Chassidic story & lesson

“Do not Steal” The Advocate of Berditchev^[1]

A “sinful” request in Mezhibuzh

Rabbi Baruch of Mezhibuzh, of blessed memory, was renowned not only for his spiritual insight but also for the gentle yet pointed admonitions he offered, even to the most revered among the Hasidic leaders.  Among the names spoken with awe was Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, zt”l, famed throughout the land as the defender of Israel. Yet, it was not uncommon for Rabbi Baruch to correct even him, always with love, always with purpose.

That Friday night, just as the aromas of challah and sweet wine settled over the Shabbos table,

Rabbi Baruch’s voice rang out with an astonishing proclamation:

“Whoever speaks ill of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev—I guarantee them their reward in the World to Come!” 🌍✨

A hush fell. The Hasidim stared at each other, incredulous. Among them sat a young man, zealous and headstrong, who immediately surged with the impulse to claim this promise. Would he not be doing the rabbi’s bidding by speaking out? He rose, lips already forming words of criticism.

But the elder Hasidim, more seasoned in the labyrinth of their master’s teachings, swiftly intervened.

“Stop! Don’t take this literally. God forbid you should speak evil of a tzaddik. There must be a deeper lesson here.”

The young man, frustrated, relented—at least for the moment.

🍷 The Test Repeated — and a Choice Made 🍷

On Shabbos day, during the midday meal, Rabbi Baruch repeated his offer. Again, the young man strained forward, and again, the elders held him back. But with each repetition, curiosity and temptation warred in his heart.

By the third and final meal of Shabbos, the tension was unbearable. Rabbi Baruch once more issued his enigmatic challenge. This time, the young man could not be contained. He broke from the restraining hands of his elders and strode to the front, heart pounding.

“Come closer and tell me what you know about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev,” Rabbi Baruch invited, his eyes glinting with anticipation.

🕍 A Strange Encounter in Berditchev 🕍

With a trembling voice, the young man shared his story:

“I once traveled to Berditchev during the great market fair. Drawn by tales of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s wondrous prayers, I went to the synagogue, hoping to witness his devotion. As I drew near, I heard his melodious, pleading voice from within, but a strange awe kept me from entering. Instead, I lingered outside the door, listening.

He was reciting the prayer ‘Yotzer Or,’ and when he reached ‘Yotzer Meshartim…,’ he suddenly turned toward me—his eyes like burning coals, his voice sharp with uncharacteristic anger.

‘What would the angel Michael say? What about Gabriel?’ he cried out.

Then, just as swiftly, he returned to his prayers, leaving me bewildered and shaken. Who would dare interrupt such sacred words? What could he have meant, invoking the angels so urgently?”

🙌 The Secret Unveiled: Advocacy in the Heavenlies 🙌

The room hung silent, breathless, waiting for Rabbi Baruch’s interpretation.

“My friends,” began Rabbi Baruch, “know that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev is a mighty advocate for Israel in the highest courts of Heaven. He seeks merit for the Jewish people, even in the face of their failings. When he comes to those sections of the prayers that praise the angels—Michael, Gabriel, and their company—he does not merely recite; he joins with them, pleading that mercy and forgiveness abound for all of Israel.”

At those moments, explained Rabbi Baruch, the angels themselves are called to the defense, standing alongside Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, striving to shield the people from harsh decrees. But sometimes—even the greatest advocates are at a loss.

“On the day you stood at the synagogue threshold,” Rabbi Baruch continued, turning to the young man, “Rabbi Levi Yitzchak saw—a flash of divine insight—that you had committed a transgression at the inn earlier. You had stolen a silver spoon during a meal, though you were neither hungry nor in need. He was grieved, for how can one plead for mercy when the act cannot be justified by want or desperation?”

Thus, when Rabbi Levi Yitzchak cried, “What would the angel Michael say? What about Gabriel?” it was not an outburst of anger, but a cry of anguish—how even the angels could find no defense for such a deed.

💧 Teshuva and Redemption 💧

The words struck the young man with the force of revelation. He realized his error—not just in deed, but in judgment. Humbled, he begged forgiveness.

“Your atonement,” said Rabbi Baruch gently, “lies not with me, but with Rabbi Levi Yitzchak. Go to him, confess your wrong, and seek his pardon.”

And so he did. Through his humility and repentance, he was granted forgiveness—not just from the righteous of his generation, but from the Heavens above.

🌟 Lessons for Our Generation 🌟

In every soul, there is both frailty and greatness. Our leaders, like Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, stand as advocates—seeking the good, finding merit, and defending us. But ultimately, it is in our own hands to seek forgiveness, to return, and to become worthy of the advocacy that surrounds us.

May we, too, merit to be judged with compassion in the eyes of Heaven and earth.

[1] Sippurei Chassidim [Zevin] vol. 2 p. 197 Story #409