Rav Yosef Katzenelenbogen (Elul 18, 5590 / 1830 - 194th Yahrzeit)
Rav Yosef was born approximately 1763/4 (תקכ"ג-תקכ"ד). He was the son-in-law of Rav Yehuda Meir of Shpetivka who was the son of Rav Pinchos Koretzer. He was appointed to serve as Rav of Ostila in his father’s lifetime and after תק"ס, he took on the position of rebbe as well.
As rebbe, he travelled to the Chozeh, and they developed a close warm relationship. The Chozeh testified: “He is entirely good; he is like the urim and tumim!”
When his daughter married Rav Don of Radvil, the grandson of Rav Yehoshua Heschel of Apta, the wedding in Ostila made chassidic history. The town of Ostila became famous due to this chasunah which catered to thousands of visiting chassidim. The event became fondly known from then on in chasiddic lore as “the great wedding at Ostila – der groisse chasuna fun Ostila” or just as the “Ostila chasunah.” One of the widely publicized incidents was the defense of the Peshischa path of chassidus. In this incident, the Chiddushei HaRim was sent to represent and defend their derech in chassidus against their detractors who wanted to place a cherem on them (excommunication) which failed.
Rav Yosef’s sons were: Rav Pinchos of Ostila, Rav Mordechai of Ostila, Rav Levi Yitzchok of Stephan, Rav Baruch of Kosnatin. His sons-in-law were: Rav Levi Yitzchok of Kamin and Rav Aharon Tzintz, Av Beis Din Turbin.
While attending the wedding of his son, Rav Baruch in Ostrog, Rav Yosef passed away on the 18th of Elul, תק"ץ and was laid to rest in Ostrog with great honor. (Mazkeres l’Gedolei Ostrog p. 287) Only when they returned to Ostila and his written will was discovered, did they see that he commanded his burial should be simple and modest. Hashem, however, had other plans for him and arranged matters so that his levaya was carried out honorably and in a fitting manner. (Zichron Tov Michtavim p. 27)
