Rav Avrohom Chaim Horowitz (Tishrei 29, 5680 / 1919 - 105th Yahrzeit)
Rav Avraham Chaim Horowitz was born in 5610 (1850).
He was a scion of the Ropshitz dynasty and the son-in-law of Rav Betzalel Weinberger, the wealthy gvir of Gorlitz.
He was a formidable lamdan from his youth and made a great impression on Rav Chaim Halberstam, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, who told him to study the Shach’s commentary, as it sharpens the mind. He also knew his grandfather, Rav Eliezer of Dzhikov.
Rav Avraham Chaim was appointed Rav of Plantsh and achieved fame as its leader. However, the Russian government banished him over false accusations and he moved to Radomishel.
In 5654 (1893), he was crowned rebbe and his chassidim soon numbered in the thousands. He was not the official Rav in Radomishel, although his disciples wanted him to take on that position as well. Rav Avraham Chaim’s diligence in Torah learning was astonishing; he was always seen standing and studying. It is said that for forty years he did not sleep in a bed!
His dveykus was superhuman; he would often lose himself in the midst of zemiros and fall silent, only the lines and wrinkles of his forehead betrayed his intense inner movement and thought. So powerful was his connection to the spiritual dimension that his Divrei Torah were often spoken in a disjointed, almost stuttering manner; only his ardent chassid, Rav Chaim Feffer, was able to comprehend them.
Rav Avraham Chaim was also renowned for his niggunim, and when he sang Mah Yedidus it would awaken souls and set hearts aflame!
Shabbos Chanukah was an auspicious time in his court and the seder (holy gathering) of Shabbos evening lasted until the wee hours of the next morning!
Rav Avraham Chaim moved to Reisha in 5671 (1910). During the first world war he fled to Budapest, afterwards returning to Reisha.
His sons were Rav Shlomo, son-in-law of Rav Yechiel of Pokshavnitza (who died young); Rav Dovid of Peshtzelov, and Rav Elazar of Grodzhisk.
His daughters were Chava, wife of Rav Elimelech Rubin of Yasli; Margolatsha, the wife of Rav Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar, and a daughter (name unknown) who was the wife of Rav Ephraim Horowitz of Rozhvadov.
Rav Avraham Chaim passed away Erev Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan (the 29th of Tishrei), 1918) 5679 תרעט).
