"Ish HaPeleh" - Torah Finials belonging to the Saba Kaddisha of Shpola – the ‘Zeide ’ of the Jewish Nation, zy”a. ...

"Ish HaPeleh" - Torah Finials belonging to the Saba Kaddisha of Shpola – the ‘Zeide ’ of the Jewish Nation, zy”a. Podolia, circa 1800.

“I bless the boy, the circumcised infant, that he merit to be a ‘Zeide - Grandfather’ for all of Israel, just as Avraham Avinu a”h was the Grandfather of all of Israel” ( blessing of the holy Ba’al Shem Tov at the Bris Milah).

“Holy Relic”: Torah finials (in the form of 'Atzei Chaim') that belonged to the hidden tzaddik, the supremely holy miracle-worker, Rabbi Aryeh Leib – the ‘Holy Grandfather’ of Shpola, known to all as the ‘Shpoler Zeide’ – and later, to his holy grandson.

This is a rare and holy item, engraved with a moving memorial testimony clearly attesting that it belonged to the hidden miracle-worker and tzaddik, Rabbi Aryeh Leib – the ‘Shpoler Zeide’ – and that it was bequeathed to his grandson, HaRav HaTzaddik shlita (in his lifetime).

“For a holy keepsake as a remembrance to HaRav HaTzaddik shlita, atzei chaim (Torah scroll handles) from his grandfather… from HaRav HaTzaddik, Beacon of Light, the Shpoler Zeide zyav”c (may his memory protect us and all of Israel)”.

This dedication is of great historical significance, testifying that this is a unique, authentic item from a holy, hidden and extraordinary tzaddik, of whom there is almost no remnant in the world.

These silver Torah ornaments were intended to be used as finials ("Rimmonim") for the Sefer Torah. Torah finials in this form - which echo that of the Torah staves themselves - are considered extremely rare.

Many wondrous stories abound about him, first and foremost the story of when the holy Ba’al Shem Tov (the Besht) and his wife visited the Shpoler Zeide’s father, Rabbi Baruch. This took place at a time when the Besht’s greatness was as yet unrevealed. During this visit, at midnight, Rabbi Baruch witnessed the Besht sitting on the floor and weeping over the destruction of the Holy Temple while next to him was the figure of the Maharal of Prague zy”a. At this point the Besht shared the wonderful tidings that a son would be born to Rabbi Baruch and his righteous wife, who would be named Aryeh Leib after the Maharal. At the behest of the Besht who attended the Bris, they named this baby ‘Zeide’;

and that is how the ‘Shpoler Zeide’ received his name!

We have in our possition tow expert evaluations that confirm the authenticity of this item. 

A unique, emotive holy object from an exceptional and extraordinary tzaddik, a disciple of the holy Ba’al Shem Tov – the ‘Shpoler Zeide’.

One of a kind.