Hilulot (Anniversaries of Passing): Rabbi Asher Freund zt"l

Today, the 11th of Tishrei, marks the yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Asher Freund zt"l (of blessed memory), who received much in the teachings of Breslov from his close friend, Rabbi Gedaliah Koenig zt"l, the founder and leader of the Breslov community in Safed.

Today, the 11th of Tishrei, marks the yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Asher Freund zt"l, the founder of the famous "Yad Ezrah" chessed (charity) institutions. He was born on the 25th of Elul 5670 (1910) and passed away on the 11th of Tishrei 5764 (2003). He was well-known for his unique method in avodas hanefesh (inner spiritual work) and for his assistance to the needy.

From a young age, he assisted the poor and the downtrodden. People turned to him to seek his advice and blessing, and those seeking his presence would wait in his courtyard for long hours throughout most of the day and night.

His close friend was Rabbi Gedaliah Koenig zt"l, the founder and leader of the Breslov community in Safed, and he received much from him in the teachings of Breslov. As is well known, Rabbi Asher's unique method was based on many Breslov concepts, such as traveling to the graves of tzaddikim (righteous ones), Hisbodedus (secluded prayer), the "Kibbutz" (gathering) in Meron on Rosh Hashanah, the nusach (liturgical version) of prayer, and more.

In his writings, teachings and sayings from Rebbe Nachman zy"a (may his merit protect us) are frequently cited, and he treated them with holy awe. Rabbi Freund used to go out with his followers for "Hisbodedus" (secluded prayer) during the day and especially at night.

In his younger years, he would frequently visit the Breslov Beis Medrash (study hall) in Katamon and listen to classes on "Likutey Moharan," "Likutey Halachos," and the rest of Rebbe Nachman's zy"a holy books.