Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin: His Life, Miracles, and Heroic Martyrdom

Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin lived in Russia and was martyred al kiddush Hashem over two hundred years ago. He was holy both in his life and in his death.

The 22nd of Tammuz, is his yahrzeit (anniversary of passing). Many tzaddikim spoke about the greatness of this day, saying that one who prays today merits great salvations.

Praying on this spiritually auspicious day, while invoking the merit of the tzaddik Rabbi Shlomo ben Yuta, is considered to carry tremendous spiritual power.

Miracles and Wonders Attributed to Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin

A Blessing for Children

It is told that a Lubavitch chassid who had remained childless for many years came to Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin for a blessing. He received the blessing — and indeed was answered. When he later told the story to his own Rebbe, the Baal HaTanya, the Rebbe responded: “This is well-known among us: if the Karliner says that even a stone will bear children — then it will.”

A Miracle in the Mikveh

Another famous story tells of young men in Brisk who attempted to heat the mikveh by pouring boiling water into it. Tragically, they did not notice a man who was inside, and he was severely burned, his skin peeling off.

Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin hurried to the mikveh, asked them to lay the injured man on a bench, and remove his clothing. The burns were terrible.

Rabbi Shlomo then placed his holy hands on the man's body, passing them over every wounded area. Wherever his hand passed, the skin healed instantly and returned to its original state.
He did this over the man’s entire body, and the young man stood up, dressed, and walked home as if nothing had happened.

His Martyrdom: Killed During Prayer

Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin was murdered while standing in prayer.

The sefer Shema Shlomo quotes the Kozhnitzer Maggid describing his final moments: “Rabbi Shlomo was wrapped in his tallis, at the peak of ‘Keter,’ immersed in wondrous deveikus. He saw and heard nothing of this world. He was proclaiming Hashem’s sovereignty aloud: ‘Yours, Hashem, is the greatness and the strength… for Yours is the kingdom.’”

At that moment, a Russian soldier — identified as a wicked Cossack named Ermilus, aimed his rifle at the holy Rebbe through the window.

The Rebbe’s young grandson, frightened, tugged at his tallis.
This movement broke Rabbi Shlomo’s deep spiritual concentration for a brief instant — just long enough for the soldier to fire.

Rabbi Shlomo was struck and gravely wounded. Five days later, on the 22nd of Tammuz, he passed away from his injuries.

May his merit protect us.