As the daf yomi cycle finishes shabbos I recall what Rav Yosef Ginzbergv said to me last time we finished - I can't wait to finish shas, because when I learn it again it'll be a second time
7 Av: R'Shalom Noach Brazovsky, the Slonimer Rebbe of Yerushalayim (1911-2000). He worked diligently to re-establish Slonimer Chassidus from its small remnants after WWII. Author of foundational & popular Sefer Nesivos Shalom. He also published many original Slonimer manuscripts.
5 Av: R'Yitzchak Luria Ashkenazi, the Arizal (1534-72). The Ari HaKadosh revolutionized Kabbala study & is regarded as one of the most important mekubalim in history. Author - Eitz Chaim, Sha'ar Hakavanos etc.
1 Av: Aharon HaKohen (1272 BCE). The first Kohen Gadol & the quintessential "Ohev Shalom, V'rodef Shalom" is the only @Yahrtzeits explicitly mentioned in the Torah (Bamidbar 33:38).
15 Tamuz: R'Chaim ben Atar, the Or HaChaim Hakadosh (1696-1743). Author of Or HaChaim Al HaTorah, a treasured & revered work on Chumash. Also authored Chafeitz Hashem, Pri Tahor, Rishon L'Tzion. His kever is on Har Hazeisim in Yerushalayim.
“Out of the billions of people walking this planet it is only the chosen few that have the zechus to be avdai Hashem“ ~ Rav Asher Weiss
https://t.co/xZXGg4wEVc
6 Sivan: R'Yisrael Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760). The Besht was the founder of Chassidus & a healer who cared for all. Emphasized serving Hashem with love, passion & dveikus.
3 Sivan: R'Ovadia Bartenura (1440-1516). Rav in Bartinura, Italy. Known for his fundimental & illuminating Pirush on the Mishnah. In his later years, he rejuvenated the Jewish community of Yerushalayim & became recognised as the spiritual leader of the Jews of his generation.