Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev (1740–1809), also known as the Berdichever, was a Hasidic leader. He was the rabbi of Ryczywół, Żelechów, Pinsk and Berdychiv, for which he is best known. He was one of the main disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch, and his disciple Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, whom he succeeded as rabbi of Ryczywół.
Reb Levi Yitzchok was known as the "defense attorney" for the Jewish people, because it was believed that he could intercede on their behalf before God. Known for his compassion for every Jew, he was therefore one of the most beloved leaders of Eastern European Jewry. He authored the Hasidic classic Kedushas Levi, which is a commentary on many Jewish religious books and laws, and is arranged according to the weekly Torah portion.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchok was known to have a very close relationship[clarification needed] with the famous Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe. Rabbi Nachman MÚman ZTL called him the Peér (glory) of the generation.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchok composed some popular Hasidic religious folk songs, including Dude'le and "The Kaddish of Rebbe Levi Yitzchok (A din Toyre mit Gott)." The Yiddish prayer "God of Abraham" which many Jewish women recite at the close of the Sabbath is erroneously attributed to him. He died on the 25th of Tishrei, 5570 (1809) and is buried in the old cemetery in Berdychiv, Ukraine.
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