On the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of our master Rav Israel Salanter, the Torah-Box team is happy to share some details on his life. Whoever speaks about a Tzadik on the day of his yahrzeit, merits that the latter pray for him and protect him. Light a candle and recite: "Lichvod Harav Israel Salanter, Zechuto Tagen Alenu". May his merit protect the entire People of Israel, Amen!

Born in Zagher, Lithuania, in 1810, Rabbi Israel Lipkin of Salant, famously known as Rabbi Israel Salanter, was one of the founders of the Mussar movement.

Form a tender age, Rabbi Israel Salanter distinguished himself for his fervor in Torah study. By the age of ten, he already debated with notable scholars. He developed at a fast pace in Torah study, and before reaching the age of 13, he knew all the Shass (Talmud) by heart.

He launched the founding of Vilna's "Beit Mussar", an institution which concentrated exclusively on the study of Mussar and on the amendment of Midot (character traits).

At 39, he moved to Kaunas where he founded a Yeshiva, known for being a cradle for the cultivation of exceptional Talmidei Chachamim. The latter who pursued Rabbi Salanter Mussar school. They included Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv (Sabba of Kelm) and Rabbi Yerucham Leibovitch of Mir.

Rabbi Israel Salanter died on the 25th of Shevat 5643 (1883).

Rav Salanter's "Revenge"  

"Go away! Get off this wagon!" These and other furious curses were being heard in the wagon of a train bound to Vilna, which carried Rabbi Israel Salanter among its passengers. Absorbed in thoughts, he glanced furiously around him and was stunned to discover that he was himself the punching ball of this attack. A young man stood in front of him and shouted: "Shut the window! Don’t you see that it disturbs all the other passengers? "

Embarrassed and ashamed, Rabbi Israel Salanter hurriedly shut the window. But that did not satisfy the man, who continued berating, shouting and insulting him.

Once the train entered the Vilna station, a huge crowd emerged on the platform to welcome their guest of honor. The young thug understood that the old man he had insulted and attacked on the trip was none other than Rav Salanter himself.

The following day, the young man rushed to the house where Rav Salanter was staying and apologized wholeheartedly for his misplaced attitude. "May the Rav forgive me, but I was disturbed by issues that weigh heavily on me, and I got carried away.”

"Do not worry," replied Rabbi Israel, shaking his hand warmly, "I immediately understood that you were preoccupied, and I judged you favorably. I did not resent you in the least for the incident."

The young man walked to the door, but Rabbi Israel put his arm around him. "Can you tell me what was troubling you on the trip to Vilna? "

"I'm about to begin working as a Shochet (ritual slaughterer)," said the young man, "and I came to Vilna to get adequate rabbinical recommendations to confirm that my shechita is reliable"."

Immediately, Rav Salanter began to question the young man so he could evaluate his knowledge; he realized that there was room for improvement in certain areas and he offered to review the laws of shechita regularly, once a week at a fixed time. When he was persuaded that the young man had successfully learned the laws of shechita, he gave him an enthusiastic recommendation and sent him home...