Names of Key Tzaddikim – The Short List

Names of Key Tzaddikim – The Short List

Rabbi Nachman revealed in his holy book Character (The Aleph Beth Book of the Traits; entry of Tzaddik; 1:19): One whom the Holy One Blessed He is important in his eyes, should write in a book all the names of the tzaddikim, and the Tana'im (the sages who compiled the Mishna), and the G-d fearing, for remembrance. And (ibid 2:20): Through mentioning the names of the tzaddikim, one can bring changes in the creation, that is to say, to change nature (do the supernatural). An indication for this matter is: “These are the offspring (chronicles) of the Heaven and the Earth (Genesis 1:1),” and “These are the names of the Children of Israel (Exodus 1:1),” - syllogism [-gezaira shuvva – the usage of the words “These are” in both passages is the basis to apply what is found by one of them to the other]. Rabbi Nussun explains further that by calling out the name of the tzaddik one summons all the holiness, paradigm, and construct of that saint.

To this end, Rabbi Nussun of Breslov compiled a book “Names of the Tzaddikim” where he made a comprehensive list of the tzaddikim from Adam to his own generation. This is a complete booklet which can take a few hours to read. At the end of the book Rabbi Nussun writes that for various reasons he was unable to document all the known tzaddikim, and who ever desires to add, should do so, and he will be blessed from Heaven. This was done, and an even more complete list of tzaddikim was compiled and is readily available by the Breslov Chasidim who take advantage of chanting these holy names constantly. This latter version takes a few more hours to read.

Our sages taught when one tries to grab too much he ends up with nothing, and seeing that the names of tzaddikim is a full book, this is very imposing and heavy on a person, it became a task an activity of itself, to recite the names, leaving it difficult for one to just grab a little good when possible. Also, even though it is forbidden to judge and compare tzaddikim, certainly certain tzaddikim play a much greater role in our lives and in the running of the world, and with the addition of all the tzaddikim that we revel

in mentioning their names, we are forced to push off the mentioning of the critical tzaddikim, so that even if a person has a regular session everyday of reciting a portion of the holy names, he will not be mentioning the critical tzaddikim very often.

Therefore I took the liberty of compiling a list of tzaddikim from Adam till the giving of the Torah, and spanning the chain of the tradition of the Torah throughout the generations, key instrumental tzaddikim. This list does not come to exclude any other tzddikim G-d forbid. It simply chooses tzaddikim that really stick out as playing a prominent role in Judaism. And being that saying the name of a tzaddik only takes a split second, I didn't suffice with a bare skeleton list, but added many famous tzaddikim that greatly enriched our tradition even if they weren't the absolute key foundations. The reader may decide to add or subtract according to his views, and according to the time he can allocate to their recital. It is a great blessing to be able to welcome the memory of these tzaddikim into our lives every day.

Udum, Hevel, Shais, Chanoach, Misooshelach, Noach, Shaim, Aivehr, Avrohom, Yitzchok, Yaakov-Yisro'el, {Sarah, Rivkah, Ruchel, Leah, Bilaah, Zilpah}, Elee'ezehr (servant of Avrohom).

[EAST:] Yehuda (YHVH), Yissuchar (YHHV), Zevooloon (YVHH). [SOUTH:] Roovain (VYHH), Shimoan (VHYH), Gud (VHHY). [WEST:] Efraye'im (HYVH), Menasheh (HYHV), Binyumin (HVYH). [NORTH:] Dun (HVHY), Ushair (HHYV), Naftolee (HHVY). Laivee. Yoasaif.

Kihus, Amrum, {Yoacheved, Sehrach}, Moasheh Rabbainoo (Netzach, Hoad of Z.A.), Aharoan (Master of the Matruneesa (Shechina); front of Chuchma (Wisdom) and Beenah (Understanding)), {Miri'yum}, Nuduv, Aveyhoo, Eluzar, Eetumar, Pinchas, Nachshon ben Ameenuduv. Yehoashoo'a bin Nuin (Yesod\back of Chuchma and Beena of Nukva), Kulaiv ben Yifooneh, Bitzalail ben Ooree ben Chur, Uhulee'uv ben Acheesumach.

<ELDERS & JUDGES (Chuchma and Beena of Abba in Z.A.)> Eldud, Maidud, Usnee'ail ben Kinaz, Aihood ben Gairu, Shamgar ben Anuhs, {Devorah the Prophetess}, Burak ben Aveenoa'am, Geedoan (ben Yoa'ush), Toalu ben Poo'uh, Yu'eer Hageeludee, Yiftach, Avtzun, Ailoan Hazivooloanee, Avdoan ben Hillel Hapirusoanee, Shimshon Hageebor, Ailee Hakohen, Shmoo'el Hanuvee (ben Elkunu ben Yiroochum ben Toachoo ben Tzoof; Netzach), {Chana the Prophetess}.

<KINGS & MINISTERS> Sha'ool, Yoanusun, Dovid ben Yeeshay (Malchus. 386- ShaFU), Bini'yuhoo ben Yihoa'yuda, Shloamoa, Assu, Yihoashufut, Yihoa'ush, Oozeeyuhoo, Yoasum, Yichezkeeyahoo, Yoasheeyuhoo, Tzidkeeyuhoo.

<PROPHETS (moachin of Eema in Z.A.)> Acheeya Hasheeloanee (back of Netzach and Hoad), Eleeyahoo (back of Hoad), Eleesha, Aidoa Hachoazeh, Shima'ya Hanuvee, Nussun, Gud Hachoazeh, Yisha'ya, Yirmeeyah, Yichezkel, Baruch ben Nooreeya, Hoashai'a, Yoa'ail, Umoas, Oavadya, Yoanu, Meechu, Nachoom, Chabakook, Tzifanyu.

<ANSHAY (men of) KINNESSES HAGIDOALU (the Great Assembly) (da'as from Abba in Z.A.)> Chagee, Zicharya, Malachee, Danee'el, Chananya, Meeshu'el, Azarya, Nichemya ben Chachleeyu, Mordechai Hatzadik, Bilshun, Ziroobuvel, Ezra Hasoafehr, Matisyahoo Kohen Gadol Chashmoanay and his sons. Shimon Hatzadik.

<Zoogoas (Pairs) (da'as from Eema in Z.A.)> Antignoas Eesh Soachoa (from the aleeya), Yoasee ben Yoa'ezehr Eesh Tzraidu – Yoasee ben Yoachanun Eesh Yirooshula'yim, Yihoashoo'a ben Prachya – Neetaye Hu'Arbailee. Yehooda ben Tabaye – Shimon ben Shetach. Shima'ya – Avtalyon. Hillel – Shamaye.

<Tana'im (Yesod till Da'as, derech yireeda and derech aleeya for the mekubalim. And also from Aba)> Yoanusun ben Oozee'el, R' Yoachanun ben Zakaye, Shimon ben Hillel Hazukain. R' Nichunya ben Hakuneh (Haichuloas of Yitzeera). R' Elee'ezehr Hagadol (530-TaKaL), R' Yihoashoo'a, R' Yoasee Hakohen, R' Shimon ben Nisanel, R' Eluzar ben Aruch, Rabee Akeeva (ben Yoasaif. AShTzH=396). R' Yishmu'el, R' Meir (Bal Hanais), R' Yehooda, R' Shimon bar Yoachaye, R' Eluzar ben R' Shimon, R' Pinchas ben Ya'eer, Rav Hamnoonu Saba, Rav Yeyva Saba, Rav Nihoaroy Saba, R' Aba. Choanee Hamaagul, R' Chaneena ben Doasa, Eleesha Bal Kinufa'yim, R' Nechemya, R' Eluzar ben Shamoo'a, Shimon ben Azaye, Ben Zoama, Akavya ben Mihalalel, Masya ben Churush, R' Tzudok, R' Yayshvuv Hasoafehr, Chootzpees Hamiturgaman, Rabee Chananya ben Chacheenaye, R' Yehooda ben Dumu, R' Yehuda ben Buvu, R' Yehuda ben Bisairu, R' Yehuda ben Taimu, R' Chananya ben Tradyoan, R' Chananya ben Akashya, R' Tarfoan, R' Yoasee Hagleelee (ShiPU=386. Left sidelock – E”L ShaD”Ai – of the left shoulder), R' Yoachanun ben Broaku (A”V (72) Ba”N (52), KeDe”M – Ba”N in achoora'yim minus Ba”N itself and Hai), R' Yoachanun ben Nooree (=Emes (truth) with the inclusive), R' Yoachanun Hasandler, Admoan, Soomchoos, R' Gamlee'el HaZukain, R' Shimon his son, R' Gamlee'el his son, R' Shimon his son, Rabbainoo Hakadoash Rabee Yehooda Hanusee. Rabee Afes, R' Chaneena ben Chumu, R' Cheeya.

<Amoaru'im (sages of the Talmud) (yineeka-suckling)> Rav, Shmoo'el, Rabee Yanai, Bar Kapara, Rav Tachlaftu, R' Yoachanun, Resh Lukish, R' Yihoashoo'a ben Laivee, R' Amrum, Ilfis, R' Hoasheeya, Rav Pupuh, Rav Eedee bar Uvin, Rav Kroospidaye, Rabee Yeermiyu, R' Yichezkel, R' Eluzar, R' Eluzar ben Pidus, R' Ada bar Ahava, Amaimar, Mar Zootru, R' Zairu, Rav Misharsheya, Rav Zveed, R' Yitzchok, R' Yaakov, R' Eelu'oy, Rav Safru, Rav Chisdu, Rav Hoonu, Rav Yehooda, Rav Nachman, Rav Kahana, Rabu bar bar Chana, Rumee bar Chumu (Ne”R, 50^th Gate – Supernal Da'as in the root of Cain), Rabu, Rav Yoasaif, Abaye'e, Ruvu, Riveenu, Rav Ashee, Mar bar Rav Ashee, Rav Amee, Rav Asee, Rav Deemee, R' Uvin, R' Tanchoomu.

<Rabunun Savoara'oy (fetus)> Rabu Yoasaif, Rav Achoy Meebay Chuseem, Rav Richoomee, Rav Shmoo'el biray diRav Avuhoo, Rav Seemoanu, Rav Ainu.

<Ga'oanim (in Z.A. after the rectification, and also of Aba and Ema before the rectification of Z.A.)> R' Achoy Gaon, BiHa”G (Baal -author of, Halachos Gedoaloas), Rav Nitooroy Gaon, Rav Saadya Gaon, Rav Shreera Gaon, Rabainoo Gairshoam, Rav Haye Gaon, Rav Amrum Gaon, Rabainoo Chananel, Rav Neeseem Gaon, Shmoo'el Hanagid.

<Reeshoanim (the first commentaries) (Poaskim – Z.A. after rectification of Atik and Erech Anpin)> RI”F (R' Yitzchok Alfasee), R”Ee Migash, RaMBa”M, RayeVi”D, RaMBa”N, RaShB”A, RITV”A, Ra”N, Nimookay Yoasef, R' Yoasee Jijitilya, R' Avrohom Galantee, R' Meir Ibn Gabay, the Chayat, R' Nussun bal Ha'Urooch, RI”Tz Gai'us, Ra”Sh, R”Ee, Rabainoo Tam, RaSh”Ee (R' Shloamoa Yitzchukee), R' Eluzar Bal Roakai'ach, Troomoas (R' Baruch bar Yitzchuk), Avoodruhum, Eetoor (R' Yitzchuk), R' Yehooda Hachuseed, Rabainu Yoanu, MaHaRa”M Meerootenburg, Ohr Zuroo'a (R' Yitzchuk), Agooda (R' Shmoo'el bireb Tzudok), Rabainoo Bachya/Bachayai (two), Mordechai, R' Avadya Bartenoora, Bal Hami'ohr, Troomas Hadeshen Rav Moashe Meekootzee (Sma”G), Menoaras Hami'ohr – R' Yitzchuk Aboo'ab, MaHaRI”L, ROa”Sh (R' Asher). (R' Yaakov) Bal Hatoorim, R' Yeroochim.

<Achroanim (later commentaries)> MaHaRSh”A, MaHaRShA”L, MaHaRa”L, R' Yoasaif Cayeroa, R' Moashe Isserless, Livoosh (R' Mordechai Yafoa), SiM”A (R' Yihoashoo'a Pollack), Ba”Ch (Rav Yoa'el bireb Shmoo'el), Sha”Ch (R' Shabsaye Cohen), Ta”Z (R' Dovid Halaivee), Mugain Avrohom, Bais Shmoo'el, RaMa”K (R' Moshe Cordeveeroa), Raishees Chuchma (R' Eleeyahoo), R' Betzalel Ashkenazee, R' Yitzchuk Lurya – AR”Ee Za”L, R' Chaim Veetal, R' Shimshon Ostropuler, ShiLu”H (R' Yishaya Segel bireb Avrohom), RiMa”Z, Migaleh Amookoas (R' Nussun Nuta), R' Moshe Chaim ben Yaakov Chai Lootzatoa – RaMCha”L, R' Rifu'el Emanuel Chai Reekee ben Avrohom (Mishnas Chaseedeem), Alsheech, Chuchum Tzvee, Ohr Hachaim, Chessed LiAvrohom.

<Chasseedoos> R' Yisroel Bal Shem Toav, R' Tzvee, (R' Dov Bear) Magid of Mezhritch, R' Avrohom Malach, R' Sholom Shachne, Degel Machane Efrai'im, R' Baruch, Toaldoas Yaakov Yoasaif, R' Menachem Mendel Veetipesker, R' Avrohom Kalisker, Noam Eleemelech, R' Zoosha, R' Pinchas Koritzer, R' Nachman Hordenker, R' Yichel Michel Zilitchaver, Yoasher Divray Emes, R' Tzvee Hirsch Ziditchaver, Divray Chaim, Hurav Rav Shmelka meeNickelsburg. Choaze meeLublin, Yid Hakoadesh, Apter Rav (R' Avrohom Yehoashoo'a Heschil), R' Laivee Yitzchuk ben Sara Sasha – Berditchev, R' Meir meeParmishelin, Bal Hatanya, R' Aaroan Karliner, R' Shloamoa Karliner, R' Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, Mai Hasheeloo'ach, Bais Yaakov, R' Tzadoak Hakohen, R' Yisroel meeKozhnitz, Binay Yisocher (R' Hirsch Eleemelech), R' Akiva Aiger, Neseevoas Mishpat. RiSha”Sh – R' Sholoam Sharabee, ChEeD”U, R' Shalaom Shavzee. Shlomo Carlbach.

<Breslov> Rabainoo Hakadoash Rabbi Nachman ben Simcha/Faige – Na Nach Nachma Nachman MayOoman, Rabbi Nussun, Rabbi Naftolee, R' Shmoo'el Isaac, R' Yitzchuk Yehooda meeTeplik, R' Yudel, R' Nachman meeTchehrin, R' Nachman meeTulchin, his son R' Avrohom, R' Moshe Breslover, R' Yisroel Karduner, R' Yisroel Dov/Ber Oadesser – Bal Hapetek.

Na Nach Nachma Nachman MeUman