Background
He was born in Khometz, Russia.
He was born in Khometz, Russia.
Specifically, he served as a Mashpia (Hasidic mentor) and communal rabbi in the towns of Paritch (Parwich), near Minsk, Russia, and Bobroisk, Belarus. He was considered exceptional in his scholarship and piety, and is referred to as a Tzadik, and even as a "half Rebbe."
Although he was originally a disciple of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, he became a disciple of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (though he never saw him) after learning in a “hidden” Tanya without the title page. In 1815 he began to travel regularly to Rabbi Dovber of Lubavitch and, after the latter’s passing, became a disciple of Rabbi Dovber"s successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel.
Jewish agricultural settlement in the Kherson Governorate area had been initiated and encouraged by Rabbi Dovber.
In 1818 Rabbi Dovber instructed Rabbi Hillel to visit these colonies regularly, saying, "Harvest material (gather funds for those in need) and sow spiritual (guide and inspire the colonists)." He provided conscripted soldiers (cantonists) in Bobroisk with kosher food, and aided Jews imprisoned there. Rabbi Hillel"s appointment was emphatically confirmed by Rabbi Menachem Mendel.
He died in Kherson on Shabbos, 11 Av, 5624. Hillel was born with exceptional gifts, and he strove diligently in Torah study.
At thirteen he had mastered the Talmud, and at fifteen, the Kabbalistic works of the Arizal.
Rabbi Hillel"s way was to study Chasidic texts for many hours and then pray and meditate for many hours. "Those who stay in the dark for long enough start to think that the darkness is light."
"Every Chossid needs a chossid to be his mentor.".
