ר׳ ישראל בן גדליה ליפשיץ

ר׳ ישראל בן גדליה ליפשיץ (1782–1860), universally known as the תפארת ישראל, was a German rabbinic scholar and one of the most influential modern commentators on the Mishnah. Born at Obersitzko in the Posen region to ר׳ גדליה ליפשיץ and Keila, he came from a distinguished rabbinic family and maintained learned correspondence with ר׳ עקיבא איגר. His rabbinic career included Wronki, Dessau and Colmar before he became rabbi of Danzig in 1837, remaining there until his death. His תפארת ישראל combines concise explanation, textual analysis, halakhic conclusions and extensive introductions to difficult orders and tractates. In its mature printed form the running commentary is called יכין and the longer analytical discussions בעז; material by his son ר׳ ברוך יצחק ליפשיץ was also incorporated. Separate essays explain Shabbat, the calendar, Temple service and purity, while דרוש אור החיים discusses the soul, resurrection and the relationship between Torah and contemporary knowledge. Known for rigorous personal discipline, charity and sustained study, he left responsa, notes on שולחן ערוך and משנה תורה, and an ethical will. He died in Danzig on 19 September 1860, traditionally during prayers on the Fast of Gedaliah while wearing tallit and tefillin.