📅 Today in Jewish History – 5th Sivan
🕯️ The Episode of Reuven and the Dudaim
Reuven brought dudaim (mandrakes) to his mother Leah, as recorded in the Torah (Bereishit 30:14).
🕯️ The Birth of Naftali
According to some traditions, Naftali, the son of Yaakov Avinu, was born on this day. His birth is associated with early dates in the cycle of these ימים, symbolizing the emergence of one of the שבטי י-ה, whose legacy would later stand at Har Sinai as part of כלל ישראל.
🕯️ 1312 BCE – Moshe Builds the Altar and Establishes the Covenant
On this day, Moshe Rabbeinu arose early and built a מזבח at the foot of Har Sinai, along with twelve מצבות corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel. He offered sacrifices and took the blood of the covenant, sprinkling it upon the altar and upon the people, sealing the eternal bond between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.
🕯️ 1312 BCE – The Reading of Sefer HaBrit
Moshe Rabbeinu then read before the people the ספר הברית, recounting the words of Hashem and the משפטים, including the mitzvot that had been given earlier at Marah—such as דינים, שבת, and כיבוד אב ואם—forming the foundation of the Torah’s legal and moral system.
🕯️ 1312 BCE – “Naaseh Venishma” – The Acceptance of the Torah
In response to Moshe’s reading, the entire nation answered in a single unified voice:
“כל אשר דבר ה׳ נעשה ונשמע” — “All that Hashem has spoken we will do and we will hear.”
With this declaration, they accepted the Torah with complete faith and devotion, establishing an eternal covenant between Hashem and His people.
🕯️ Prophetic Era – The Vision of Yechezkel at the River Kevar
In later generations, it is associated that the prophet Yechezkel beheld the vision of the Merkavah (Divine Chariot) upon the River Kevar. This vision of open Divine revelation echoes the experience of Har Sinai, where Heaven and earth were united in a גילוי אלקות visible to all.
📅 Today’s Yartzites – 5th Sivan
🕯️ 1797 – The Passing of Rabbi Zev Wolf of Zhitomir, Author of “Or HaMeir”
In the year 5557 (1797), Rabbi Zev Wolf ben Rabbi Shmuel זצ״ל, known as the author of אור המאיר of Zhitomir, passed away. He was a תלמיד חכם and a chassidic master whose teachings illuminated the path of avodat Hashem with depth and clarity. His writings continue to inspire those who seek פנימיות התורה and heartfelt service of Hashem.
🕯️ 1824 – The Passing of Rabbi Mordechai Karmi, Author of “Maamar Mordechai”
In the year 5584 (1824), the gaon Rabbi Mordechai ben Rabbi Avraham Karmi זצ״ל, author of מאמר מרדכי, returned his soul to its Creator. A great halachic authority, his work is widely cited in the field of practical halacha, particularly on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, and remains an important source for later poskim.
🕯️ 1836 – The Martyrdom of the Brothers of Lvov
In the year 5596 (1836), tragic events occurred with the killing al kiddush Hashem of the holy brothers, the gaon Rabbi Chaim and the righteous Rabbi Yehoshua, sons of Rabbi Yitzchak HaLevi Reitzes of Lvov הי״ד. Their martyrdom is remembered as part of the long and painful history of Jewish suffering, and their sacrifice stands as a testament to unwavering faith and devotion.
