In Jewish tradition, 18 Elul marks the birth anniversaries of two great righteous men—the Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, also known as the Alter Rebbe. The Dnipro Jewish community recalled the date.
Israel ben Eliezer, the Baal Shem Tov, was born to the righteous Rabbi Eliezer and Rebbetzin Sarah on Monday, 18 Elul 5458 (August 25, 1698), in the settlement of Okup. The community noted that at the beginning of his life, he was one of the “hidden righteous,” and later revealed the light of Hasidism to the people.
In 1744, Rav Boruch, a direct descendant of the Maharal of Prague, approached the Baal Shem Tov. During a meal, he heard the words: “Literally by this time next year, you will be holding a son.” Exactly one year later, on 18 Elul 5505 (1745), a son was born to Rav Boruch and Rebbetzin Rivka. He was named Shneur Zalman. It is known that this took place in Lyozno, now in Belarus.
Shneur Zalman continued the mission of the Baal Shem Tov and founded Chabad, bringing together faith, reason, and wisdom. The message also emphasizes that 18 Elul is considered a special day, when people traditionally visit holy sites in Medzhybizh and Hadyach, as well as open new Jewish homes.
