Meir Simcha of Dvinsk Meir Simcha of Dvinsk Meir Simcha of Dvinsk (1843–1926) was a rabbi and prominent leader of Orthodox Judaism in Eastern Europe in the early 20th century. He was a kohen, and is therefore often referred to as "Meir Simcha ha-Kohen" ("Meir Simcha the Kohen"). He is known for his writings on Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, which he titled "Ohr Somayach", as well as his novellae on the Torah, titled "Meshech Chochma". Meir Simcha was born in Butrimonys (), Lithuania, to Samson Kalonymus, a local wealthy merchant. According to family tradition, his later success in Torah study was attributed to two blessings
Simcha Bunim of Peshischa in "Kol Simcha". Others are cited in later works. One of the more famous oral teachings attributed to Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peschischa goes as follows: "Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into the one or the other, depending on the need. When feeling lowly and depressed, discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: "For my sake was the world created."" "But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: "I am