This Day in History – 3 Shevat/January 13

5696 (1936), Harav Yosef Kalish of ­Amshinov, zy”a

He was born in 5638 (1878) to Harav Menachem of Amshinov.

The young Reb Yossele was acknowledged to be a phenomenal genius. He received semichah from the Chelkas Yoav of Kinsk and the Gaon Harav Eliyahu Chaim Meisels of Lodz. He married the daughter of Harav Chaim Elazer Waks, author of Nefesh Chayah.

At the young age of 27, Reb Yosef was appointed Rav of Ostrova. When his father was ­niftar in 5678 (1918), he was named to succeed him as the leader of ­Amshinover Chassidim. Even as many Chassidim flocked to his door he continued learning with great hasmadah.

In his last year a heart ailment rendered him very weak; during this illness the names Yerachmiel Ahron were added to his name. He moved to Otwock, where he was niftar on the third of Shevat, 5696 (1936).

Zechuso yagen aleinu

Jan. 13

In 1794, President George Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. (The number of stripes was later reduced to the original 13.)

In 1941, a new law went into effect granting Puerto Ricans U.S. birthright citizenship.

In 1990, L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the nation’s first elected black governor as he took the oath of office in Richmond.