Rabbi Alexander Ziskind: The Man Behind 'Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah'

Tonight and tomorrow (Tuesday), the 18th of Adar, marks the 231st yahrzeit of Rabbi Alexander Ziskind, the notable author of 'Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah.' Renowned in the 18th century, Rabbi Ziskind was an eminent rabbi, kabbalist, and exceptional tzaddik, also known by his work's title or initials: Y'susha. He passed away on the 18th of Adar, 1794.

The Vilna Gaon once remarked, "Rabbi Alexander Ziskind is as great as his book, and his book is as great as him." Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev praised his writings for entering the hearts of his readers to strengthen their reverence for Hashem. The Seer of Lublin shared that it was revealed to him from heaven how important the conduct of the tzaddik, Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah, was to Hashem, emphasizing his purity and continuous devotion.

The Essence of 'Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah'

Rabbi Alexander Ziskind's unique and acclaimed work, 'Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah,' guides individuals in daily conduct, prayer, and commandments between man and Hashem as well as interpersonal relationships. Its profound impact has remained significant since its first publication in 1782, continuing to be a foundation in spiritual practice.

In this masterpiece, the distinguished author takes us on a spiritual journey, offering step-by-step guidance from midnight awakenings to observing yearly festivals. It provides intense mental preparation, inspires fervor during prayer, and explains how one should feel while praying. It emphasizes intention and pronunciation during tefillot (prayers), illustrating points like in the Amidah: "When saying 'Our Father,' instill great joy in your heart."

Several significant themes are repeatedly explored in his book, such as "Pleasing the Creator as the principal work of man," gratitude and praise to Hashem, joy in serving Hashem, the Land of Israel, and self-sacrifice.

Pleasing the Creator: The Main Task of Man: "Certainly, a person must engrave this work of bringing satisfaction to our Creator and blessed Hashem onto their heart and never let it depart from their eyes for even a moment, for this is the primary purpose of man's creation in this world."

Thankfulness and Praise to Hashem: "I was extremely careful to give thanks and praise to the blessed Hashem for everything that befell me, whether good or bad, Heaven forbid. I would justify it with joy and offer immense gratitude, saying: 'My Creator and my Maker, you are righteous for all that happens to me, for you have acted truthfully while I have done wickedly, and I give you thanks and praise because you certainly did this for my benefit.' Everyone is obligated in this, as the Mishna states, 'A person must bless [God] for the bad just as he blesses for the good.' Hashem, the knower of secrets, testifies to my constant practice of this out of great love for Him."

Joy in Serving Hashem: "My heart constantly burned with ultimate joy, joy that is incomparable, over having such an unwavering God. After creating countless worlds, He chose me, mere flesh and blood, a mere creature of the earth, and created me through His great goodness as part of the holy nation of Israel. This enormous pride of being a servant of such a God was always in my heart."

The Land of Israel: Rabbi Alexander held a unique affection for the Land of Israel. Although he never made it there himself, he tirelessly traveled to collect funds for its residents. In his will, he wrote: "My beloved son, your passion should always be to journey to the holy land. Surely, in the path that a person wishes to tread, they will be led."

Self-Sacrifice: His book continually references the profound concept of self-sacrifice for the sake of Hashem's name and the observance of His commandments as a "unique and supreme endeavor," achievable in thought and not merely through actions, "potentially rather than tangibly."

The book is divided into twelve sections, corresponding to the gates of the Temple:

Introduction - Where the author explains the purpose of the book. Read more.

Gate 1 - The Great Gate, an extensive introduction to inflame the hearts of people towards the work of love and fear, covering matters of the heart and thought. Read more.

Gate 2 - The Night Watch Gate, which includes all night watch activities and morning blessings, up to the 'Baruch She'amar.' Read more.

Gate 3 - The Gate of Song, illustrating the intentions behind the Psalms' words.

Gate 4 - The Eastern Gate, delineating the intentions behind the Kaddish response 'Amen Yehay Shmay Raba,' the Shema, and its blessings, explaining the yichud (unification).

Gate 5 - The Offering Gate, detailing the Amidah prayer and the rest of the prayer sequence.

Gate 6 - The Spark Gate, explaining the greatness of learning, the order of study, and the appropriate focus. Read more.

Gate 7 - The Firstborns Gate, detailing the intentions during eating, including the Grace After Meals, other food blessings, and the Mincha and Maariv prayers.

Gate 8 - The Upper Gate, addressing every aspect of Shabbat observance, from preparations to post-Havdalah.

Gate 9 - The Flock Gate, addressing the practices of Nissan and other months like Sivan, Tammuz, and Av. Read more.

Gate 10 - The Water Gate, touching upon Elul month and penance.

Gate 11 - The Portal Gate, focusing on Tishrei, listing the month's unique observances through Sukkot. Read more.

Gate 12 - The Muster Gate, covering winter months' practices up through the month of Adar. Read more.