This Day in History: Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne was born in the early 18th century, though the exact date remains unknown. At the start of his life, he served as a rabbi and head of the rabbinical court (Av Beit Din) in southern Poland. Later, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef was influenced by Rabbi Yehuda Leib ben Rabbi Yechiel Michel, the supervisor of Polonne, to draw closer to the Baal Shem Tov and eventually became a Hasidic follower, a decision that cost him his position. After the passing of the Preacher of Polonne, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef transitioned to serve as the rabbi and head of the rabbinical court in Polonne.

As one of the early disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne was not chosen to be his successor. Following the Baal Shem Tov's death, the Maggid of Mezritch took his place, yet Rabbi Yaakov Yosef continued to spread Hasidism. His work, "Toldot Yaakov Yosef," became the first Hasidic book to be published.

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne's approach included the leadership model established by the Baal Shem Tov. According to his teachings, a Hasid should adhere closely to their rabbi and support him both socially and economically, enabling the rabbi to elevate his followers spiritually. In his writings, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef introduced several changes to the concept of devotion, which were among the factors that transformed Hasidism into a popular, global movement.

On the 24th of Tishrei, 5542 (1781), Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne passed away. May his merit protect us.