Rabbi Shlomo of Zvhil: A Life of Sacred Acts

1. Rabbi Shlomo (Goldman) of Zvhil was the fourth Rebbe of the Zvhil Hasidic dynasty and the founder of the Zvhil community in Israel. He was a great-grandson of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotshov, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.

2. He was born in the year 1870. From a young age, he was blessed with divine inspiration but concealed it out of modesty, presenting himself with simplicity and humility. At 31, he began to serve as the fourth Rebbe of the Zvhil dynasty.

3. For most of his life, he fasted frequently, sometimes up to three consecutive days. He became renowned as a holy man capable of bringing about miracles. People from all walks of life, including non-Jews, sought his advice, and even the Bolshevik government respected him.

4. He firmly upheld the observance of the Torah and commandments in the city of Zvhil. Even when the authorities forbade Torah study and threatened exile to Siberia for spreading it, he continued to teach Torah secretly in a basement under his home, offering shelter to orphans.

5. Due to religious persecution, Rabbi Shlomo decided to emigrate to Israel, residing in Jerusalem without revealing his identity. After three years of discreet study, a tourist from Zvhil recognized him and revealed his identity to others. From then on, Rabbi Shlomo resumed his role as Rebbe.

6. His conduct was measured and deliberate: he ate sparingly, was meticulous about the kosher status of his food, often surviving on leftover bread and onions, spoke little, and moved with a bowed head. He took a short nap daily and rose at midnight for "Tikkun Chatzot" to study eight pages of the Talmud with Rashi's commentary.

7. There was no lock on his door, and he received visitors at any time, offering advice and blessings. His compassionate heart often led him to tears over others’ suffering. If someone found it challenging to fast for a blessing, he would fast on their behalf.

8. He was particular about ritual immersion, which he called "settling," for the peace of mind it granted him. While in the mikveh, he answered questions asked of him. Upon leaving, he immediately covered his head and refrained from drying off the leftover purifying water.

9. Every Friday and the eve of a new month, he recited the entire Book of Psalms. If interrupted, he would start again from the beginning.

10. Despite the poverty in his home, he avoided asking for help and often declined money sent to him from abroad. Most of his charitable acts were done discreetly; he funded a kolel where 60 scholars studied, unbeknownst to them that he supported it financially. Additionally, he worked to support an institution for children, save children from missionary activity, help brides marry, distribute challah and Shabbat needs to the needy, and regularly sent money to the poor and widows.

11. His compassionate heart extended to animals, even mice. He justified this by quoting that even Hashem has "compassion over all His creations." He also believed that showing mercy to animals evokes divine mercy above.

His legacy continued through his son, Rabbi Gedalia Moshe of Zvhil, who is buried in Shiekh Bader in Jerusalem's government complex. It is a known and tested practice to visit Rabbi Gedalia Moshe's grave three consecutive times: Monday, Thursday, and Monday, to request from Hashem in the merit of the righteous. Click here for full details on the famous practice.

May his merit protect us all.