The Remarkable Legacy of 'Imrei Noam' zt”l

His Beginnings

Rabbi Meir of Dzhikov zt”l was born in 1819 to his father Rabbi Eliezer of Dzhikov zt”l. In his youth, he had the privilege of learning from his grandfather Rabbi Naftali Zvi of Ropshitz, as well as gaining insights from his uncle Rabbi Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz and Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Rimanov zt”l. His grandfather fondly referred to him as "my genius" even when he was young. His saintly father appointed him as the head of the court in Dzhikov. His reputation spread far, and Torah scholars sought his advice on Halacha, some of which were later compiled in the Responsa "Imrei Noam". In 1861, he succeeded his father in leading the community, attracting many followers who were drawn to his wisdom. He became the father-in-law of the revered 'Ahavat Yisrael' rabbi zt”l. In 1877, his health declined, prompting him to travel to the spa town of Karlsbad, where he passed away on the 8th of Tammuz. His remains were brought back to Dzhikov for burial. He left behind his Torah teachings documented in the holy book "Imrei Noam" on the Torah and festivals.

"Holy Flames" (Bnei Brak, 2008) pg. 575

After the passing of Rabbi Eliezer of Dzhikov zt”l on the 3rd of Cheshvan, 1861, his son the "Imrei Noam" zt”l was profoundly shaken. During the first two Shabbat meals following his new role, he shared no Torah discussions at his holy table. He began sharing Torah thoughts on the third Shabbat, parshat Vayera. He interpreted the scriptural verse (Genesis 18:14) "Is anything too wondrous for Hashem? At this appointed time, I will return to you" as referring to a leader, drawing on the Talmudic expression (Sanhedrin 8a) referring to a principal leader of the generation. He explained that through appropriate connection with a sage's son, "Is anything too wondrous for Hashem..." means it can be as if the righteous person is still alive with us. That was the first Torah insight he shared.

Rabbi Yudel Horowitz of Dzhikov zt”l (Notes from the Rebbe of Toldos Avraham Yitzchak shlit”a) "Zichron Yehudah" (Jerusalem, 2003) pg. 39

Rabbi 'Imrei Noam' would often find his followers by his side even as he lay in bed, captivated by his tales and teachings. They refused to leave until he wished them "a good night." Once, during such an evening, Rabbi 'Imrei Noam' remarked: "Matya is already shaking worlds, and we are still idling here." Those present didn’t grasp his meaning initially, but it became known that a devoted chasid named Matya, upon waking in the night, would never return to sleep but instead immediately rise for his spiritual endeavors. Rabbi 'Imrei Noam' sensed Matya’s dedication, hence his comment.

Rabbi Yudel Horowitz of Dzhikov zt”l (Notes from the Rebbe of Toldos Avraham Yitzchak shlit”a) "Zichron Yehudah" (Jerusalem, 2003) pg. 42

Before traveling to Karlsbad, Rabbi 'Imrei Noam' shared, "The devout chasidim of prior times, when their rebbe required therapeutic baths, offered daily coins to charity so that the merit would protect their spiritual leader’s health, counting the coins upon his return to account for the days he spent in wellness."

Rabbi Yudel Horowitz of Dzhikov zt”l (Notes from the Rebbe of Toldos Avraham Yitzchak shlit”a) "Zichron Yehudah" (Jerusalem, 2003) pg. 42

During his final year, Rabbi 'Imrei Noam’s' health further declined. Despite his initial refusal, his household insisted he travel to Karlsbad, hoping it would aid his sacred health. Yielding to their request, he noted the responsibility he once took upon himself when advising his father similarly, admitting now he felt no one held such a promise for him. He reluctantly agreed to travel.

At Karlsbad, he learned that the king was to visit a nearby city. Eager to witness such presence, he ventured to see the king, echoing the biblical sentiment "In the light of the king’s face is life," yet his plan was thwarted twice over due to changed royal schedules. Resigned, he returned to Karlsbad.

One day in Karlsbad, during his practiced daily smoke offering, his soul ascended to the heavens, just as he lived remarking on the unity intentions during one's final moments. His son 'Ateret Yeshuah' reminded him of this spiritual practice moments before his passing, and 'Imrei Noam' confirmed his awareness.

On a Tuesday, they transported his holy remains to Dzhikov for burial. When it arrived on a Friday afternoon, there was a dilemma about delaying the interment until after Shabbat. Ultimately, the decision was made to attempt the burial before sunset. The pallbearers hastened, keeping an eye on the skies, and marvelously completed the burial just as darkness fell, a testament to the sun's respectful delay for this righteous soul.

Rabbi Yudel Horowitz of Dzhikov zt”l (Notes from the Rebbe of Toldos Avraham Yitzchak shlit”a) "Zichron Yehudah" (Jerusalem, 2003) pg. 43

My family relation, the righteous Rebbetzin Rachel Yocheved a”h, daughter of Rabbi Eliahu zt”l, related a poignant tale of her grandfather at the birth of her father. Two grandfathers, the 'Divrei Chaim' of Sanz zt”l, and 'Imrei Noam', were alive then. Although it was agreed the child would be named after Rabbi Eliezer of Dzhikov zt”l, 'Imrei Noam' chose the name 'Eliahu', citing a spiritual vision – equating "Eliezer" with "Eliahu" in mystical formation.

Rabbi Elchanan Heilperin shlit”a, Rabbi of Golders Green "Yafah Sichatan" (Brooklyn, 2004) vol. 1, pg. 29

I heard from my in-law, Rabbi Mordechai Zalman Viznitzer z”l, about the profound encounters with his father-in-law 'Ahavat Yisrael' zt”l. Despite his brief year-and-a-half stay, the invaluable teachings left a legacy that could fill ten volumes the size of "Imrei Noam." It illuminates the humble selection from his rich treasury imparted for future generations.

Rabbi Eliezer David Friedman shlit”a "Ha'geshup MiPi Sfarim Vesafrim" (Bnei Brak, 2009) pg. 29

Beyond his role as a revered rabbi, 'Imrei Noam' also served as the community leader in Dzhikov. It is told that on the eve of the Day of Atonement, before commencing 'Kol Nidrei', he addressed the congregation with words of heartfelt repentance, sharing his deep reflection "Every night my bed is drenched with tearful cries for my unworthy state, and how much more so should you repent and seek forgiveness for your actions."

His younger brother, Rabbi Moshe of Razvadov zt”l, questioned his self-critique after hearing of it. 'Imrei Noam' candidly justified his approach as necessary for the humble duty of a rabbi, tasked with urging communal introspection and change.

Rabbi Eliezer David Friedman shlit”a "Ha'geshup MiPi Sfarim Vesafrim" (Bnei Brak, 2009) pg. 29

Redemption of the Soul at the Graves of the Righteous

The righteous "Imrei Noam" zt”l advised that when one visits the graves of tzadikim, they should perform a redemption of the soul by remembering to mention the descendants of the righteous buried there.

His Eminence, the Rebbe 'Imrei Chaim' of Vizhnitz zt”l "Holy Flames" (Bnei Brak, 2008) pg. 621