Chassidic story & lesson

🛏️ Even holly sadness has Kelipa!

[Sippurei Chassidim, Devarim, Zevin]

A Hasidic Story from Ostila for Parshas Devarim

In the quiet town of Ostila, lived the saintly Rabbi Yossele, son of the renowned tzaddik from Menasheziz. He was known for his warmth, humility, and unwavering reverence toward the sanctity of the Torah and those who teach it.

One year, word reached Rabbi Yossele that the legendary Chozeh of Lublin would be passing through town. Deeply moved, he hoped to host the Rebbe in his home. But he also knew something uncanny:

When the Rebbe slept on a bed previously used by someone else, he would sometimes awaken and cry, “I feel stabbing pains—there is impurity here!”

Determined to prepare a proper place, Rabbi Yossele called upon the town’s pious carpenter, a man of great sincerity and fear of Heaven. He said:

“Build a completely new bed for the Rebbe. No one must have ever slept on it. And please—craft it with pure thoughts, a humble heart, and reverent intention.”

The carpenter hesitated. It was during the Nine Days, the mourning period for the destruction of the Temple. His soul was heavy, his spirit grieving. Still, out of respect for Rabbi Yossele, he agreed. Each board was placed with trembling reverence. Each nail hammered with tears of exile and prayers for redemption.

Once completed, Rabbi Yossele placed the new bed in a freshly prepared room, adorned with crisp linens, a glowing lamp, and a table of honor. He locked the door, safeguarding it until the Rebbe’s arrival.

When the Rebbe of Lublin came, Rabbi Yossele greeted him with joy and gently urged him to rest. He showed him the new bed, describing how a G‑d-fearing craftsman had built it solely for him.

But after lying down, the Rebbe suddenly rose and exclaimed:

“There are sharp pains—I feel sorrow in this bed!”

Rabbi Yossele was stunned. “But it was made with holiness—never used before!”

In desperation, he offered the Rebbe his own personal bed. But again, the Rebbe cried: “There are pains here too!”

Troubled, Rabbi Yossele pleaded: “Rebbe, please try once more.” And this time, the Rebbe slept peacefully.

By morning, he awoke smiling:

“Very good! I slept soundly. I feel restored in all my limbs.”

Filled with gratitude, Rabbi Yossele asked: “Rebbe, what was wrong with the new bed? It was made with such care, by a truly righteous man.”

The Rebbe replied:

“G‑d forbid to criticize a man so sincere. The bed was pure in its craftsmanship. But it was built during the days of mourning, when the carpenter’s heart was engulfed in sorrow for the Temple’s destruction. His intentions were holy, yet they were steeped in grief. That emotional imprint lingered in the bed—and I could feel it.”