Kalonymus Kalman Shapira
Kalonymus Kalman Shapira (1889–1943) was a Hasidic rabbi and educator, known as the Rebbe of Piaseczno. Born in Grodzisk, Poland, he was a descendant of the Peshischa Hasidic dynasty. Before World War II, he was a prominent rabbinical figure in Warsaw, where he founded a yeshiva called Daas Moshe. He was renowned for his innovative educational methods and his focus on the emotional and spiritual development of his students.
During the Holocaust, Rabbi Shapira was confined to the Warsaw Ghetto, where he continued to teach and provide spiritual leadership to the Jewish community under unimaginable conditions. His sermons from this period, which were smuggled out of the ghetto and later published, reflect his profound faith and his attempts to maintain morale and hope among his followers. These writings are a testament to his resilience and his unwavering commitment to Jewish education and spiritual leadership despite the surrounding horrors.
Rabbi Shapira was eventually deported to the Trawniki labor camp and then to the Treblinka extermination camp, where he was murdered in 1943. His teachings and writings, particularly those collected in 'Esh Kodesh' (Sacred Fire), continue to inspire and influence Jewish thought and spirituality. His legacy is remembered for its deep insight into the human condition and the power of faith in the darkest of times.