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{{Short description|Rabbi (1811–1879)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2012}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2012}}
{{Tone|date=November 2015}}
{{Rewrite|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox Jewish leader
{{Infobox Jewish leader
|honorific-prefix =Rabbi
|honorific-prefix =Rabbi
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|honorific-suffix =
|honorific-suffix =
|title =
|title =
|image =
|image = Menachem_Nachum_Kaplan.jpg
|caption =
|caption =
|synagogue =''Chevrah HaShas''
|synagogue =''Chevrah HaShas''
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|yeshiva =
|yeshiva =
|birth_date =1811<ref name=je/>
|birth_date =1811<ref name=je/>
|birth_place =[[Baisogala]], [[Lithuania]]
|birth_place =[[Baisogala]], [[Russian Empire]]
|death_date =October 25, 1879<ref name=je/> (age 68)<ref name=tm134>{{cite book|last=Miller|first=Yisrael David|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=134|language=he|location=[[Piotrków Trybunalski]]|page=130|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref>
|death_date =October 25, 1879<ref name=je/> (age 68)<ref name=tm134>{{cite book|last=Miller|first=Yisrael David|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=134|language=he|location=[[Piotrków Trybunalski]]|page=130|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref>
|death_place =[[Grodno]], [[Russian Empire]]
|death_place =[[Grodno]], [[Russian Empire]]
|yahrtzeit =8 [[Cheshvan]], 5640<ref name=tm133>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=133|language=he|page=129|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name=f138>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|first=Shimon|author-link=|date=August 1985|chapter=|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|edition=First|location=Brooklyn|publisher=Mesorah Publications|page=138|isbn=0-89906-782-4}}</ref> [[Anno Mundi|A.M.]]
|yahrtzeit =8 [[Cheshvan]], 5640<ref name=tm133>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=133|language=he|page=129|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name=f138>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|first=Shimon|date=August 1985|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|edition=First|location=Brooklyn|publisher=Mesorah Publications|page=138|isbn=0-89906-782-4}}</ref> [[Anno Mundi|A.M.]]
|buried =[[Grodno]]
|buried =[[Grodno]]
|residence =Grodno
|residence =Grodno
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}}
}}


'''Reb Menachem Nachum<ref name=f22>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=22}}</ref> ben Uzziel Kaplan''' (1811, in [[Baisogala]] – October 25, 1879) was a [[Lithuania]]n Talmudist, philanthropist,<ref name=je>{{Jewish Encyclopedia|url=http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/11298-nahum-b-uzziel-kaplan-reb-nahum-grodner|title=NAHUM B. UZZIEL KAPLAN|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}<br/>'''Jewish Encyclopedia bibliography:'''
'''Reb Menachem Nachum<ref name=f22>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=22}}</ref> ben Uzziel Kaplan''' (1811 – October 25, 1879) was a [[Lithuania]]n Talmudist, philanthropist,<ref name=je>{{Jewish Encyclopedia|url=http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/11298-nahum-b-uzziel-kaplan-reb-nahum-grodner|title=NAHUM B. UZZIEL KAPLAN|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}<br/>'''Jewish Encyclopedia bibliography:'''
*Gurvich, in ''Razsvyct'', 1879, No. 7;
*Gurvich, in ''Razsvyct'', 1879, No. 7;
*Lipshitz, ''Nekrolog Rabbi Nokhim iz Grodno'' (reprinted from ''Russki Yevrei'', 1879, No. 9), St. Petersburg, 1879;
*Lipshitz, ''Nekrolog Rabbi Nokhim iz Grodno'' (reprinted from ''Russki Yevrei'', 1879, No. 9), St. Petersburg, 1879;
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*Friedenstein, ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Ir Gibborim'', pp. [http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=36874&st=&pgnum=92 95]-96, Wilna, 1880.</ref> and ''[[Talmid Chacham]]'' who was known throughout [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]] as Reb '''Nachum'ke of Horodna'''<ref name=fp>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|at=Preface}}</ref> or Reb '''Nahum Grodner'''.<ref name=je/>
*Friedenstein, ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Ir Gibborim'', pp. [http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=36874&st=&pgnum=92 95]-96, Wilna, 1880.</ref> and ''[[Talmid Chacham]]'' who was known throughout [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]] as Reb '''Nachum'ke of Horodna'''<ref name=fp>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|at=Preface}}</ref> or Reb '''Nahum Grodner'''.<ref name=je/>


Rabbi Kaplan was well-versed in the [[Talmud]] and the [[poskim]]<ref name=tm5>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=5|language=he|accessdate=July 22, 2015}}</ref> as well as in [[kabbalah]] and [[Acharonim]].<ref name=f93>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=93}}</ref> Yet, because of his [[humility]], he refused to render [[halachic]] decisions (except for one occasion when it was a matter of [[Pikuach nefesh|life and death]])<ref name=tm121>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=121|language=he|page=117|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name=f96>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=96}}</ref> and preferred to hold the humble position of ''[[Gabbai|shammash]]'' (sexton) in the Synagogue ''Chevra Shas'' and to pass his life in poverty. But his untiring energy in behalf of the distressed of all classes and the implicit confidence reposed in him made him famous throughout Russian Jewry. He spent a great part of his time in going from house to house, collecting from residents of Grodno and from visitors money or articles of necessity and bestowing them wherever they were most needed. He exercised much influence also by his great piety and simplicity of life. He was a preacher of much force and was adored by the Jewish masses, to whom he spoke, usually on [[Shabbat]] afternoons, on plain moral truths in a language and manner suited to their feeling and understanding.<ref name=je/>
Rabbi Kaplan was well-versed in the [[Talmud]] and the [[poskim]]<ref name=tm5>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=5|language=he|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> as well as in [[kabbalah]] and [[Acharonim]].<ref name=f93>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=93}}</ref> Yet, he refused to render [[halachic]] decisions (except for one occasion when it was a matter of [[Pikuach nefesh|life and death]])<ref name=tm121>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=121|language=he|page=117|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name=f96>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=96}}</ref> and held the humble position of ''[[Gabbai|shammash]]'' (sexton) in the Synagogue ''Chevra Shas''. His piety, simplicity of life, and dedication to the community earned him recognition among the Russian Jewry.<ref name=je/>


==Biography==
==Biography==
Rabbi Nachum was born in [[Baisogala]] to Uziel Kaplan, a laborer in a [[whisky]] [[distillery]],<ref name=tm5/> and his wife, Meida.<ref name=tm7>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=7|language=he|access-date=July 22, 2015 }}</ref><ref name=f21>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|chapter=From the Depths of Poverty|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=21}}</ref>
Rabbi Nachum was born in [[Baisogala]] to Uziel Kaplan, a laborer in a [[whisky]] [[distillery]],<ref name=tm5/> and his wife, Meida.<ref name=tm7>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=7|language=he|access-date=July 22, 2015 }}</ref><ref name=f21>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|chapter=From the Depths of Poverty|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=21}}</ref>


In his youth, he studied under Rabbi Karpl Atlas of Baisogala<ref name=f41>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=41}}</ref> (grandfather of Rabbi [[Meir Atlas]]) and his sons, Binyamin Beinush and Meir.<ref name=tm5/><ref name=f43>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=43}}</ref> Later he studied at [[Siauliai]] under Rabbi Mordechai Ganker,<ref>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=44–45}}</ref> and afterwards at the [[yeshiva]] of Rabbi Chalavna Lapidus, the ''[[maggid]]'' of [[Luokė]],<ref name=tm25>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=25|language=he|page=21|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> after which he studied at [[Vilnius]].<ref name=tm29>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=29|language=he|page=25|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=46–47}}</ref>
In his youth, he studied under Rabbi Karpl Atlas of Baisogala<ref name=f41>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=41}}</ref> (grandfather of Rabbi [[Meir Atlas]]) and his sons, Binyamin Beinush and Meir.<ref name=tm5/><ref name=f43>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=43}}</ref> Later he studied at [[Šiauliai]] under Rabbi Mordechai Ganker,<ref>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=44–45}}</ref> and afterwards at the [[yeshiva]] of Rabbi Chalavna Lapidus, the ''[[maggid]]'' of [[Luokė]],<ref name=tm25>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=25|language=he|page=21|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> after which he studied at [[Vilnius]].<ref name=tm29>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=29|language=he|page=25|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=46–47}}</ref> At age 19, he decided to leave Vilnius in order to study at [[Ashmyany]] under Rabbi Avraham Kahana of Horodna (known today as [[Grodno]]).<ref name=tm29/> After studying for a while at Ashmyany, he went on to study at the [[Mir yeshiva (Belarus)|Yeshiva of Mir]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=30|language=he|page=26|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=48–49}}</ref>


At age 19, he decided to leave Vilnius in order to study at [[Ashmyany]] under Rabbi Avraham Kahana of Horodna (known today as [[Grodno]]).<ref name=tm29/> After studying for a while at Ashmyany, he went on to study at the [[Mir yeshiva (Belarus)|Yeshiva of Mir]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=30|language=he|page=26|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=48–49}}</ref>
When he was about twenty years old, he married Itta, the daughter of Yosef Eliezer<ref name=tm33>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=33|language=he|page=29|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> (a [[chimney sweep]] by trade) of [[Nesvizh]], and moved into the latter's home in Nesvizh. Throughout the day, he studied [[Gemara]], [[halacha]], and works of ''[[hashkafah]]'' such as ''[[Chovot HaLevavot]]'' and ''[[Menoras HaMaor]]''<ref name=tm34>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=34|language=he|page=30|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> until he committed them to memory.<ref>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=52–53}}</ref>


When he was about twenty years old, he married Itta, the daughter of Yosef Eliezer<ref name=tm33>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=33|language=he|page=29|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> (a [[chimney sweep]] by trade) of [[Nesvizh]], and moved into the latter's home in Nesvizh. Throughout the day, he studied [[Gemara]], [[halacha]], and works of ''[[hashkafah]]'' such as ''[[Chovot HaLevavot]]'' and ''[[Menoras HaMaor]]''<ref name=tm34>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=34|language=he|page=30|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> until he committed them to memory.<ref>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=52–53}}</ref>
When he was in his early twenties, he decided to leave Nesvizh and traveled to [[Valozhyn]], where he studied at the [[Volozhin Yeshiva]] under Rabbi Eliezer Yitzchak Freid.<ref name=f65>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=65}}</ref> Afterwards, he headed for [[Kaunas]]<ref name=tm43>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=43|language=he|page=39|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> where he studied Gemara and halacha under the ''[[rav]]'' of the city, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rabinowitz. He also studied [[Midrash]] and [[Aggadah]] under Rabbi Eliyahu Ragoler of [[Vilijampolė|Slabodka]].<ref name=tm44>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=44|language=he|page=40|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> During this time, he traveled to [[Torez]] where he studied the teachings of the [[Vilna Gaon]] under a student of Rabbi [[Chaim of Volozhin]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=46|language=he|page=42|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=67}}</ref>


When he was in his early twenties, he decided to leave Nesvizh and traveled to [[Valozhyn]], where he studied at the [[Volozhin Yeshiva]] under Rabbi Eliezer Yitzchak Freid.<ref name=f65>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=65}}</ref> Afterwards, he headed for [[Kaunas]]<ref name=tm43>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=43|language=he|page=39|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> where he studied Gemara and halacha under the ''[[rav]]'' of the city, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rabinowitz. He also studied [[Midrash]] and [[Aggadah]] under Rabbi Eliyahu Ragoler of [[Vilijampolė|Slabodka]].<ref name=tm44>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=44|language=he|page=40|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> During this time, he traveled to [[Torez]] where he studied the teachings of the [[Vilna Gaon]] under a student of Rabbi [[Chaim of Volozhin]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=46|language=he|page=42|accessdate=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=67}}</ref> Afterwards, he returned to Nesvizh<ref name=tm47>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=47|language=he|page=43|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> and a short while later he moved to Horodna.<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=48|language=he|page=44|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=70}}</ref> During the almost fifty years that he lived there, he was offered many prominent positions.<ref name=f113>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=113}}</ref> Yet, he refused opportunities for leadership in public life,<ref name=fp/> choosing instead the position of ''shammash'' in the Synagogue ''Chevra Shas''<ref name=je/> in Horodna,<ref name=fp/><ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=50|language=he|page=46|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=72–74}}</ref> a position he retained for the rest of his life.<ref name=f113/><ref name=f75>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=75}}</ref>
Afterwards, he returned to Nesvizh<ref name=tm47>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=47|language=he|page=43|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> and a short while later he moved to Horodna.<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=48|language=he|page=44|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=70}}</ref> During the almost fifty years that he lived there, he was offered many prominent positions.<ref name=f113>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=113}}</ref> Yet, he refused opportunities for leadership in public life,<ref name=fp/> choosing instead the position of ''shammash'' in the Synagogue ''Chevra Shas''<ref name=je/> in Horodna,<ref name=fp/><ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=50|language=he|page=46|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|pages=72–74}}</ref> a position he retained for the rest of his life.<ref name=f113/><ref name=f75>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=75}}</ref>


In the last years of his life, he suffered from a serious [[Vertebral column|spinal]] [[Disorder (medicine)|disorder]], a severe [[intestinal ailment]], [[Swelling (medical)|swelling]] of the feet, and other discomforts. Yet, on [[Simchat Torah]], he led the congregation in spirited singing and dancing, clutching a ''[[Sefer Torah]]'' in one arm while his free hand held his stomach to ease the pain.<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=132|language=he|page=128|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=97}}</ref>
In the last years of his life, he suffered from a serious [[Vertebral column|spinal]] [[Disorder (medicine)|disorder]], a severe [[intestinal ailment]], [[Swelling (medical)|swelling]] of the feet, and other discomforts. Yet, on [[Simchat Torah]], he led the congregation in spirited singing and dancing, clutching a ''[[Sefer Torah]]'' in one arm while his free hand held his stomach to ease the pain.<ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=132|language=he|page=128|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=97}}</ref>


A [[Hebrew language]] biography of Rabbi Nachum was written by Rabbi Yisrael David Miller who knew Rabbi Nachum personally.<ref name=fp/> Rabbi Miller was stricken by the [[Fourth cholera pandemic (1863–75)|cholera pandemic]]<ref name=tm74>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=74|language=he|page=70|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> that struck Horodna in 1872 and firmly believed that Rabbi Nachum's [[Prayer in Judaism|prayers]] saved his life.<ref name=tm75>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=75|language=he|page=71|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name=f104>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=104}}</ref>
A [[Hebrew language]] biography of Rabbi Nachum was written by Rabbi Yisrael David Miller who knew Rabbi Nachum personally.<ref name=fp/> Rabbi Miller was stricken by the [[Fourth cholera pandemic (1863–75)|cholera pandemic]]<ref name=tm74>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=74|language=he|page=70|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> that struck Horodna in 1872 and firmly believed that Rabbi Nachum's [[Prayer in Judaism|prayers]] saved his life.<ref name=tm75>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=75|language=he|page=71|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name=f104>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=104}}</ref>


Rabbi Nachum died at Grodno on October 25, 1879.<ref name=je/><ref name=f138/><ref name=tm135>{{cite book|last=Miller|author-link=|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=135|language=he|page=131|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> Twenty thousand people attended his funeral<ref name="f104"/><ref name=tm135/> which took place the next day.<ref name=tm135/>
Rabbi Nachum died at Grodno on October 25, 1879.<ref name=je/><ref name=f138/><ref name=tm135>{{cite book|last=Miller|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=135|language=he|page=131|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> Twenty thousand people attended his funeral<ref name="f104"/><ref name=tm135/> which took place the next day.<ref name=tm135/>


His son-in-law was Rabbi [[Gavriel Zev Margolis]].<ref>{{cite book|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=144|language=he|page=138|accessdate=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=100}}</ref>
His son-in-law was Rabbi [[Gavriel Zev Margolis]].<ref>{{cite book|script-title=he:תולדות מנחם|trans-title=Toldos Menachem|url=http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46882&st=&pgnum=144|language=he|page=138|access-date=July 22, 2015}}<br/>{{cite book|last=Finkelman|title=The Story of Reb Nachum'ke|page=100}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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<references/>

{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 13:52, 22 June 2024

Rabbi
Menachem Nachum Kaplan
Personal life
Born1811[1]
Baisogala, Russian Empire
DiedOctober 25, 1879[1] (age 68)[2]
Grodno, Russian Empire
SpouseItta
Parent(s)Uziel and Meida Kaplan
Religious life
ReligionJudaism

Reb Menachem Nachum[5] ben Uzziel Kaplan (1811 – October 25, 1879) was a Lithuanian Talmudist, philanthropist,[1] and Talmid Chacham who was known throughout Lithuania and Poland as Reb Nachum'ke of Horodna[6] or Reb Nahum Grodner.[1]

Rabbi Kaplan was well-versed in the Talmud and the poskim[7] as well as in kabbalah and Acharonim.[8] Yet, he refused to render halachic decisions (except for one occasion when it was a matter of life and death)[9][10] and held the humble position of shammash (sexton) in the Synagogue Chevra Shas. His piety, simplicity of life, and dedication to the community earned him recognition among the Russian Jewry.[1]

Biography

[edit]

Rabbi Nachum was born in Baisogala to Uziel Kaplan, a laborer in a whisky distillery,[7] and his wife, Meida.[11][12]

In his youth, he studied under Rabbi Karpl Atlas of Baisogala[13] (grandfather of Rabbi Meir Atlas) and his sons, Binyamin Beinush and Meir.[7][14] Later he studied at Šiauliai under Rabbi Mordechai Ganker,[15] and afterwards at the yeshiva of Rabbi Chalavna Lapidus, the maggid of Luokė,[16] after which he studied at Vilnius.[17][18] At age 19, he decided to leave Vilnius in order to study at Ashmyany under Rabbi Avraham Kahana of Horodna (known today as Grodno).[17] After studying for a while at Ashmyany, he went on to study at the Yeshiva of Mir.[19]

When he was about twenty years old, he married Itta, the daughter of Yosef Eliezer[20] (a chimney sweep by trade) of Nesvizh, and moved into the latter's home in Nesvizh. Throughout the day, he studied Gemara, halacha, and works of hashkafah such as Chovot HaLevavot and Menoras HaMaor[21] until he committed them to memory.[22]

When he was in his early twenties, he decided to leave Nesvizh and traveled to Valozhyn, where he studied at the Volozhin Yeshiva under Rabbi Eliezer Yitzchak Freid.[23] Afterwards, he headed for Kaunas[24] where he studied Gemara and halacha under the rav of the city, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rabinowitz. He also studied Midrash and Aggadah under Rabbi Eliyahu Ragoler of Slabodka.[25] During this time, he traveled to Torez where he studied the teachings of the Vilna Gaon under a student of Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin.[26]

Afterwards, he returned to Nesvizh[27] and a short while later he moved to Horodna.[28] During the almost fifty years that he lived there, he was offered many prominent positions.[29] Yet, he refused opportunities for leadership in public life,[6] choosing instead the position of shammash in the Synagogue Chevra Shas[1] in Horodna,[6][30] a position he retained for the rest of his life.[29][31]

In the last years of his life, he suffered from a serious spinal disorder, a severe intestinal ailment, swelling of the feet, and other discomforts. Yet, on Simchat Torah, he led the congregation in spirited singing and dancing, clutching a Sefer Torah in one arm while his free hand held his stomach to ease the pain.[32]

A Hebrew language biography of Rabbi Nachum was written by Rabbi Yisrael David Miller who knew Rabbi Nachum personally.[6] Rabbi Miller was stricken by the cholera pandemic[33] that struck Horodna in 1872 and firmly believed that Rabbi Nachum's prayers saved his life.[34][35]

Rabbi Nachum died at Grodno on October 25, 1879.[1][4][36] Twenty thousand people attended his funeral[35][36] which took place the next day.[36]

His son-in-law was Rabbi Gavriel Zev Margolis.[37]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Singer, Isidore; et al., eds. (1901–1906). "NAHUM B. UZZIEL KAPLAN". The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
    Jewish Encyclopedia bibliography:
    • Gurvich, in Razsvyct, 1879, No. 7;
    • Lipshitz, Nekrolog Rabbi Nokhim iz Grodno (reprinted from Russki Yevrei, 1879, No. 9), St. Petersburg, 1879;
    • Ha-Ẓefirah, 1879, No. 42;
    • Ha-Meliẓ, 1879, No. 43;
    • Friedenstein, 'Ir Gibborim, pp. 95-96, Wilna, 1880.
  2. ^ Miller, Yisrael David. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). Piotrków Trybunalski. p. 130. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  3. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 129. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  4. ^ a b Finkelman, Shimon (August 1985). The Story of Reb Nachum'ke (First ed.). Brooklyn: Mesorah Publications. p. 138. ISBN 0-89906-782-4.
  5. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 22.
  6. ^ a b c d Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. Preface.
  7. ^ a b c Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  8. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 93.
  9. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 117. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  10. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 96.
  11. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  12. ^ Finkelman. "From the Depths of Poverty". The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 21.
  13. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 41.
  14. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 43.
  15. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. pp. 44–45.
  16. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 21. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  17. ^ a b Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 25. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  18. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. pp. 46–47.
  19. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 26. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
    Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. pp. 48–49.
  20. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 29. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  21. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 30. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  22. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. pp. 52–53.
  23. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 65.
  24. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 39. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  25. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 40. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  26. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 42. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
    Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 67.
  27. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 43. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  28. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 44. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
    Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 70.
  29. ^ a b Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 113.
  30. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 46. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
    Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. pp. 72–74.
  31. ^ Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 75.
  32. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 128. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
    Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 97.
  33. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 70. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  34. ^ Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 71. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  35. ^ a b Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 104.
  36. ^ a b c Miller. תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 131. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  37. ^ תולדות מנחם [Toldos Menachem] (in Hebrew). p. 138. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
    Finkelman. The Story of Reb Nachum'ke. p. 100.
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