Today in History: The Passing of the "Magen Avraham"
Today, the 3rd of Tishrei, marks 337 years since the passing of Rabbi Avraham Abele Gombiner, author of "Magen Avraham."
- דבי רייכמן
- פורסם ג' תשרי התש"פ
Rabbi Avraham Abele HaLevi Gombiner, author of "Magen Avraham." #VALUE!
The "Magen Avraham" commentary on the Shulchan Aruch is one of the most central, well-known, and widely used works for studying Jewish law. Over the centuries, it has gained immense respect among scholars, with the opinions of "Magen Avraham" often prevailing in cases of disagreement with "Baal HaTurim" or "Olas Tamid."
Nevertheless, the author of "Magen Avraham," Rabbi Avraham Abele HaLevi Gombiner, did not wish for his name to appear in the book, and was hardly recognized during his lifetime, due to his humility. His son, Rabbi Chaim, published the book several years after his passing, which is when his name became known.
Rabbi Avraham Abele HaLevi Gombiner lived in the city of Kalisz, Poland. Initially, he studied with young disciples, but as his greatness became known, he received a position as the head of a yeshiva and a judge in the rabbinical court of Rabbi Yisrael Shapiro. However, this position was relatively minor, as he did not want to take anyone's place. He ran a small yeshiva and spent most of his days engaged in Torah study.
On the 3rd of Tishrei, 5443 (1682), the author of "Magen Avraham" returned his soul to its maker. May his merit protect us.
