Komarno (Hasidic dynasty)

Komarno is a Hasidic dynasty founded by Rabbi Aleksander Sender Safrin (born 1770, died August 28, 1818 in Komarno)^[1] of Komarno, Ukraine.

Rabbi Sender was the son of Rabbi Yitzchak Eisik Eichenstein (born 1740, died February 26, 1800)^[2] of the town of Safrin, from where Rabbi Sender's family name originates. He was a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and died at the age of 47 on a Saturday night, after spending Shabbos with the Yismach Moshe of Uhel. The Yismach Moshe appointed his kehilla to bury him in the Ohel (lit. tent) that was to be his very own burial place in Uhel.

After the death of Rabbi Sender, his son, Rabbi Yitzchak Eisik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin (born February 13, 1806, died April 28, 1874),^[3] was raised by his uncle (his father's brother), Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein (born 1763, died June 22, 1831)^[4] of Zidichov.

Rabbi Yitzchak Eisik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin of Komarno, known as the Komarno Rebbe, was one of the most prolific expounders of the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, producing volumes of original insights on Jewish and Torah philosophy as inspired by the Baal Shem Tov, whom he calls "Mory V'Rabi" (my Teacher and inspirer), although the Baal Shem Tov died years before his birth. He also wrote insights on the Mishnah and Jewish Law. A hidden Torah Scholar for many years, he only later became known for his genius, piety and ability to work wonders. According to Hasidic legend, he showed a phenomenal ability as a child to foresee events happen before they did. His uncle and foster parent, Rabbi Hirsh of Zidichov, "removed" this talent from him and "hid" it from him to be used at an older more mature age. He was a giant among his generation and although he held positions that were in conflict with the Shulchan Aruch, he never held positions that were not based on the Rishonim and other accepted Talmudic or Zohar sources. Among his other works, Rebbe Yitzchak Eisik of Komarno's monumental commentaries Heichal HaBrachah on the Torah, Otzar HaChaim on the commandments, and Zohar Chai on the Zohar, are classics of Kabbalah as well as Hasidic philosophy.

Rabbi Eisik of Komarno was succeeded as rebbe by his son, Rabbi Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno (born 1830, died May 16, 1898).^[5] Another son of Rabbi Eisik was Rabbi Alexander Sender Safrin.^[6]

Rabbi Eliezer Zvi was succeeded as rebbe by his son, Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Safrin of Komarno (born June 13, 1861, died July 23, 1929).^[7] His son-in-law was Rabbi Chaim Elazar Spira of Munkacs (born December 17, 1871, died May 11, 1937).^[8]

Rabbi Yaakov Moshe was succeeded as rebbe by his son, Rabbi Sholom Safrin of Komarno (died May, 1937),^[9] a son-in-law of Rabbi Yisrael Perlow of Stolin (born November 24, 1868, died October 4, 1921 in Frankfurt, Germany).^[10]

Rabbi Sholom was succeeded as rebbe by his son, Rabbi Baruch Safrin (born 1913, perished 1943).^[11] He was the last rebbe to reside in Komarno. He was murdered in the Holocaust together with his whole community.

Another son of Rabbi Eliezer Zvi was Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Safrin of Borislav.^[12] Rabbi Avraham Mordechai was succeeded by his son, Rabbi Chaim Yankev Safrin.^[13] Rabbi Chaim Yankev emigrated to the United States before World War II.

Rabbi Chaim Yankev was succeeded by his sons, Rabbi Sholom Safrin, Komarno rebbe in Jerusalem,^[14] Rabbi Menachem Monish, Komarno rebbe in Bnei Brak, Rabbi Alter Yitzchok Elimelech, Komarno rebbe in the United States (died June 2016), Rabbi Yissachar Dov Ber (died November, 2006), also in Bnei Brak, and Rabbi Yehoshua Safrin in the United States.

Rabbi Sholom Safrin of Jerusalem was succeeded by his sons, Rabbi Netanel Safrin, Komarno rebbe in Jerusalem^[15] and Rabbi Eliezer Tzvi Safrin, Komarno rebbe in Beit Shemesh.^[16]

Rabbi Menachem Monish was succeeded by his sons, Rabbi Zvi El'azar, Komarno rebbe in Bnei Brak, and Rabbi Yitzhak Shlomo, Komarno rebbe in Jerusalem.

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