ChaBaD Jewish Calendar Thursday, August 31, 2023 14 Elul, 5783
Sefaria Jewish Calendar Thursday, August 31, 2023 14 Elul, 5783 Torah Reading Ki Tavo: Deuteronomy 26:1-15 Jewish History Passing of R. Boruch Mordechai Ettinger of Babruysk (1852) R. Boruch Mordechai Ettinger was a follower of the first three Chabad Rebbes, R. Schneur Zalman (the Alter Rebbe), R. DovBer (the Mitteler Rebbe), and R. Menachem Mendel (the Tzemach Tzedek). He served as head of the Talmudic academy in Vilna (Vilnius) and then as rabbi in Babruysk, a post he filled for fifty years. Toward the end of his life he immigrated to Jerusalem , where he passed away. R. Boruch Mordechai was known for his witty sayings and remarks which reflected his sharp perception and deep wisdom. Links: Skin Deep , A Muddy Opinion , The Heel of a Person Who Prays (a scholarly exposition of a saying of R. Boruch Mordechai) Laws and Customs Elul Observances As the last month of the Jewish year, Elul is traditionaly a time of introspection and stocktaking -- a time to review one's de