The Gemara of the Rebbe, the "Miracle-Worker" Rabbi Gedlaya Moshe of Zvhil

The Gemara of the Rebbe, the "Miracle-Worker" Rabbi Gedlaya Moshe of Zvhil

Berachot tractate. Warsaw, 1863.

On the page preceding the title page, two owner's stamps: "The Rabbi Gedalya Moshe Goldman the son of the Rebbe Shlomo of Zvil" (Hebrew). On the page after the title page, an owner's inscription handwritten by the hidden Tzaddik the milkman Rabbi Shlomo Prishtik, the son-in-law of the Rebbe Rabbi Gedalya Moshe: "Shlomo Prishtik lives with the genius Rabbi Goldman" (Hebrew).

The Rebbe Rabbi Gedalya Moshe Goldman (1887-1950) a genius and holy man, a miracle-worker in his lifetime and after his death, who loved Israel wholeheartedly. The fifth Rebbe of Zvhil. The son of the Rebbe Rabbi Shlomo of Zvhil and the son-in-law of Rabbi David Shlomo of Kobryn. In addition to his diligence in Torah study, he had the qualities of a leader since his youth and when he was only 18 years old, many public matters were given to his decision. At the age of 22, he was ordained a Moreh Hora'ah by the outstanding rabbis of the generation headed by Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk. He was the first of the Zvhil dynasty who served as a rabbi. In the twenty years he served as its rabbi, Zvhil became a glorified community which was known for its order and good behavior. When the rise of the Soviets, he was prosecuted and sentenced to seven years of forced labor in Siberia, to which he responded: "A man does not lift a finger in this world unless it is declared in the world above". After being released in 1937, he escaped from Russia, immigrated to the Land of Israel and settled in Jerusalem. After the death of his father Rabbi Shlomke of Zvhil, he started serving as a Rebbe and became known as a miracle-worker, thousands coming to receive his blessing. He was also known for his great love to his Hassidim and his concern for them.

He was buried in the cemetery of Givat Ram (Sheikh Bader). In recent years his grave became a site of pilgrimage, since the rumor about the grave began to spread. Rumor had it that approximately thirty years ago, one of the dignitaries of Jerusalem, Rabbi Pinchas Blank, was gravely ill. The doctors lost hope and made it clear that there was nothing more to do for him. One night, he dreamt a dream in which Rabbi Gedalya Moshe of Zvhil appeared to him asking him why he didn't come to pray on his grave. Rabbi Gedalya told Rabbi Blank: "Come to me to be saved!" Of course, as a fervent Hassid, Rabbi Pinchas sent envoys to pray on the grave and even contributed a sum of money to the institutions of the Chassidut, since he knew how these were important to his rabbi. Rabbi Pinchas was cured and his recovery was considered a true miracle. Ever since, the grave became known as a miracle-worker and today, there are hundreds of miraculous stories about salvation after praying beside his grave. The Segulah in question is to visit the grave three successive times, on Monday-Thursday-Monday and connect to the Tzaddik, who asked for nothing in his lifetime except for maintaining the institutions established by his father. All this is also indicated by a letter written by the Tzaddik.

The hidden Tzaddik Rabbi Shlomo Prishtik (1915-2016), the son-in-law of the Rebbe Rabbi Gedalya Moshe of Zvhil. Was known in Jerusalem as "Rabbi Shloimeleh the Milkman", since he worked as a milkman to earn a living and used to cheer up the people around him with his wit and special saying. He was a modest and humble man, revealing his greatness. His grandfather Rabbi Shlomke of Zvhil – who even chose him as a husband for his granddaughter despite his immigrating to Israel as a refugee and belonging to Lithuanian circles – greatly praised him due to his Hassidism and ascetisim.

64; 88 leaves. 23cm. Dampness and mold stains, not affecting the text. Tears at the margins. Original, impressive leather binding with gilt impressions. The binding was restored in the corners and spine.