The Forefather of the Holy Dynasty of Alexander – The Sacred Menorah of the Holy Gaon, Rabbi Shraga Feivel of Gritza, Father of the ‘Alter Rebbe’ of Alexander and Grandfather of the Yismach Yisrael ZY”A
The sacred menorah of the holy Gaon, Rabbi Shraga Feivel Danziger of Gritza ZYA”A, which was later in the possession of the grandson of his talmid and successor, the holy Gaon Rabbi Aharon Tzvi of Biala, and from there to his grandson, the saintly Admor, Rabbi Avraham Avigdor Nachum Landa of Strikov ZT”L, who bequeathed it to his son-in-law, yblcht”a, Rabbi Yeshaya Frenkel-Teomim shlit”a, Av Beis Din of Kedoshei Krakow.
The menorah was entrusted to the Rebbe of Strikov by the Gaon Rabbi Pinchas Heber, who inherited it from his father-in-law, the Gaon Rabbi Yisrael Nissan Kuperstock, author of Shu”t Ani Ben Pachma, who received it from his father-in-law, the Gaon Rabbi Reuven Leib Neifeld, Av Beis Din of Nowy Dwór, who inherited it from his father-in-law, the holy Gaon Rabbi Shraga Feivel Danziger of Gritza ZYA”A. (The menorah and its exalted lineage are documented in Ma’orei Yisrael, p. 409).
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
A magnificent menorah, featuring an adorned backplate engraved with the Ten Commandments, intricate embossed lions, a crown of Torah, and surrounding marble-like columns and floral designs – an awe-inspiring masterpiece of craftsmanship!
The Menorah – A Symbol of the Ten Commandments
The backplate of the menorah bears an engraved plaque depicting the Ten Commandments, seemingly alluding to the verse:
"And he made the ten golden menorahs according to their ordinance and placed them in the Sanctuary, five on the right and five on the left." (Divrei HaYamim II 4:7).
The Midrash explains:
"He made the ten golden menorahs corresponding to the Ten Commandments." (Yalkut Shimoni, Melachim I, Remez 185).
Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the decree of the Greek empire, which sought to uproot the core mitzvos from Klal Yisrael.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Holy Gaon, Rabbi Shraga Feivel Danziger of Gritza ZYA”A (Passed Away in 5609/1849)
One of the great tzaddikim of Poland, he was a foremost disciple and successor of the holy Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorka. In his youth, he studied under the famed Rabbi Yaakov of Lissa, author of Nesivos HaMishpat. It is a well-known tradition among the Rebbes of Alexander
that sections of the Nesivos HaMishpat, as printed today, were formulated based on the insights transmitted by Rabbi Shraga Feivel from his rebbi, the Nesivos.
Later, he became a devoted disciple of the great luminaries—the Rebbe of Lublin, Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, and Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorka, as mentioned. He served as Rav in several prominent cities, including Plock, Makov, and later Gritza.
In 5608 (1848), following the passing of the Vorker Rebbe, Rabbi Shraga Feivel accepted the mantle of leadership, and thousands flocked to his court. His son was the holy Gaon, Rabbi Yechiel, known as the Alter Rebbe of Alexander, father of the saintly Yismach Yisrael.
Some of his Torah insights were printed in various seforim, including Shu”t Ani Ben Pachma, authored by the son-in-law of his granddaughter.
Who will be worthy to ignite a sacred flame in the pure menorah, once kindled by the holy Gaon, the progenitor of the exalted dynasty of Alexander?!
