Today is the Hilula of Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman, also known as the Gaon of Vilna. The Gaon was born on the 15th of Nissan 5480 in the city of Seltz, near Brisk in Lithuania, which was part of Russia. There are opinions that hold that he was born in Lithuania. He passed away during Chol Hamoed Sukkot, on the 19th of Tishrei 5558, and was buried in Vilna. Because of his greatness, it is customary to refer to him simply as “the Gaon.” The GRA was a halachic authority, commentator, and Kabbalist in Vilna, Lithuania, during the period of the Acharonim. He was one of the greatest Jewish sages of all generations and had a decisive influence on the world of Torah in all its branches. He is considered a symbol of diligence and extraordinary dedication to Torah study. He was the leader of the “Mitnagdim,” the opponents of the Chassidic movement.

Already at the age of 6, he was recognized as a prodigy and delivered a deep Torah discourse and pilpul in the Great Synagogue of Vilna, which he had learned from his father. The Gaon married his wife, Chana, and they had 8 children. Chana made sure to relieve her husband of caring for the family so that he could devote his time to Torah study and teaching it to others.

Over the years, the Gaon lived in Vilna but consistently refused to hold an official rabbinic position, perhaps out of concern that it would interfere with his studies. Nevertheless, the Vilna community gave him a small monthly stipend for his livelihood, and even that he would regularly distribute to the poor, until members of the community decided to give the money directly to his wife.

The Gaon became very famous for his tremendous diligence. His sons testified that throughout his entire life, he slept only two hours a day, with all of his time devoted exclusively to Torah study. Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, his foremost student, described that when a question in his studies troubled him, he would not put food into his mouth for several consecutive days, and he would appear thin and afflicted until he found the answer to his question.

During a certain period in his life, the Gaon went into exile, passing through Poland, Germany, Lissa, and Berlin, and perhaps even Amsterdam and England.

The Gaon attempted to move to the Land of Israel and even wrote a letter to his family from the journey. In it, among other things, he wrote that he was going to “the cherished Land of Israel and the cherished land of Hashem, for which all the upper and lower beings yearn.” However, this attempt was unsuccessful, and he was forced to turn back after reaching Holland. Nevertheless, he encouraged his students to move to the Land, which was then in ruins, and appointed Rabbi Hillel of Shklov to lead them.

The teachings of the Vilna Gaon became known through his writings. During his lifetime, none of his writings were published, with the exception of the bans against Chassidism. The source of his many writings is notes and summaries of his teachings that were published by his students after his passing. More than 70 works are attributed to him. The book Aliyat Kir, printed at the end of Aliyot Eliyahu, lists 54 of his books.

Must Do

Nothing, but this is one you probably won’t want to miss out on!

Good To Do

1. Light a candle 

This evening, after nightfall, we light a candle in the merit of Rabbi EliyahubenShlomo Zalman. Whoever did not manage to do so in the evening can also light tomorrow anytime before sunset. 

2. Tzedakah 

Give a few coins to Tzedakah and say that it is in the merit of Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman.

3. Tehillim

Recite some Tehillim; praiseworthy to recite 5-10 Psalms.

4.Learn 

Learn something from the Vilna Gaon’s teachings.

5. Personal Prayer

The greatest level and segulah for bringing salvations is to turn to the Creator of the world in your own words. Thank Him for what He has given you, and ask and plead for everything you are lacking.

Inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Yehonatan HaLevi, with full credit and appreciation to him in the section “Story Time”.