Aharon, ha-Gadol, mi-Ḳarlin, 1736-1772

Aharon ben Jacob Perlov of Karlin (Hebrew: רבי אהרן הגדול בן יעקב פרלוב מקרלין; 1736 – 1772), known among the Ḥasidim as Rabbi Aharon the Great, was one of the early rabbis of the Hasidic movement who significantly contributed to its rapid spread in Eastern Europe. He is recognized as the founder of the Hasidic center in Karlin, a suburb of Pinsk in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. He was distinguished for the fiery eloquence of his exhortations (sermons) and is known simply as the "Preacher" or "Censor". Aharon of Karlin was a prominent disciple of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch, the successor to the Baal Shem Tov. His mode of Divine service, characterized by ecstatic fervor and passionate prayer, continues to influence Hasidic groups such as Karlin (Stolin) and Slonim today. Perlov composed and wrote the famous Sabbath hymn Yah Ekhsof (יה_אכסוף) which is still a widely sung part of the liturgy of the Ḥasidim and has recently become popular among non-Hasidim as well. His ethical will and some collectables are printed in the work of his grandson, Aharon ben Asher of Karlin.