Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon bar Yitzchak of Shepetovka – The Story of His Fiery Debate with the Noda BeYehuda – Speaker: Rabbi Nasan Maimon.
Rabbi Yaacov Shimshon of Shepetovka zal was a great authority in Halakha whose Torah scholarship was widely revered. Son of Rabbi Yitzchak, the Rav of Slavuta, he was a descendant of Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropole zal. He was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz, and a close friend of Rabbi Baruch of Medzhiboz.
He succeeded his father as rabbi in the Ukrainian city of Shepetovka, but in 1799 he settled in Teveria (Tiberias, Israel) where he met Rabbi Nachman of Breslov while he was on his journey in Israel. Rabbi Yaacov Shimshon expressed great joy to meet Rabbi Nachman. He made a meal in his honor and spoke with the Rebbe privately at great length. Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon traveled as an emissary on behalf of the chasidic settlers in Israel. He passed away in Tiveria in 5562 (1801). His Yahrzeit is on the 3rd of Sivan.
Rav Yechezkel Landau zal was known by the name of his most well-known Sefer, Noda BeYehuda. The son of Rabbi Yehuda Levi, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau was born in 5474 (1713) in Opatow, Poland. In 1751 he was appointed Rav of Prague, where he taught Torah and devoted himself to the needs of the community, establishing institutions for Tzedakah and Chesed. He passed away on the 17th of Iyar 5553 (1793) in Prague.
The Noda beYehuda was especially beloved for his insight and wisdom. For example, a man once came to him for advice, saying. “In my house, people are constantly coming and going. This bothers me because it prevents me from studying Torah.” So Rabbi Yechezkel told him, “If those who come to you are rich, ask them to lend you some money – you won’t see them again. And if they are poor, lend them some money – you won’t see them again either.”
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00:00 – Introduction.
03:50 – The story begins.
44:41 – The Noda BeYehuda asks the Shepetovka “What is a Chossid?”
55:12 – The Shepatovka counters the mistaken belief that Dovid HaMelech committed a sin with Batsheva.
PART 2 of this debate is HERE.
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