemination of Haskala in Russia, regarding how to act, for they wish to have a night school in which adult workers and apprentices can study during the evenings.
(Der Yud, Vienna – Krakow, issue 16, 1889)
Torah Students
Blessed be G-d, Memel, Friday of the Torah portion “And your brothers the entire House of Israel shall weep over the fire”13 5620 [1860].
To my dismay, and the dismay of all scholars, I inform your honors that I have received a letter from my father-in-law, the Rabbi and Gaon M. Yosef Peimer, the head of the rabbinical court of Slutsk in Russia, that his wise, wholesome son, renowned to the public, my brother-in-law, honor to his name Rabbi Yisrael [Behmer]14 has taken ill on Thursday, 6 Nisan. He passed away on Wednesday, 12 Nisan. May his soul be bound in the bonds of eternal life, may his soul rejoice in G-d, and may G-d comfort us among the rest of the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
From he who honors and appreciated him
Yeshaya Wohlgemuth, rabbi in Memel
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Our soul also mourns over this bad news. Our souls weep privately over the death of this friend of ours who was cut off in his prime, and is no more! With sorrowful hearts, we inform this to all those who love him and all those who know his name from his works that he has published! Woe over he who has gone and woe over the loss! The great things and the things of high splendor have been covered over. Here too in Hamagid, in which the late scholar worked for about nine moths with the good grace of G-d upon him, we shall hereby erect a monument of eternal memory! May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing!
(Hamagid, issue 16, April 25, 1860) The editor
Thursday 23 Adar I, 5630
During these days, the great, sharp, expert, and wise rabbi, a case full of books, Rabbi Pesach Aharon, may the memory of the holy be blessed, has passed away. The deceased was one of the excellent remnants [of past generations], filled with Talmud and rabbinic halachic literature, Sifra, Sifrei, Midrash, Mechilta15, and all the early and late responsa literature. He delved into Torah day and night. He pursued justice, and his motto was to be useful and to do good. He founded the “Maskil el Dal” [Educating the Poor] society for the benefit of the poor, widows, and orphans. He gathered approximately forty abandoned lads from among the poor, hired teachers for them, and ensured that they would not be lacking in bread or any of their needs. He only lived for 43 years. Masses followed behind his bier. He was eulogized in the synagogue courtyard. Rabbi Yekutiel Schwartz eulogized him in the cemetery.
(Hamagid, issue 11, 1870). Yitzchak Yaakov ben Pesach
There are very few people in our day, remnants from the old generation, who are accepting of the members of the current generation who follow the new paths, and more so that they understand, and agree, that their ways are proper and that there is some improvement over past generations. Therefore, these few people are very precious in our eyes. They are few in number. – – – We have lost such an excellent person this past winter, the great rabbi, luminary and Tzadik, Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Cheifetz, the author of the book Gan-Tzvi on the five books of the Torah (the title of his book hints to his name, for it is the gematria [numerology] of Naftali Tzvi the son of Rabbi Yisrael). He was 75 years old at his death. He occupied himself in Talmud and rabbinic decisors day and night, and he delved deeply into books of research and exegesis all his days. He was a sublime, erudite scholar. He understood the ways of the world and the pathways of business. He would make peace between man and his fellow with soft words and a pleasant countenance. He was the rabbi of the excellent orator Rabbi Dinov, whom he loved boundlessly.
A public courthouse was opened in our city in the month of May.
(Hamagid, issue 34, 1872) M. Y. Hirschbein
For he is not one of those who sit behind the oven. So that he not be suspected by his readers as someone who sits behind the oven, he writes that he was forced to announce that he is a student in the government school of surveying, may its splendor rise.
In his article, he presents me as a target for shooting his arrows (not mighty, and not sharp, and unharnessed coals) of his nonsense and lies. – – – In his article, he also flatters with lies the local rabbi who currently lives amongst us. Every time he mentions him in is article, he describes him as “The great rabbi and Gaon,” and he dishonors the honor of the deceased local rabbi (even though our sages of blessed memory have said that Tzadikim are greater in their deaths than in their lives). Every time he mentions him in the article, he refers to him as “The late Rabbi Beimer of blessed memory.” – – –
He denigrates the honor of the true rabbi and Gaon who was unique in his generation, the Rabbi of the Entire Exile16 the Admor Rabbi Yosef Beimer, who was known in a praiseworthy fashion throughout the world as Rabbi Yosef Slutsker. – – – The writer of the article mentions that my wife hates him, the dark and unilluminated family members hate him because the rabbi hates him because he has become a Maskil and a student in the school of surveying. He wrote that article because he wishes to appease his wife and family members, and the local rabbi who is at the head of them. O would it be that they would be appeased by this article, and then I would say, “rejoice my children, rejoice.” – – – Indeed I have sacrificed my soul as a sacrifice for the love of truth and peace. – – – If I were to have asked the writer to write about the rabbi, I would have confessed and said that this is so. But, by faith! That is a lie, I never requested this of him for I do not think the matter of the local rabbi to speak important things on his behalf. The writer praised Y. A. the local rabbi because he loves his fellow. By faith, this is a complete lie, and this should be understood. And that Y.G. wrote that the rabbi created the “Maskil El Dal” society, this is an absolute lie, for the late Rabbi Pesach Horn of blessed memory created it, and the rabbi annulled it with his spirit. He also wrote that he distributed more than half of his salary to the poor – a liar! How can he be so brazen as to state such? And you the rabbi, how can you be silent when you hear false praises about yourself? That which Y. G. wrote, that those who are wholesome in the faith of Israel hate me because I denigrate the honor of the rabbi, that is indeed true. – – – That which he wrote that the late Rabbi Beimer of blessed memory did not allow me to cross the threshold of his home, accept it if I state that the true rabbi and Gaon, may his saintly memory be a blessing, loved me very much, and I was one of his prime admirers in this, my city.
After all my words, I state that I my heart would rejoice and be happy if the writer would make peace with his wife.
(Haivri, issue 18, 1873) Tzvi Hirsch Dinov, Maggid, native of Slutsk
Friday, 18 Sivan 5633 [1873]
To the honor of the rabbi, the publisher of Ivri Anochi [I am a Hebrew], may G-d protect him:
I imagine that you will quickly publish my article, for indeed you are a Hebrew [Ivri], you fear the G-d of Heaven, and it is fitting that my article should be in the very place where you have disparaged my honor in vain,
When I returned in peace from Peterburg this past Shavuot, they gave me issue twenty-nine of Ivri Anochi. I read the article from Horodno entitled “Public Rebuke.” The writer announced at the end of his article that he was trying to scare me.
(Haivri, issue 16, 2 Tammuz 5633, 1873)
The wonderful tycoons, G-d-fearing and pure Reb Yona Isserlin and his son the rabbi and Gaon Rabbi Shachna of Slutsk are exemplary. They concern themselves for the welfare of all the members of the community in the same manner that they concern themselves with the welfare of their own households. Every person in straits who has built a house or married off a son or a daughter knows that he can receive a specific sum of partial support from these tycoons. It will be given with joy so that nobody will feel that he is receiving a free gift, rather that it is something he earned. Gifts for a lecture
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are sent to any resident of the city, from rich to poor, each in accordance with their value. All residents of the city, from young to old, came to honor them with the appropriate honor, and they distributed portions and honors to each person as appropriate. Their entire satisfaction and honor comes from doing good and benevolent deeds to the poor and oppressed. They befriend them, and are only pretentious regarding their honor. They have a wine cellar for the sick and poor, consisting of choice types that cannot frequently be found in commercial establishments. They distribute portions of flour and meat to all the poor on Sabbaths and festivals, to anyone who stuck out their hand and requested. They also give gifts to the poor discreetly, so that nobody should recognize it and be embarrassed.
(From Hakerem, 5642, 1882)
The great rabbi, illustrious in Talmud, is the true Gaon and Tzadik, who is a ruler in the pure fear of G-d, honor his holy name in splendor, is Rabbi Yosef, may he live, the rabbi of the holy community of Slutsk, may G-d shield it. Let light and brightness not cease from shining from his dwelling place as he goes to Raseiniai (a city in the Kovno Gubernia), but it should continue to shine with sevenfold illumination (as our sages of blessed memory have said: To the extent that scholars age, their knowledge continually increases) in the honorable city of Slutsk, which is the large city (also large in opinions) from a long time back. For the great ones of the world have always settled there to teach doctrine, to disseminate Torah and holy knowledge. The holy community and its leaders know how to appreciate the value that G-d has given to it by causing the aforementioned man of portents to dwell therein.
(Hamagid, issue 34, year 1)
“My heart rejoices greatly when I see at this time, when the horn of Torah is cast low and those who grasp Torah are considered as senile, approximately two hundred youths have gathered together, who are dedicated solely to Torah and religion. From you, the hope spreads forth, and you will be able to illuminate the coming generation. You should only be strong and become men.”
(The blessing with which the Gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Reines, may the memory of the holy be blessed, gave as he concluded the class that he gave in the Eitz Chaim Yeshiva of Slutsk on Thursday, 11 Shvat, 5663 [1903].)
(Hameilitz, issue 22, 5663, 1903)
Illnesses and Epidemics
The frightful illness that caused many to fall sick in many cities this summer also did not skip over our city.
This past 28 Av, we found out that several people died suddenly. The illness spread quickly, tearing away many children from the bosoms of their mothers, and also not sparing adults. Then those of precious spirit were aroused to stop the plague. They called meetings and founded a committee with all types of medicines and remedies. – – – They paid the salary for two Herew physicians to be available at all times to aid any person. They also paid Dr. Mashevski to go around and visit the sick (from among the poor). Medicine from the pharmacy was given to them by his order. Along with monetary support, he warned them to refrain from eating foods that are difficult [to digest], and not to prepare the customary hot dishes for the Sabbath. Signs were posted on Tisha B'Av that women, and young girls and boys below the age of eighteen are forbidden to fast. Men who feel that the fast will damage their health are allowed to eat and drink. On Tzom Gedalia, they announced that people should not fast. On the morning of the eve of Yom Kippur, they announced three things: a) women should go home on Kol Nidre night after the Shmone Esrei prayer; b) the wearing of shoes is permitted for anyone who leaves the synagogue; c) it is permitted to place bottles of water in ovens that have been lit from the day [i.e. before the start of Yom Kippur] as on every Sabbath eve. – – – Hot food was prepared in the committee building in case of a deathly panic. – – – People came to stand watch at the committee building all night. Those who were moved to work in this great matter should be praised.
The honorable leader who is occupied with communal needs, Reb Tzvi Hirsch David Travin, the honorable tycoon Reb Tzvi Hirsh Getzow, Reb Binyamin Wolfson, Reb Moshe Yechiel Eberil, Reb Yehuda Landau and his honorable brother the honorable Reb Betzalel Landau, Reb Chaim Mintz, Reb Nachman Oko, Reb Meir Reiser – – – collected sheimos17. They placed all the torn pages in earthenware pots, loaded them on four wagons, spread black garments over them, and transported them through the streets and the marketplace to the cemetery. They collected donations with the call “charity saves from death.” – – – The name of Israel has become an accursed through such boorish deeds – – –18
There was a consultation in the large Beis Midrash regarding the many orphans who remained after the cholera plague. All the leaders of the city gathered together, headed by the Gaon Rabbi Menachem Mendel. – – – However, this time, they did not make any enactments. Rather they called for donations from al the residents of the city, each according to their means, to support the orphans and feed them until after the month of the High Holy Days. Then, a second meeting will be called to see what can be done with them.
The regional minister came to visit our city on the Sunday following Yom Kippur. He remained in the city for about three days. He took interest and asked about how many people died in the plague.
Yitzchak Yaakov Hirschbein
(Hameilitz, issue 15, 5633, 1872)
It has been about a month since the wealthy people of our city, headed by Mr. Sh. Migdal and Mr. B. Wolfson, girded themselves and sent a letter of request to the regional minister, who gave them permission to take a sum of 3,000 rubles from the meat tax fund in order to renovate the exterior of the old hospital, which had no form and no splendor, and was also too small to house all the sick people who come to request cures for their illnesses. They approached the building effort in a high fashion, to build a new hospital with spacious, clean rooms, and a grove of trees outside for shade. They would also renovate the old building so it could serve as a hostel for elderly, poor people, so they can spend their latter days and not suffer from the afflictions of hunger and cold during their old age.
The words of the heretic in issue 15 of Hameilitz are not believed when he continued to praise the efforts of our wealthy people, and their attempts to obtain 3,000 rubles from the meat tax to renovate the hospital. Had they indeed paid attention to the hospital, they would have made efforts to fill the more urgent needs – food, drink a place to sleep, etc. – rather than new walls instead of the old ones, which were still strong.
I have heard complaints that a liter or meet will be divided among ten sick people. Were it not for the help of the merciful women, who gather food for the sick, they would have perished from hunger. They would have also concerned themselves with mattresses filled with straw and hay. There is no expert physician. Therefore, only few come to request relief in the hospital.
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The words of the publisher of Hameilitz relating to the leaving over of the dead19 have made a great impression in our city, for when a young man died a sudden death a few weeks ago, the rabbi did not allow him to be buried until three days had passed.
(Hameilitz, issue 15, 1881) Shalom HaLevi Epstein
A few years ago, a “hospital” was built here from the communal funds. It was surrounded by a lovely garden, which grew trees that spread an aroma around. At first, the conduct of that institution was proper and orderly under the direction of the faithful, upright Mr. Binyamin Wolfson. His entire field of interest was directed toward that institution. With the help of the philanthropists of the community, he provided the sick with all their needs. However, from the day that the Satan began to dance in its midst, and discord grew in the city, the institution began a downward spiral. The sick people were lying down with nobody to respond to their needs. Their clothing was torn down to the skin. Had the wealthy Mr. Dov Ber Lifschitz not provided help, the building would have already been smashed to pieces and destroyed to its foundation. That philanthropist donated three hundred rubles from his own pocket to repair the building . His hand is still outstretched, a single philanthropist cannot himself sustain the entire institution and fill all of its needs. If the other wealthy people of the city do not rise up to empathise with the pain of their brethren who are sick and poor, there is no hope that the institution will be able to exist for a long time. Therefore, I have decided to arouse the hearts of all the communal heads and important people of the city to place their eyes and hearts upon this institution, which alone serves as a refuge for our brethren during bad periods, and to distance themselves from disputes and discord.
(Hameilitz issue 45, 1886) Aryeh Leib Rubinstein, deputy government appointed rabbi
During such times when the wellsprings of livelihood have been closed and the ways of business are mournful, and people eat the flesh of their arms, the people of Slutsk are not satisfied with one cantor who has served in his position for a long period. They added a new cantor who made the rounds to cities and towns, and also came to our city during his travels. The cantor arrived, caused confusion in the entire city, and fomented great, deep hatred between fathers and sons, man and his friend, man and his wife. Now, there is only discord and dispute. Curses and castigation are heard in the outskirts of the city of Slutsk, and the houses of prayer have been turned into houses of revelry. Not one prayer services completes without the arrival of the city minister with officials who are close with him to quiet the commotion and noise rising from there. – – – The abandon and disturbance in the local hospital is great. Tens of lads with no purpose wander through the outskirts of the city, with no place of refuge or study. I cannot hold back my words, and I call out: Stop the discord. Leave the cantors, and concern yourselves with your sick and poor people! Direct your hearts to effective, honorable matters.
(Hayom, issue 416, 5 Tammuz 5646 [1886]) Ish Pinsk
Fires
On the bitter day of Tisha B'Av, the harsh, directed hand reached out to smite us with all sorts of beatings in ancient days and during various times. For the day has almost passed, the source of our eyelids have almost been sealed in the memory of the burning of our Holy Temple – – – And behold, a voice called out to struggle with fire. Our ears rang from the noise of the drums, the sound of the bells, and the screaming outside: Come and save yourselves, for fire has been cast upon our dwellings. The Jews, weary from their fast and their agony on this day of mourning, rose from their beds without energy to go to the place of the fire. But woe! The fire had taken hold of the four corners of the shops, and a pillar of fire and cloud of smoke were ascending skyward. The fire consumed two rows of shops, approximately eighty in number. Fifty houses also went up in flames. The fire consumed from the first hour until the third hour. – – – The great, vast damage cost up to 150,000 rubles. – – – One Jewish soul also went up in flames, a seven-year-old boy. – – – The name of the Cossack fire chief Artemi Andreievich Astachov should be remembered positively, for he gathered his army to fight against the terrible fire.
MTz'K Ish Vilna
(Hakarmel, issue 5, 19 Av 5622, 1862)
On Tammuz 2 – – – Last Tuesday, the fire went forth (the reason is unknown) and consumed approximately a thousand houses in our city. The flame went forth at 3:00 p.m. and the city was destroyed within three hours. The Great Synagogue, built like a citadel, the large Beis Midrash, the Kloiz, the Beis Midrash of the late wealthy Tzadik Reb Yona of blessed memory, the Beis Midrash Racha'g of the wealthy rabbi Sh. Simchovich, the house of the rabbi, the hospital, and eight other houses of worship were also destroyed. Several people were burnt by the fire, may G-d save us. Several Torah scrolls and books of the prophets, and books on the oral Torah of great value were also burnt. Most of the victims of the fire had their property wiped out, and they have no bread to eat or clothing to cover their nakedness. Prominent householders, strong leaders with their wives and children all fed to the field, where they spent the night, sated with wandering, in weeping and wailing. The voice of the children of the holy flock ascended Heavenward, may G-d have mercy. – I was among them as well. Several sick people and women who had just given birth with their babies were carried out to the field on their beds. – – – Few in number had their houses insured by the insurance company. – – – On the second night, there was nobody in the fields, for the merciful ones the children of the merciful took the unfortunate people into their houses. Nobody said that they had no room.
Many gave of their meals to the guests who they had taken into their house. The honorable people of the city distributed bread, pulse, and potatoes. Food was brought in daily from our Jewish brethren as well as the Christians villagers from the nearby towns. Kasinov, the governor from Minsk, promised to stand to the right of the unfortunate ones. The mighty, merciful Czar sent his donation of 5,000 rubles for bread for the poor of our city. Potoposh20, the governor of Vilna, sent 1,000 rubles. Now my honorable sirs, my brothers, friends, and masters, honorable wealthy people in the city, as you dwell in your closed off houses, just as you sheltered your brethren to this point, shelter your brethren today as well. – – – You as well, the exceptional wealthy people of the world, Simchovich and Isserlin, do not abandon your unfortunate brethren. As well, the praiseworthy brothers of the Simchovich family of Mohilov and the wealthy Friedland citizens of Dynaburg21, do not forget the natives of this praiseworthy city. You too, shelter and have mercy on this praiseworthy city, full of Torah and fear [of G-d], grace, mercy, and charity.
(Hamagid, issue 27, 1868) Tzvi Hirsch Dinov
They brought bread from all the nearby villages. Christians brought their contributions.
The Osei Tzedaka [Doers of Charity] organization of Memel sent through the rabbi and Gaon Isserlin
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seventy-five rubles, from Bobruisk 85 rubles, from Lechevich 100 rubles, from Uzda 25 rubles, from Niesvizh 70 pod of bread, from Kletzk 45 pod of bread, from Starobin 40 pod of bread and 200 rolls of wheat flour. The wealthy man Matzkevich from Hresk sent as donation 1 ½ chechve22 of fine flour, 1 ½ chechve of groats, 40 pod of bread, and 600 challahs baked from wheat flour. The wealthy Reb Yosef Pulman from the village of Hresk donated 2 ½ chechve of flour. Twenty pod of bread were donated from Ureche, 20 pod of bread from Vizhne, and fifteen pod of bread form Hrozova.
(Hamagid, issue 37, 1868)
Wednesday, 10 Av
– – – A committee of Christians and Jews was chosen to distribute financial assistance to the unfortunate people, so that they do not perish from hunger. – – – A representative came from the honor of our glorious king, and brought 5,000 rubles. The distribution was concluded on Wednesday, 11 Tammuz. The Ispravnik [district official] Labonzov and the judge Lisovich, and the honorable people from amongst our brethren: Tzvi David Travon, Reb Moshe Moshelov, Reb Shmuel Migdael, Reb Tzvi Hillel Bezborodkin, Reb David Kosovski, Reb Matityahu Grajovski all distributed [aid] in a pleasant and understanding manner.
There were approximately ten Christians from amongst those who were burnt. – – – By Friday, a sum of 3,260 rubles had been distributed. A mass meeting in honor of the high-level guests was arranged in the Beis Midrash on Vilna Street, as they were planning to leave the city.
The government rabbi M. Lipman opened with strong words, and words of Torah. – – – Following him, the great musician Betzalel Landau, faithful to the house of the rabbi and Gaon Rabbi Isser Isserlin, along with his choir of singers, sang Hanoten Teshua23, and Kel Melech Netzor24. – – – The lord Kovelin also spoke and promised to intercede before his glorious kingship for immediate assistance. The city notables presented him with a letter of thanks with their signature.
(Hamagid, issue 37, 1868)
As is known, a large, terrible fire broke out in our city four years ago and consumed half of the city. Many houses of worship and dwelling places of Jacob went up in flames at that time. Throughout these four years, the ruins have already been rebuilt, and all the houses of worship have risen from their ruins. The Great, splendid synagogue was built in a lofty manner, and is known in a praiseworthy fashion throughout our entire area. The fire had afflicted it and caused ruin inside. Only the stone walls remained, casting a pall. To this point, more than 3,000 rubles have been spent on its restoration after the fire. However, darkness still covers its walls, for the plaster fell off of them during the fire, and the stones are also covered in soot.
This summer, G-d moved the heart of a certain person (who is anonymous), from among the notables of our community, to give 150 rubles to began to plaster the walls from the inside. Several others were aroused to donate approximately 300 rubles, so that the work could be completed. To add glory and splendor, they made a fence around the holy ark, not the work of an artisan: two square pillars on each side, with a sort of dome on top in a decorative fashion. When all this work was finished, they made efforts to arrange a dedication celebration with musicians and instruments. May G-d reward the upright individuals who made efforts in the renovation of the building.
(Hameilitz, 1872, 563325) Yitzchak Yaakov Horabein
In response to the appeal for help in Hameilitz issue 32 for those afflicted by the fire in our city, Dr. Rilf of Memel and the lofty wealthy man, renown in most of our Diaspora, Mr. Yehoshua Ceitlin of Moscow, were aroused. The former sent us 200 rubles, and the latter 60 rubles, over and above the 18 rubles sent to one of those afflicted by the fire. Even though twenty years have elapsed since Mr. Ceitlin moved out of our city, he does not forget it, and he is available for it without being asked. Aside from this, he has set for himself a firm rule to send a donation for distribution to the poor of our city before all the festivals. Last Passover, he sent 40 rubles to the Maos Chittin fund, and 50 rubles for the poor of our city. It is our hope that he will not avert his eyes from the poor of our city in days to come.
We the undersigned offer our gratitude and blessings in the name of our entire community to these chief benefactors of ours. May it be the will of our Father In Heaven to raise their profiles in honor, and grant them from His bountiful blessings. May the blessings of those who depend on them come along with the blessings of the members of the committee:
Elazar the son of Rabbi Michael of blessed memory Rabinovich
Chaim Yavorav, Tzvi Hirsch Ofos
(Hameilitz, issue 48, 1881)
The hand of G-d came upon our unfortunate city. On Sunday night, 4 Av, fire broke out in one of the houses, and within moments, approximately forty houses were burnt. Among them was one Beis Midrash built as a fortress, and twenty-five shops. Due to the fear of the night, our brethren were unable to save all of their toil, and their merchandise also went up in flames. They were only able to save themselves. On Monday, one child was found burnt, with his bones dried up. The screams of the unfortunate people were very great, for the fire spread throughout almost the entire area of Jewish settlement. Their many needs cannot be filled by donations of people from our city. Therefore, our eyes are turned toward the philanthropists of the nation, the pillars of charity, who join in the difficulties of our people, that they shall have mercy and pity, to hep us with their donations. Even the good benefactor, Rabbi Dr. Rilf, shall please help us with the righteousness of his heart.
All donations should please be sent to the address of the local rabbi and Gaon, Rabbi Meir Peimer.
(Hameilitz, issue 32, 1881) The writer: M. Polyak
The writer in Hamelitz 32 made us into a laughingstock through his request for assistance for those in our city afflicted by the fire, for they never thought of this, and it would be disgraceful for most of them to ask for help. They succeeded in salvaging everything that was in their houses, and for the poor (few in number) who need to call for help, the donations from the philanthropists of our city will be sufficient.
Yehoshua Grynberg
We will repeat once again that, from this time, we will not publish such announcements unless they come with the signature of the rabbi or heads of the community.
(Hameilitz, issue 35, 1881)
On the second day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, a fire broke out in the city at noontime. Within two hours, sixty shops and twenty-two large houses, built like fortresses, became heaps of ash. The damage reached 200,000 rubles
(Hameilitz, issue 44, 5647, 1887)
[Page 31]
Mr. Moshe Mordechai Portman announces from Slutsk that the wrath of G-d fell upon all the residents of the city in the wake of the fires that have been ignited there for about the past two months by a group of traitors and wicked people. Guards and police make the rounds throughout the day and night, and even the householders do not let themselves fall asleep at night. The rabbi and the city notables have also met together to deliberate about how to stop this evil. They decided to issue a strong “ban,” the likes of which have not been heard in the city for many years. They did so. The shamash proclaimed the ban in a loud voice. It is written in Kol Bo. All those who heard this were afraid and vexed from this.
(Hameilitz, issue 148, 5648, 1887)
The Czar's Birthday Celebrations
We have heard about the celebrations of His Majesty the Czar. There too, they people gathered for prayer in the synagogue. Ministers and army officials, headed by the Cossack army chief Master Astachov, and the city officer also came to hear how the Children of Israel were praying for the welfare of their king. The synagogue was enveloped with holy splendor. The renowned cantor Reb Nissan of Shklov recited the prayer Hanoten Teshua Lamelachim [23] and sang the song Elyon Melech Shamor. Following the services, the heads of the community presented the chief Cossack official with a letter of allegiance in the name of the Czar. When the letter was presented, the entire gathering shouted out the accolades of the Czar. That day, they also made a feast for all the military personnel, numbering about 1,100, who were camped in the city to protect it. The military officers greeted the people and acknowledged their allegiance and kindness.
(From the writings of Dr. E. L. Steinberg)
(Hakarmel, issue 5, Tishrei 5624, 1864)
On February 19, the city notable went to General Nikolai Alexandrovich, and the brigade chief Varanovsky to greet them with the joy of that day. They requested that they, with all the officials standing alongside them, come to the Great Synagogue in the evening to hear the song and prayer that the Children of Israel will recite for the welfare of the Czar and his royal family. The officer should greet them in joy, and say good, comforting words to them, for the heart of the Czar is positively inclined to the Jews. – – –
The day passed, and all the residents of the city lit their candles and illuminated the night. The light from the Great Synagogue shone afar, and masses streamed to the building. Two leaders of the community, the great, wise Rabbi Shmuel Simchovich, and his brother-in-law, the wise, philanthropist Rabbi Yehoshua Isser Isserlin, stood at the door to greet the minister, along with his entourage and officials. All the chiefs of the city officials, judges, leaders, high school officials and teachers came along with them. They sat in honorary seats around the table that was placed for them between the bima and the Holy Ark, near the great, elderly, rabbi and Gaon, Rabbi Yosef Behmer. A band of musicians playing their instruments greeted them as they entered. After that, the cantor recited the Hanoten Teshua prayer. At the end of the prayers and the song, the general drank a toast for the welfare of the Czar. – – –
Menachem Tzvi Kolkes
(Hakarmel, issue 27, 10 Adar II, 5621, 1861)
The Jewish community of Slutsk celebrated its joyous festival on April 17. Everyone gathered in the Great Synagogue, wearing festive clothes. Even all the military and city leaders gathered there. The cantor and his choir of singers recited the prayer for the government, accompanied by musicians. Twelve school students sang the popular song Kel Melech Netzor in Russian. A cup of salvation was raised for the life of our noble master.
(Hakarmel, issue 5, 10 Sivan, 5626, 1866)
Menachem Kolkes
The teacher and Maskil Reb Menachem Tzvi Kolkes announces that when the news came of the salvation of Czar Alexander II on the Sabbath of the eve of Shavuot in the afternoon, the wealthy, wise rabbi, Rabbi Shmuel Simchovich, may his light shine, arose along with the rabbi of the Maskil community Lipman and commanded that this great salvation be announced to all the people of the city. Masses streamed to the Great Synagogue at Mincha time. Chief of the army and ministers came to the prayer. Reb Betzalel Landau, the cantor of the synagogue of the wealthy philanthropist Reb Isser Isserlin, and his choir, sang Kel Melech Netzor in Russian. The next day, the first day of Shavuot, the heads of the community distributed loaves of bread and liquor to all the soldiers in the courtyard of the Russian house of worship.
(Hakarmel, issue 44, 9 Tammuz, 5627, 1867)
Miscellaneous
Chaya, the daughter of Reb Yitzchak of Slutsk, is seeking her husband after he had already been gone for nine years. His name is Mordechai the son of Reb Pinchas of Kletzk. He had lived for many years in Slutsk. His is of average height, dark haired, with a full beard, and heavy. His left thumb is missing two sections, with only the bottom section, closest to the hand, remaining. He is hard of speech, and his eyes are soft. Let our Jewish brethren pay attention, for perhaps he can be captured and returned to his abandoned wife.
(Hakarmel, issue 31, 28 Shvat 5621, 1861)
A terrible accident took place in the district of Slutsk on 27 January 1861. A wild wolf emerged from its den and started to inflict damage. It forged a path for its wrath through Kapolya. At a distance of two verst from there, it killed a Jewish man who was passing by, Reb Yosef Eliyahu of Kapolya. From there, the wolf went to the yard of the guard of the forest of Count Wittgenstein. It hit and injured a person. The guards shot at it, but missed their mark. The wolf broke through to the village of Evanelevich, owned by the Lord Reitman, where it tore apart and trampled thirty-five male farmers, and 203 women. The wolf later attacked a brave person. When the wolf opened its mouth to tear him apart, the man placed his left hand into the throat of the wolf, and pushed it against the wall, while strangling it with his right hand. The man shouted out for help. – – – A soldier came to the rescue. He hit the wolf with an axe and chopped it into pieces. Sixty people were killed by the wolf, including one Jew.
From the report of the police chief Zdroviechki on January 29, 1861.
Menachem Tzvi the son of Reb Shmuel Kolkes of Vilna
(Hakarmel, issue 34, 19 Adar 5621, 1861)
[Page 32]
I have seen in the first issue of Hakarmel of this year that the rabbi and Gaon Rabbi Yosef, may he live, the head of the rabbinical court of our city, has been chosen by the community of Minsk to be the head of the rabbinical court. Therefore, I inform the community that this rabbi and Gaon has lived in our city for 34 years, and we know how to appreciate this high honor. We too were honored through his honor. He responded immediately to the letter of appointment sent by the community of Minsk. I inform the public so that we an remove the disgrace that we did not know how to appreciate the preciousness of the rabbi and Gaon, may he live.
Reuven the son of Avraham Maharshak
(Hakarmel, issue 8, Elul 5622, 1862)
My heart rejoices to announce that the wise, wealthy, philanthropic sage, who rejoices to do righteousness and all times, Rabbi Yehoshua Isserlin, may his light shine, has been raised to the ranks of an honorable citizen in his generation. This honor is fitting for him and his family. Our brethren the children of Israel, raise your hearts in joy to hear that from time to time, the good government continues to grant honor and strength to our honorable brethren in all places that they live.
Menachem Tzvi Kolkes
(Hakarmel, issue 27, II Adar, 5624, 1864)
On Friday night, thieves and murderers attacked the hotel in the center of the city and murdered the hotel owner, Yaakov Moshe, his wife, their daughter, and also a guest who was staying with them for the Sabbath. After they pillaged those four people, they set the building on fire. Within an hour, it turned into a ruin. Of the burnt bodies, only the head of the hotel owner was found.
(Hameilitz, issue 19 1878)
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The government rabbi in our city and region from 1860 to now, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Shapira, was honored with a gold medal that he could place on his neck with the Stanislav ribbon for his faithful work and for his lessons in faith that he teaches to Jewish children in the local Gymnasia.
(Hameilitz, issue 35, 1883) Eliyahu Rubinstein, deputy government rabbi of Slutsk
Yehoshua Karlin announces from Slutsk that the society formed there in memory of Moshe T'L continues to strengthen. The local rabbi and Gaon has also signed up to it, leading many of the mighty ones of the city to do so as well. The number of members is currently more than 400 (may they grow). They all gather together once a month to deliberate together and to strengthen each other in the holy work.
(Hameilitz, issue 7, 1885, 5645)
Workers have excavated near the house of B. Z. and found a chest with silver coins (some say gold) that were buried there four hundred years ago.
(Hameilitz 5647, 1887)
On the first day of Passover, an elderly Jew died at the age of 110. His 93-year-old wife died on the second day. They were healthy and strong. Every day before the festival, the old man helped his son in his store. Only when he was returning from the synagogue on the first day of Passover, he tripped on a stone and was seriously injured. He died in the morning. His wife fainted from excessive weeping, and became ill. She died as well on the second day of the festival.
(Hayehudi, London, issue 15, 5670, 1909)
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