Day of Hilula
Maharam of Rothenburg
י״ט באייר
Ensisheim, Germany
In Jewish tradition, the day of a tzadik's passing — the 'Hilula' — is not a day of mourning, but a day of spiritual elevation and awakening. According to the teachings of Kabbalah, on this day the soul of the tzadik ascends to a higher realm, and their light and merits shine upon the world. Many Jews mark the day through Torah study, reciting Tehillim, lighting a memorial candle, and good deeds for the elevation of the soul — to connect with the tzadik's path and qualities.
His Life and Legacy
Maharam of Rothenburg (Rabbi Meir ben Baruch) was the foremost sage of Ashkenaz in his generation. He was imprisoned by the emperor and died in captivity, and he was not ransomed so that the imprisonment of rabbis would not become a source of revenue for the ruling authorities. His responsa became a foundation of Ashkenazic custom.
"Jewish captives are not ransomed for more than their value."