Weekly Chasidic Story #723 (s5772-02 /5 Tishrei 5772)

A Yom Kippur Exchange

"There are two names here but you only brought two coins. You must either give me two more coins or delete one of the names," said Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Berdichov firmly.

Connection: Seasonal - Yom Kippur

 

A Yom Kippur Exchange


It was the custom in Berditchov that just before Yom Kippur people came with their kvitlach, notes, and two coins, asking the Rebbe, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, to pray for them on the holiest of all days.

Who in Berditchov did not want a good year? Who did not want the great tzadik to pray for him?! Everyone came with their notes. Everyone found the money to put on the Rebbe's table.

One particular erev Yom Kippur the Rebbe sat by his table for hour after hour. The pile of notes heaped up on one side, the heap of coins piled up on the other. And still the Rebbe waited. "Why?" wondered nervously the entire household. There were still so many preparations still to be made for Yom Kippur!

Shortly before Kol Nidre, a woman rushed in; she put her note on the table and next to it - two coins.

The Rebbe studied the note, then looked at the two coins. "There are two names here but you only brought two coins. You must either give me two more coins or delete one of the names," he said firmly.

The woman heaved a deep sight and explained, "I am a widow. All I have in the world is my dear son. Our two names are those in the notes. But what could I do? I rushed about all day long trying to scrape together these two coins. I begged and borrowed but still could not get more than this. What shall I do, Rebbe?" she was on the verge of tears.

"My rule is firm. I cannot make any exceptions for anyone. You must decide yourself - who do you want me to pray for: you or your son?"

She sighed but did not hesitate. "For my son, of course! He is my most important treasure. I would sacrifice my life for his!"

The woman had made her decision. The Rebbe nodded and she left.

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the Rebbe rose and headed joyfully for the synagogue where the people were already waiting for him to begin Kol Nidre. And as he walked along the streets of Berditchov he muttered over and over:

"I am going to pray for my people, the Jewish people, upon the merit of this poor widow. She is willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of her son! Ribono shel olam-Master of the World: So must You, G-d, have mercy upon Your designated children."

With these words the Berditchover strode confidently towards the amud and began the Yom Kippur prayers.


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Source
: Adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from "Tales of Tzaddikim" by G. MaTov, [ Mesorah].

Biographic note:
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak (Deberamdiger) of Berditchev (1740-25 Tishrei 1809) is one of the most popular rebbes in chasidic history. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. He is best known for his love for every Jew and his active efforts to intercede for them against (seemingly) adverse heavenly decrees. Many of his teachings are contained in the posthumously published, Kedushat Levi.


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Yerachmiel Tilles is co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and chief editor of this website (and of KabbalaOnline.org). He has hundreds of published stories to his credit, and many have been translated into other languages. He tells them live at Ascent nearly every Saturday night.

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