Remembering the Tzadik of Yavniel: 11 Years Since His Passing

Rabbi Eliezer Shlomo Schick, known to his followers as the Tzadik of Yavniel or Maharash, left a profound spiritual legacy that continues to inspire thousands. His life was devoted to Torah, faith, joy, and guiding others toward closeness with the Creator. The following points highlight key aspects of his life, teachings, and enduring influence.

A Soul That Continues to Inspire

1. On 17 Shevat 5786, it will be eleven years since the passing of Rabbi Eliezer Shlomo Schick, affectionately referred to by his followers as the Tzadik of Yavniel or Maharash.

2. In the year 5746 (1986), Rabbi Schick settled in Yavniel in the Lower Galilee with a group of his followers. This place became the center of his community, which today includes about four hundred families. The community established yeshivas, kollels, a study hall, and a communal kitchen. In 5772 (2012), they inaugurated the grand synagogue of Breslov Hasidim in Yavniel. Rabbi Schick also had hundreds of additional students throughout Israel, with study halls established in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Ashdod, Bat Yam, Netivot, Tel Aviv, Beer Sheva, and more.

3. In the United States, where Rabbi Schick spent most of the year, there is another large concentration of his students. In addition to his main study hall in Boro Park, his students established study halls in Monroe, Monsey, and Williamsburg.

4. In 5771 (2011), his followers established the Breslov Hasidic Center in Williamsburg. This center includes a Talmud Torah, a school for girls, a study hall, a yeshiva, and a printing house that publishes the works of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov as well as hundreds of Rabbi Schick’s own books.

5. His love for Torah study knew no bounds. He dedicated himself to learning Torah day and night with exceptional diligence in all areas of Torah, and he recorded his insights in Chumash and Nach, in the Talmud, in Midrash, and in Kabbalistic texts.

6. Regarding the study of Torah, the Tzadik would often say, “There is no greater goodness, sweetness, and pleasantness in a person’s life than studying the holy Torah. Anyone who becomes accustomed to learning Torah every day will feel all types of pleasant tastes in their lives, for the essence of true life is the study of the holy Torah, through which one can connect with Him, the Blessed One, for the Torah is His wisdom. When a person immerses themselves in the holy Torah, they are immersing themselves in His wisdom. There is nothing greater than this. This is the highest level to aspire to.”

7. The Tzadik of Yavniel authored hundreds of books. In his writings, he emphasized the divine presence that fills all of creation and taught that every Jew can connect with the Blessed One through conversation and through the recitation of the letters of the Torah.

8. The Tzadik often spoke about the importance of joy. “See to give your soul for the measure of joy, for nothing is more important than joy, and it is so difficult for a person to reach the measure of joy more than any formidable task. It is easier to fast or afflict pain upon oneself than to be joyful. Therefore, achieving joy requires a great sacrifice.”

9.  As mentioned, on 17 Shevat the Tzadik passed away and was buried in Yavniel. In his will, he requested that the following words be inscribed on his tombstone. “I promise that any unmarried boy or girl who comes here to my grave and completes all of Tehillim from beginning to end for my merit, I will try with all my might that they find their match. This is a strong promise from me.”

10. Additionally, the holy Tzadik promised, “I will not rest or find peace until those who come to my grave to pray and learn will have complete salvation from Heaven, especially for a boy and girl who need to find their match and recite all of Tehillim without interruption. I promise they will find their match from Heaven.”

A Life of Torah Reflected in Writing

Among his many books are the following works: 

•  Asher Ben Nachal, a series of one hundred and thirty volumes containing letters of encouragement for his students and for those who sought his advice.
•  Questions and Answers in Breslov Hasidism, a collection of questions and answers on various aspects of life, with fourteen parts printed so far.
• Treasury of Essays, a series of thirty two volumes containing about one thousand essays. In addition, selected essays on specific topics were collected into special volumes, including Treasury of Holiness, Treasury of Life, Treasury of Patience, Treasury for Women, Treasury of Child Education, Treasury of Peace at Home, Treasury of Remedies, Treasury for Yeshiva Students, Treasury for Rosh Hashanah, and Treasury of Livelihood.
•  This is the Torah, discourses on the weekly Torah portions.
• Conversations of Maharash, conversations and stories told to the students of Heichal Hakodesh, comprising fifteen volumes.
• Et Ratson, an explanation of the prayer book.
• Twenty two different commentaries on Pirkei Avot, including Ahavat Avot, Chasidei Avot, Magen Avot, and many more.
• Arichut Apayim, a book discussing the topic of patience.
• Ian Hachayim, ethical talks on the subject of time management.
• Diburei Maharash, compiled from his lectures in Yiddish and translated into Hebrew.

A Legacy That Lives On

As the anniversary of his passing draws near, the memory of the Tzadik of Yavniel continues to inspire hearts and strengthen souls. His life of devotion to Torah, his boundless love for every Jew, and his teachings on faith, joy, and perseverance remain deeply present through his books, his students, and the communities he built. Long after his passing, his words still echo, his guidance still comforts, and his influence continues to illuminate the path for all who seek closeness to the Creator.