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The Jerusalemite neighborhood of Shaarei Chesed, located between Rechavia and Gan Sacher, holds significant historical and cultural importance as part of the Old Yishuv in Jerusalem. Rabbi Yeshayahu Aryeh Leib Devorkes, a lifelong resident of Shaarei Chesed, played a key role in shaping the literary and communal landscape of the neighborhood.
Born in Shaarei Chesed in 1918, Devorkes received his education at the Etz Chayim Talmud Torah and the Hebron Yeshiva. His early literary and journalistic pursuits were aimed at the members of the Old Yishuv while also keeping abreast of events beyond the community.
Following the establishment of the state of Israel, Devorkes served in the IDF Chief Rabbinate, overseeing religious matters at the Schneller camp. He was actively involved in public activities and authored numerous books, including works by prominent Jewish scholars, English translations of essential texts, and demonstration books featuring illustrations for both adults and children.
One of Devorkes’ significant literary projects was the Siddur Minchat Yerushalayim HaShalem, a comprehensive prayer book that evolved over time to include a wealth of halachic information, illustrations, calendars, and halachic collections on various topics. The Siddur, which first appeared in the 1950s, garnered approval from notable rabbis such as Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank.
In addition to prayers, the Siddur featured detailed guides on observances like Pesach, kiddush levanah, tzitzit, tefillin, and netilat yadayim, as well as schedules for prayer times, Shabbat, and holidays. Despite its innovative approach and rich content, the Siddur faced challenges in the digital age as alternative sources of information became more accessible.
Today, the Siddur Minchat Yerushalayim serves as a testament to Devorkes’ legacy and the unique community in which it was created. Its final edition in 1983 stands as a tribute to a bygone era of Jewish literary tradition.
This article was originally published on JFeed.com.