1. The Yahrzeit of Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky
The 23rd day of Elul, in the year 5697 (1937), marks the yahrzeit of Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky, the Rebbe's maternal grandfather. He was recognized as a great genius, both in the revealed parts of Torah and in Chassidus—the inner teachings of Torah. His leadership and scholarship left a lasting impression on his family and community.
After the passing of his predecessor as rav—chief rabbi—of Nikolayev, Rabbi Meir Shlomo was appointed to succeed him, in accordance with a special instruction designating him for the position. Nikolayev at that time was a vibrant Jewish city, and the position carried significant responsibility.
The Rebbe honored his grandfather's memory by reciting Kaddish on the 23rd of Elul each year. The Rebbe often mentioned that he was likely the only surviving relative to do so, underscoring their close bond.
2. The Rebbe's Memories of His Grandfather
The Rebbe frequently spoke about his grandfather, sharing memories from his youth when he would spend summers with his mother in Nikolayev. These visits left a deep impression on the Rebbe, who recounted stories and lessons from those times throughout his life.
The Rebbe related that after Rabbi Meir Shlomo's wedding, he became part of a group known as the yoshvim—those who "sit" and study Torah after marriage. In those days, before organized kollel frameworks as we know them today, newly married men would travel to be near great Rebbes and devote their time to learning Torah in their presence. In Yiddish they were called zitzers, emphasizing their commitment to ongoing study even after marriage.
3. The Yoshvim Before the Modern Kollel
Kollel today refers to married men who continue full-time Torah study for several years after marriage. In earlier generations there was no formal structure for this. Instead, groups like the yoshvim would gather around prominent Rebbes to learn together for extended periods.
Rabbi Meir Shlomo spent such a period with the Rebbe Maharash, the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, youngest son of the Tzemach Tzedek and great-grandson of the Alter Rebbe. The atmosphere of the Rebbe's court deeply influenced all who took part in it.
4. The Wealth and Conduct of the Rebbe Maharash
The Rebbe Maharash was known for conducting himself with extraordinary wealth and dignity. Everything in his home reflected this: gold utensils, two golden pocket watches (one on each side), golden pipes and cigarette holders, gold snuffboxes, a carriage adorned with gold, luxurious garments, and even a walking stick topped with gold.
When Rabbi Meir Shlomo returned to Nikolayev and described this lifestyle, someone asked why such extravagance was necessary—wouldn't it be better for a Rebbe to live simply and give more to tzedakah? Rabbi Meir Shlomo responded emphatically: "Pesi!" (פתי)—simpleton! He explained that gold was not created merely for ordinary use but for holy purposes, and is therefore fitting for tzaddikim. This echoes the teaching of Chazal that gold was created primarily for use in holiness, such as in the Mishkan, and by extension is fitting for true spiritual leaders.
5. The Dual Role: Aloofness and Community Leadership
The Rebbe once explained at length the significance of his grandfather's name, Meir Shlomo. He described how Rabbi Meir Shlomo embodied both an exalted spiritual stature—somewhat removed from worldly matters because of his deep intellectual pursuits—and practical involvement as a communal leader in Nikolayev.
This meant that while he maintained an elevated spiritual state (as one who had sat among the great scholars at the court of the Rebbe Maharash), he also dealt directly with people—offering halachic rulings and business advice, and dealing with the government authorities on behalf of his community. For Rabbi Meir Shlomo there was no contradiction between these roles; his spiritual greatness infused all his communal work.
6. Stories of His Character and Livelihood
The Rebbe shared stories showing his grandfather's character, especially regarding parnassah—livelihood. In those days rabbis did not receive large salaries; they often supplemented their income by other means, such as selling esrogim for Sukkos.
The Rebbe recalled how families would traditionally buy their esrog from their rabbi without question—whatever esrog he gave became theirs for Yom Tov. Despite relying on this income, Rabbi Meir Shlomo showed remarkable honesty: when someone chose an esrog they liked, he would point out any flaws or spots rather than simply making the sale. This integrity reflected both humility and genuine care for others' mitzvah observance over personal gain.
7. Legacy and Significance of His Yahrzeit
The yahrzeit of Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky is thus not only a day of personal loss but also a celebration of an enduring legacy in Chabad history—a legacy of scholarship, leadership, humility, honesty, and a deep connection between generations.
The Rebbe's fond memories and his Kaddish on this day remind us to cherish such figures, whose lives exemplify both spiritual elevation and practical dedication to their communities.
Notes
Rebbetzin Chana – his daughter, the Rebbe's mother. See 6 Tishrei – her yahrtzeit and 28 Teves – her birth.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson – his son-in-law, the Rebbe's father. See 20 Menachem Av – his yahrzeit.
The Rebbe Maharash – see 13 Tishrei – his yahrtzeit and 2 Iyar – his birthday.
The Rebbe – see 11 Nissan – his birthday.