Weekly Chasidic Story #945 (s5776-17 / 16 Tevet 5776)

The Strongman of Shklov

The opponents of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Chabad plotted to throw stones at him as he departed their city.

Connection: Seasonal - the 204th yahrzeit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman falls on Monday night - Tuesday of this week..

 

The Strongman of Shklov

After a visit to the city of Shklov (where he had gone because of the controversy between the early chasidim and their opponents-see story #839 in this email list), Rabbi Shnuer Zalman of Chabad decided to return home. The opponents, in their anger, plotted to throw stones at the Rebbe as he departed.

When the chasidim got wind of their plan they met to decide on a course of action to protect the Rebbe. One of them, a particular strong and robust 18-year-old youth named Dovid, stood up and declared that he would accompany the Rebbe and make sure that no harm befell him.

When the time came to leave, a crowd of people armed with stones surrounded the Alter Rebbe's carriage in a threatening manner. Young Dovid, in the Rebbe's defense, ripped a tree out of the ground and faced the menacing group: "I will kill anyone of you who dares to lift a hand against this holy tzadik!" he roared. The crowd backed off, fully believing that he would carry out his threat. Dovid was then able to accompany the Rebbe to the outskirts of the city unmolested.

As soon as they were outside the city of Shklov the Alter Rebbe climbed out of the carriage and said to the boy, "Dovid! You were responsible for actually saving my life. May you live to be 120!"

A century later, one day before he was to turn 120 (!), Dovid called the chevrah kadisha, the burial society, to his side. Although now a very old man, Dovid was still in good health. Together, he and his guests made a 'lechaim' on some whiskey. The very next day, on his 120th birthday, Dovid passed away.


[Source: Adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from the rendition of Basha Majerczyk, in her translation of "Extraordinary Chassidic Tales" by Rabbi Rafael Nachman Kahn, volume 1.

Biographic note:
Rabbi Shneur Zalman [18 Elul 1745-24 Tevet 1812], one of the main disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch, is the founder-and "Alter Rebbe"-- of the Chabad-Chassidic movement. He is the author of Shulchan Aruch HaRav and Tanya as well as many other major works in both Jewish law and the mystical teachings.

Connection: Seasonal - the 204th yahrzeit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman falls on Monday night - Tuesday of this week.


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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