Imrei Shamai - Rav Shamai Ginzburg (1905-1997), Poland, Israel; Born into a family of Gur Hassidim, studied with R' Shimon Shkop, and the Ostrovetser Rebber. Moved to Israel in 1925, settling in the Jezreel Valley. In 1927, was recruited by Rav Kook to study at Mercaz HaRav; working as a construction worker while learning for at least five hours a day. Over the years, memorized countless works of Chazal, Rishonim, and Achronim. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach once said it was better to have R' Shamai Ginzburg’s phone number than a cabinet full of sefarim. Identified with Zionism and connected with Poalei Agudat Yisrael to engage in Yishuv Haaretz. During the War of Independence, enlisted in the IDF with the encouragement of the Gerrer Rebbe, and was one of the commanders of the Tuvia Battalion. Responsible for religious affairs in the Jewish Agency and the establishment of the Beit Din for conversion in Vienna.
