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R. Yehuda Leib Shaul son of R. Refael Yosef Ginzburg

Jēkabpils / Jakobstadt

Born in 56341) (1874) in Vidz, district of Kovna, to his father who was rabbi in Sharkovschchina, district of Vilna.

He studied Torah under his father and at “Markel's Kloyz” in Kovna.

He was appointed rabbi here at age 24, in 56582) (1898), and served here for approximately 42 years. He also served as official government rabbi.

He perished in the Holocaust at the end of 5701 (1941).

He maintained halakhic correspondence with the Gaon of Rogatchov, and in the responsa Tsafnat Pa'aneach (Dvinsk 5700) a responsum to him was printed (section 20).3)

He is mentioned in a letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Maharshab) to the Gaon R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski4) (and there, that during the First World War he was in Vitebsk).

In Hadarat Tzvi a eulogy he delivered for R. Tzvi Hirsh Nurok, rabbi of Mitau, was printed.

His biography was printed in several places.

Eleh Ezkerah, vol. 7, pp. 246 ff. Ohalei Shem, p. 380. Yahadut Latviya, pp. 378–9. Latvia: Batei Knesset VeRabbanim, p. 228.

His letter to the man of kindness, R. Mordechai Dubin:

Peace and blessing to the honor of my dear and distinguished friend, the philanthropist renowned by name and praise, a public figure throughout our community of Latvia —

Please let my petition be pleasing on behalf of this man, Ze'ev Ber Rotbart of Jakobstadt, who bears a heavy burden placed upon him beyond his capacity by government law, and there is great compassion for him. As he will lay before you all his circumstances, perhaps you have some way to help him, though truly I do not know whether this matter is within your province; but I have no idea myself and the present Rotbart also does not know to whom to turn. I therefore send a few lines to your honor, and if the matter requires turning to someone else, let him act according to his counsel and wisdom, for the obligation rests on each one of us to do good for our fellow as much as one can. Whatever is within my power I shall do, and may God help all of Israel in all they do.

From me, the one truly imploring for the good of others.

Yehuda Leib Shaul Ginzburg, \
Rabbi of Jakobstadt. \
15 Marcheshvan 5685.

Latvia and Rabbis

1)
In Latvia: Batei Knesset VeRabbanim (and in Yahadut Lita, vol. 3, p. 38) — 5632.
2)
According to R. Avitzinsky — 5660; in Latvia: Batei Knesset VeRabbanim — 1902.
3)
It is possible that he is the one co-signed together with the Gaon R. Meir Simcha HaKohen in the responsa Or Sameiach, vol. 2, section 17 (p. 166, Jerusalem Institute edition, 5758). But there he is signed “son of R. Avraham Yosef.”
4)
Igrot Kodesh of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Mohariatz), vol. 2, p. 874.