Zadok HaKohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (1823–1900) was a Jewish thinker and Hasidic leader, renowned for his scholarship and writings that continue to shape Jewish spirituality.
Born in Jēkabpils, Russian Empire (now southeastern Latvia,) he was raised in a distinguished rabbinic family and emerged early as an illui (Talmudic scholar,) mastering both Talmudic studies and mystical traditions. Influenced by mentors like Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izhbitza and Rabbi Yehuda Leib Eiger, Zadok combined rigorous halakhic analysis with a passionate Hasidic worldview, leading the Lublin Hasidim from 1888.
His public classes and sermons earned acclaim for intellectual depth and fervent spirituality. These sessions were transcribed, forming a literary corpus bridging legal discourse and mysticism. His seminal work, Eidkat ha-Tzadik (1902; The Devotion of the Righteous,) offers profound insights into righteousness and divine service. Equally influential is the five-volume Peri Tzadik (1901–24; The Fruit of the Righteous,) preserving his sermons on Jewish law and ethics. Other writings include Ma’ashavot Tzaru (1912; Contemplations on Sorrow,) Resisei Layla (1913; Fragments of the Night,) Pokad Akarim (1922; The Call of the Nobles,) and Likkutei Ma’amarym (1913; Collected Teachings,) each highlighting his innovative approach to theology and ethical conduct.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Zadok HaKohen
A man’s dreams are an index to his greatness.
—Zadok HaKohen
Topics: Greatness, Dreams
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