Nisan 9

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Aryeh Levine (1885-1969), affectionately known as the Tzaddik of Jerusalem. Rabbi Levine exemplified the ideal of identifying with another person's pain. Once, when his wife's foot became infected, Rabbi Levine explained to the doctor: "Our foot is hurting us." During the pre-state era, Rabbi Levine served as volunteer chaplain for Jewish prisoners imprisoned by the British authorities. He brought them food, clothes and love -- walking to see them through blinding rain and searing heat. His selfless devotion made a great impression on the prisoners: Once when Rabbi Levine's daughter became dangerously ill, the prisoners made a deal with God -- donating a portion of their own lifespan so that Rabbi Levine's daughter should live.