R. Meir Simcha Chein was a chossid of the Rebbe Rashab and the Frierdiker Rebbe. While being a serious chossid who learned Chassidus and davened ba’arichus with fervor, he was a wealthy merchant who gave large amounts of tzedaka. R. Meir Simcha was involved in community work under the constant guidance of the Rebbe Rashab. He passed away on the 4th of Shevat, תרצ”ד (1934).
R. Meir Simcha was raised by his grandfather, R. Peretz, as his father passed away young. R. Meir Simcha was a studious young boy, and one wintry Motzaei Shabbos he entered his grandfather’s room to get a sefer without greeting his grandfather. R. Peretz scolded him gently, “It seems that your “gut voch” froze with the winter freeze.” R. Meir Simcha would later say that his grandfather’s words made a strong impression and taught him the importance of courtesy.
(חסידים הראשונים ח"ב ע' 170)
In the town of Nevel, some sincere youngsters decided to attend Russian university. R. Meir Simcha discouraged them from doing so and predicted that those who would attend would return unobservant. Many backed out as a result, but several went ahead anyway, thinking that he was exaggerating. Sadly, R. Meir Simcha’s warning proved to be true.
(חסידים הראשונים ח"ב ע' 177)
R. Meir Simcha had initially wanted to learn Torah all day in the capacity of a rov, but his wife wanted him to go into business. He consulted with the Rebbe Rashab, who instructed him to open a large wholesale warehouse of basic food items such as flour, sugar and oil. R. Meir Simcha followed the Rebbe’s advice and became extremely wealthy.
As he grew older and his children started working for him, he jumped at the opportunity to spend more time davening and learning. He would start his day with learning Chassidus and davening from the wee hours of the morning, and would not come to work until four in the afternoon. He would then review the mail, give instructions, send orders for the bank, and then return to learning Torah.
(חסידים הראשונים ח"ב ע' 170)
לעילוי נשמת שטראקס ע"ה אברהם ישעי' בת ר' מוסיאמרת נפטרה כ"ה אד"ר תשפ"ד
