1. The Yahrzeit of Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky
The 23rd day of Elul, in the year תרצ"ז (5697 — 1937), marks the yahrzeit—anniversary of passing—of Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky. He was a renowned scholar and the maternal grandfather of the Rebbe. Rabbi Meir Shlomo was recognized as a great genius, both in the revealed aspects 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 Nikolaev, Rabbi Meir Shlomo was appointed to succeed him, in accordance with a special instruction designating him for the position. Nikolaev at that time was a vibrant Jewish city, and the position carried significant responsibility.
The Rebbe would honor his grandfather’s memory by reciting Kaddish—the mourner’s prayer—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 familial bond.
2. The Rebbe’s Memories and Relationship with His Grandfather
The Rebbe frequently spoke about his grandfather, sharing memories from his youth when he would spend summers with his mother in Nikolaev. These visits left a deep impression on the Rebbe, who would later recount stories and lessons learned during 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 existed as we know them today, newly married men would travel to be near great rabbis and dedicate time to learning Torah in their presence. These individuals were also called “zitzers” in Yiddish, emphasizing their commitment to ongoing study even after marriage.
3. The Tradition of Yeshvim Before Modern Kollel
The concept of kollel today refers to married men who continue full-time Torah study for several years post-marriage. However, in earlier generations there wasn’t a formal structure for this practice. Instead, groups like the yoshvim would gather around prominent rabbis to learn together for extended periods.
This tradition is exemplified by Rabbi Meir Shlomo’s time spent with the Rebbe Maharash (the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe), who himself was the youngest son of the Tzemach Tzedek (the third Lubavitcher Rebbe) and grandson of the Alter Rebbe (founder of Chabad). The environment fostered by these leaders deeply influenced those who participated 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: utensils made from gold, two golden pocket watches (one for each side), golden pipes and cigarette holders, gold snuffboxes for tobacco, a carriage adorned with gold, luxurious garments, and even a walking stick topped with gold.
When Rabbi Meir Shlomo returned to Nikolaev after staying with the Rebbe Maharash and described this opulent lifestyle, someone questioned why such extravagance was necessary. Wouldn’t it be better for a rabbi to live simply and give more money to tzedakah—charity? Rabbi Meir Shlomo responded emphatically: “Pesi!”—pesi (פתי), a term for a simpleton. He explained that gold was not created merely for ordinary use but for holy purposes, and is therefore fitting for tzaddikim. This echoes teachings from Chazal that gold was created primarily for use in holy contexts such as the Mishkan—Sanctuary—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 behind his grandfather’s name: Meir Shlomo. He described how Rabbi Meir Shlomo embodied both an exalted spiritual stature—being somewhat removed from worldly matters due to his deep intellectual pursuits—and practical involvement as a communal leader in Nikolaev.
This duality meant that while he maintained an elevated spiritual state (as one who sat among great scholars at the court of the Rebbe Maharash), he also engaged directly with people—offering halachic rulings, business advice, and dealing with governmental authorities on behalf of his community. For Rabbi Meir Shlomo there was no contradiction between these roles; rather, his spiritual greatness infused all aspects of his communal work.
6. Stories Illustrating His Character and Livelihood
The Rebbe shared anecdotes highlighting his grandfather’s unique character traits—especially regarding livelihood (parnassah). In those days rabbis did not receive large salaries; instead they often supplemented their income through various means such as selling esrogim—citrons used on Sukkot.
The Rebbe recalled how families would traditionally buy their esrog from their rabbi without question—whatever esrog was given became theirs for Yom Tov. Despite relying on this income stream, Rabbi Meir Shlomo demonstrated remarkable honesty: when someone came to purchase an esrog and selected one they liked, he would point out any flaws or spots rather than simply making a 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 marking personal loss but also one celebrating an enduring legacy within Chabad history—a legacy characterized by scholarship, leadership, humility, honesty, and deep connection between generations.
The Rebbe’s fond memories and continued observance of Kaddish on this day serve as reminders to cherish such figures whose lives exemplify both spiritual elevation and practical dedication to their communities.