(Kislev 12, 5667 / 1906 - 117th Yahrzeit)
(Some say the Yahrzeit is in the year 5657 / 1896 - 127th Yahrzeit)
Rav Naftali Hakohen Schwartz, born on the 12th of Elul 5606 (1846), was the son of Rav Avraham Yehudah Hakohen Schwartz of Mad, the author of Kol Aryeh.
He studied under his illustrious father until age nine, when he went to learn under Rav Shmuel Wieller. By that age, his son Rav Shmuel testifies, Rav Naftoli already knew most of Maseches Nedorim with the Ran’s commentary by heart! He was held in high esteem by the likes of Rav Yosef Shaul Natanson of Lvov and the Kesav Sofer.
On Wednesday, Parshas Behaaloscha, 13 Sivan 5625, he married Chana (Elka?), the daughter of Rav Yaakov Weiss of Kunter Yanushieh.
He sat and studied, corresponding with the Rabbonim and Geonim of his generation and his responsa were printed in collections and seforim: Maharam Schik, Avnei Tzedek, Naharei Afarsemon, Kenaf Renanah, Harei Besomim, Yad Yitzchok, Meishiv Devorim, Darkei Teshuva, Pri HaSodeh, Gevuros Shlomo, Tevuas HaSodeh, Malbushei YomTov, Imrei Yosef, Vayelaket Yosef, Bais Yisrael and Torah MiTzion.
He was close with Rav Hertzke of Ratzfert and Rav Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, as well as the Liska Rav, mechaber of Ach Pri Tevua. He received semicha and heter horo’a from the Yetiv Ponim, Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum of Sighet, as well as from Rav Shimon Sofer of Cracow.
After his first wife passed away on 24 Marcheshvan 5633, he married Elka, the daughter of Rav Yehuda Arye Pruster of Ober Vishava.
In 5644, the Kol Arye was niftar and he asked in his last will and testament that his son Rav Naftoli be appointed as his successor in Mad – and so it was.
He passed away Tuesday night, 12 Kislev Parshas VaYishlach 5667 (5657?).
His seforim were: Shu”t Bais Naftoli; Derushim Halocha and Aggoda; Bais Naftoli on the Torah; Shaar Naftoli commentary on Avudraham; Chiddushim on Makkos; Yalkut Naftoli on Shabbos, Midroshim and Zohar; Sefer HaYeshua on segulos and refuos; Shem HaGedolim HaShlishi, a bibliography of tzaddikim, rabbonim, and their seforim; and Imrei Shefer, a commentary on Rav Wolf Boskowitz’s sefer, Chaluka DeRabbonon.
