Chassidic story & lesson[1]

A Tale of Unyielding Faith and Divine Providence ✨

The Sage of Paritch: Devotion to Every Detail

Rabbi Hillel of Paritch was renowned for his meticulous observance of mitzvot, dedicating himself even to the smallest nuances of rabbinic law. For every subtle detail, he was willing to risk his very life. In his time, the authorities issued a harsh decree to forcibly cut the sidelocks (peyot) of Jewish men. A local informant reported Rabbi Hillel to the authorities, accusing him of defying the order. They tried to cut his peyot by force, but Rabbi Hillel clung to them with both hands, refusing to allow even a single hair to be cut. His distress was immeasurable. 😔

A Humble Tailor’s Heroic Rescue

In this moment of crisis, a simple tailor appeared and saved Rabbi Hillel from disgrace. The tzaddik blessed the tailor, promising that as a reward, after “one hundred and twenty years,” the tailor would be buried beside him.

Rabbi Hillel’s Legacy and Passing

Years passed. Rabbi Hillel became the rabbi of Bobruisk and was known for his annual journeys to the southern provinces, teaching and inspiring Jewish communities in distant colonies. His name was revered by all. In the summer of 1864, at the age of sixty-nine, Rabbi Hillel fell ill while in the city of Kherson, far from Bobruisk and Paritch. He passed away on Shabbat Nachamu. The next day, he was buried with great mourning and eulogies. A memorial structure was built over his grave, and many admirers would come to pray there.

A Mysterious Burial and the City’s Stirring

Some time later, on a stormy winter day, a poor, unknown man died in the local charity home. The caretaker, reluctant to go out in the bad weather, buried the man in the first available spot—right next to Rabbi Hillel’s grave. Soon, people noticed the new grave beside the tzaddik and were deeply troubled: Who was this stranger to be buried next to the saintly Rabbi Hillel?

The Truth Revealed 🕊️

Removing the grave was forbidden by Jewish law. At the very least, the community wanted to know the identity of the deceased. They found his passport, which listed his name, his father’s name, and his hometown—Paritch. A letter was sent to Paritch, asking for information about the man. The reply revealed the truth: the poor man was the very tailor whom Rabbi Hillel had blessed years before, promising that he would be buried beside him.

[1] Sippurei Chassidim Zevin Parshas Vayechi