#466 (s5767-05 / 3 Cheshvan 5767)

The Rebbe and the Emperor

Rabbi Nachman of Brezlav had a dream: in it an old man told him to go to Tiberias.

The Rebbe and the Emperor

Napoleon personally commanded his mighty army in order to realize his dream of capturing India and other lands in the Far East. He captured Egypt and from there marched into the Land of Israel.

About the same time, in the year 1798, a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Nachman, arrived in Israel. His hope was to quench his thirst for Torah from the saintly great sages living in the ancient city of Safed.

Once, after concluding his prayers with great concentration and devotion, he lay down on the grass to rest and fell asleep. Suddenly, in his dream, he beheld an old man who told him to go to Tiberias where he had an important mission to carry out on the banks of Lake Kinneret.

Rabbi Nachman wasted not a moment. He gathered his things and hurried off toward Tiberias. There, he rented a room in the house of a fisherman.

Napoleon, in the meantime, had made his headquarters on the east bank of Lake Kinneret. He was receiving reports that there was much unrest in France, and that his opponents were seeking an opportunity to dethrone him. In this unsettling atmosphere, it was not easy for Napoleon to maintain the strict military discipline upon which the success of his armies depended.

One day, a thieving band of soldiers set out on a rampage, raiding the homes of the poor fishermen near Lake Kinneret. Three soldiers dashed into the home where Rabbi Nachman lived and demanded from the old Jewish fisherman all his money.

"I am too old to go fishing anymore and my only son supports me," explained the elderly man. "I have no money."

The disappointed soldiers began beating the old Jew mercilessly. Rabbi Nachman heard the commotion from his attic room and hurried to the rescue.

"Leave the old man alone!" Rabbi Nachman called out in a commanding tone.

The soldiers let go of their victim. But seeing the intruder was a thin, pale, young Jew, they turned their attention on him.

"So, you would like to have a taste of this beating?" one of the soldiers called out contemptuously. He took off his belt and approached Rabbi Nachman.

Rabbi Nachman shot a piercing glance at the soldier who remained standing with his arm paralyzed in the air. The two other soldiers tried to help their friend, but they, too, were quickly made helpless by the sharp look of Rabbi Nachman.

Rabbi Nachman ordered them to put the old man on his bed and ask his forgiveness. "Now, get out of here at once and don't let your foot enter any Jewish home if you value your lives," he warned the soldiers.

Terrified and in deadly silence, the soldiers ran out. Arriving at their barracks, they told their friends about the terrible experience with the holy young Jew who had magical powers.

The story spread throughout the entire French Army camp until it reached Napoleon.
Napoleon had the soldiers brought to him. After questioning them, he decided to meet this unusual Rabbi, who might be able to foretell what the future had in store for him.

"That is the man," Rabbi Nachman heard a familiar-looking soldier say.
As Napoleon approached Rabbi Nachman, the rabbi rose and greeted him with great respect, saying, "Good evening, your Majesty. Blessed are you in your coming."
Amazed, Napoleon asked, "How do you know who I am?"

"Our Torah enlightens the eyes of those who follow its teachings," Rabbi Nachman replied.
As they talked, Napoleon realized that he was conversing with a distinguished spiritual personality, who also had a deep understanding of worldly problems and events.

"Do you think I should continue my military expedition through the countries of the Middle East to reach India, or should we return to France?" he asked Rabbi Nachman.

Rabbi Nachman pondered the matter for a while then said, "The Creator has blessed you with exceptional qualities which you should use for the benefit of mankind. The way to achieve this is not through wars and bloodshed. Do not allow your military victories to mislead you. They will not bring peace to the world, and without peace you have nothing. Return home and help to create in your own country an exemplary order of justice and righteousness."

Napoleon shook his head and said, "Such a mission is not for me. I would rather live a short life full of triumph and power than a long life without them."

"Everyone has freedom of choice in the way he wishes to live," said Rabbi Nachman respectfully.

Napoleon invited Rabbi Nachman to accompany him as his adviser, despite the fact that he hadn't followed Rabbi Nachman's advice.
But Rabbi Nachman refused the honor, saying, "My only wish is to serve the Al-mighty with all my heart and with all my soul."
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[Adapted by Yrachmiel Tilles from the rendition on www.lchaimweekly.org #794.]

Biographical note:
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772 - 18 Tishrei 1810) was the great grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. From early youth he set out on his distinctive path in divine service -- ascetic study, solitary mediation, fiery worship. His chasidim learned from him as well their lifelong quest for atonement, the impossibility of despair for the man of faith, and a unique concept of the nature and role of the tzadik. After a brief stay in the Holy Land the controversial young Rebbe settled in Breslov in 1800, and then in Uman in 1802. His burial place there in the Ukraine is a popular place of pilgrimage for his chasidim (and many others), especially on Rosh Hashana. Most of his teachings were recorded by his disciple R. Nasan Stenhartz. His books include Likkutei Maharan (kabbalistic and moral teachings), and Sippurei Maasiot (stories). A large amount of his teachings have been translated into English.

Yrachmiel Tilles is co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and editor of Ascent Quarterly and the AscentOfSafed.com and KabbalaOnline.org websites. He has hundreds of published stories to his credit.