Komarno (Hasidic dynasty)


Komarno is a Hasidic dynasty founded by Rabbi Aleksander Sender Safrin of Komarno, Ukraine.

Dynasty

Rabbi Aleksander Sender Eichenstein

Rabbi Sender was the son of Rabbi Yitzchak Eisik Eichenstein of the town of Safrin, from where Rabbi Sender's family name originates. He was a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and died at the age of 47 on a Saturday night, after spending Shabbos with the Yismach Moshe of Uhel. The Yismach Moshe appointed his kehilla to bury him in the Ohel that was to be his very own burial place in Uhel.

Rabbi Yitzchak Eisik Safrin

After the death of Rabbi Sender, his son, Rabbi Yitzchak Eisik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin, was raised by his uncle, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein of Zidichov.
Rabbi Yitzchak Eisik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin of Komarno, known as the Komarno Rebbe, was one of the most prolific expounders of the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, producing volumes of original insights on Jewish and Torah philosophy as inspired by the Baal Shem Tov, whom he calls "Mory V'Rabi", although the Baal Shem Tov died years before his birth. He also wrote insights on the Mishnah and Jewish Law. A hidden Torah Scholar for many years, he only later became known for his genius, piety and ability to work wonders. According to Hasidic legend, he showed a phenomenal ability as a child to foresee events happen before they did. His uncle and foster parent, Rabbi Hirsh of Zidichov, "removed" this talent from him and "hid" it from him to be used at an older more mature age. He was a giant among his generation and although he held positions that were in conflict with the Shulchan Aruch, he never held positions that were not based on the Rishonim and other accepted Talmudic or Zohar sources. Among his other works, Rebbe Yitzchak Eisik of Komarno's monumental commentaries Heichal HaBrachah on the Torah, Otzar HaChaim on the commandments, and Zohar Chai on the Zohar, are classics of Kabbalah as well as Hasidic philosophy.