Sh’eirit Yisrael: Holy Practices

The 21st of Tevet is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Yisrael Dov of Vilednik, the She’eiris Yisrael (1789-1849 [or 1850]). Also known as the Maggid of Vilednik, he was a disciple of Rav Mordechai Twersky (1770-1837), the Chernobler Rebbe. During his lifetime, thousands journeyed to the She’eris Yisrael for blessing, inspiration, and consultation. Before he passed away, he told his disciples that whoever would reach out and touch his door seeking help would be aided. Today, even thousands of non-Jews come to pray at his gravesite in their times of need. The She’eiris Yisrael’s reputation continues to endure amongst generations of Gentiles in the area, and many Jews from around the world travel to his kever on his yahrtzeit.

1. Learn Torah, Mishna, Gemara, and Mussar books every day.
2. Recite one chapter each of Perek Shira and Sefer Yetzirah each day.
3. Recite the Shema of the Ari before going to sleep plus the first four chapters of Psalms every night.
4.Every Friday night a person should recite 18 chapters of Mishna: During Nissan from the Order of Zeraim, Iyar – Moed and continue throughout the year.
5. Stop after 6 chapters of Mishna, and study one Mishna with the commentary of the Bartenura and the Tosafot Yom Tov.
6. Each Friday one should recite one chapter of Tractate Mikvaot and the entire Song of Songs. Give at least one dollar to Tzedaka. Erev Shabbat also means “l’areiv Shabbat” do things to make your Shabbat sweet.
7.Give fresh bread to a poor family each Shabbat and two candles, 1 to a poor person and one to the synagogue.
8. One Erev Rosh Chodesh one should recite not less than 18 chappetrs of Psalms and give extra money to Tzedaka.
9. On Erev Rosh Chodesh one should recite 18 chapters of Mishna, plus one chapter of Mikvaot and one of Tractate Avot.