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Do You Know HaGaon HaRav Abramsky? His Incredible Journey Is a Must-Read
Discover the remarkable journey of Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky, from his early years in Belarus to becoming one of Judaism's most influential scholars and leaders of the 20th century.
As the Jewish community marks 24 Elul, we remember the yurtzait (death anniversary) of one of the 20th century's most towering Torah giants, HaGaon HaRav Yechezkel Abramsky zt”l, who passed away on this day in 1976. His life, a testament to unwavering faith and prodigious scholarship, spanned a turbulent century and left an indelible mark on Jewish communities from Eastern Europe to Israel.
Born in Belarus in 1886, Rav Abramsky's intellectual prowess was evident early on. He immersed himself in Torah, learning under luminaries such as Harav Chaim Soloveitchik, and quickly became known for his masterful command of the entire Talmud and its commentaries. This brilliance culminated in his magnum opus, Chazon Yechezkel, a groundbreaking commentary on the Tosfot that remains a cornerstone of Torah study worldwide.
Yet, his journey was not without immense personal struggle. During the oppressive Soviet era, he was arrested and exiled for his steadfast commitment to Jewish law and tradition. In the face of brutal conditions, Rav Abramsky's spiritual resolve never wavered; he famously continued his learning, demonstrating a profound Emunah (faith) that inspired those around him.
Upon his release, Rav Abramsky's influence reached a new continent. He was appointed as the Chief Dayan (head judge) of the London Beit Din (rabbinical court), where he helped rebuild and fortify the spiritual infrastructure of British Jewry. His wisdom and warmth made him a beloved leader, and his authoritative rulings helped shape a new generation of observant Jews in England.
In his final years, he fulfilled a lifelong dream, settling in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). There, he was revered as one of the Gedolei Hador (greatest leaders of the generation), continuing to share his deep insights into Torah and mussar (ethical teachings). His passing in Jerusalem on 24 Elul 5736 (September 19, 1976) was met with a monumental outpouring of grief. Over 40,000 people attended his funeral, one of the largest the city had ever seen, as he was laid to rest on Har HaMenuchos.