R. Yaakov son of R. Refael Shapira
Riebiņi / Rybnishtki
Born in 5633 (1873) in Volozhin, to his father (son-in-law of the Netziv of Volozhin) who served as chief rabbi of Bobruysk and afterward as head of the Volozhin yeshiva and rabbi of the city, author of the book Torat Refael. Brother-in-law of the Gaon R. Chaim of Brisk.
He served as rabbi here from 5663 (1903).
In 56731) he began to serve as head of the Volozhin yeshiva, and after his father's passing in 5681 was also appointed rabbi there.
He passed away on 9 Iyyar 5696 (1 May 1936) in Warsaw and was brought to rest in Volozhin.
Author of the book Gaon Yaakov (Tel Aviv 5713).
Ohalei Shem, p. 200, and more. About him — Volozhin: Siprah shel HaIr veShel Yeshivat Etz Chaim, pp. 190 ff.
Latvia and Rabbis