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RABBI Mordechai Twersky(1770–1837), known as theMaggidofChernobyl, was a Ukrainianrabbi. He was the son of RabbiMenachem Nachum Twerskyof Chernobyl and the secondrebbeof theChernobylHasidicdynasty. (The family surname was originally spelledTwerski). All of his sons served as rebbes, from whom several branches of Hasidism emerged today, including thousands of Chasidim, includingSkver, Chernobyl andRachmastrivka.

Biography[edit]

Twersky was born in Chernobyl to Sarah and RabbiMenachem Nachum of Chernobyl, a disciple of theBaal Shem Tovand theMaggid of Mezeritchand author of the book "Meor Einayim".

Twersky married Chaya Sara the daughter of RabbiAharon of Karlin; after her death he married Faiga the daughter of RabbiDovid Leykeswho was a student of the Baal Shem Tov. He had eight sons and one daughter. His sons became prominentrebbesand were a part of the effort in spreadingChasidusthroughoutRussiaand theUkraine.

Rabbi Mordechai had many Hasidim and many towns appointed him as their "Magid Meisharim". Among his students are Rabbi Yisrael Dov ofVillednikand Rabbi Avraham Dov ofAvritsch.

According to Hasidic thought, Twersky was in charge of sustaining all theTzadikim Nistarim(hidden tzaddikim) in his generation. Throughout his life Twersky collected large amounts of charity, and before his death he regretted not collecting even more than he did.

His thoughts, sermons and discourses were published in his bookLikutei Torah, which was praised by other famous Chassidic leaders. In 2001, the book was reprinted in a revised edition, with the addition of index, called "Likutei Torah Ha-Shalem".

Throughout his teachings, Twersky stressed the importance of pure speech and pure thought as a condition for a proper prayer connection. He also spoke of including all Jewish souls in ones prayer, even evil people. By doing so, evil people will stand a better chance ofrepenting (teshuvah).

His nephew (grandson of his brother-in-law Rabbi Avraham of Koristshov) RabbiYisrael of Rizhinnamed one of his sons Mordechai, while Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl was still alive, apparently in contradiction to Ashkenazi Jewish tradition which does not name children after living relatives. Asked about this, Rabbi Yisrael replied: "Our uncle from Chernobyl is already a few years above this world, as if he is not in this world." Twersky died a few years later in May 1837,^{[1]exactly at the same date that Mordechai (Rabbi Mordechai Fayvush of Husiatin) was born, on the 35th day of theSefiras Haomer.}

While still alive, Twersky prepared his place of rest on the outskirts of the village of Anatevka (Ignatovka), near Kiev. He selected such a place: "because there is no house of idol worship, and the sound of impure bells wont disturb my rest in the grave". Indeed, his gravesite overlooks pastoral hills and the river.

Throughout his life Rabbi Mordechai collected large amounts of money fortzedakah(charity), but before his death he regretted not collecting even more than he did. His thoughts, sermons and discourses were published in his bookLikutei Torah, which was praised for its holiness by other Hasidic leaders. Throughout his teachings, Rabbi Mordechai stressed the importance of pure speech and pure thought as a condition for a proper prayer connection. He also spoke of including all Jewish souls in ones prayer, even evil people. By doing so, evil people will stand a better chance of repenting (teshuvah).

All of Rebbe Mordechais eight sons became rebbes in different cities.