Many Eastern European Jews longed to live in the Holy Land. However, the difficult conditions in the Holy Land, the expense of travel, and the dangers of the journey made this a serious undertaking. Chasidim would not attempt such a move without receiving a blessing from their Rebbeim.
A chasid who had a great desire to move to Israel presented his request to many of the leading Rebbes of his time, but none would give him a blessing to go. He then went to Liozna to consult the Alter Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Shneur Zalman.
"Discuss the matter with Rabbi Leib Sarah's," said the Rebbe. "Tell him that I sent you to seek his advice. If he agrees, you may go."
The chasid knew that arranging a meeting with Reb Leib was no simple feat. Reb Leib was a hidden tzadik whose whereabouts were usually unknown.
"How will I even be able to find him?" the chasid asked. The Rebbe told him to wait at a specific inn which Reb Leib would visit in the near future.
"But, how will I recognize him?"
"A wagon full of wandering beggars will arrive at the inn," replied the Rebbe. "They will engage in loud argument and squabbling. The one whose voice is heard above all the rest will be Reb Leib."
The chasid traveled to the inn and rented a room. He had stayed there for two weeks when he was awakened one night by a commotion in the courtyard. Looking out, he saw a wagonload of beggars arrive at the inn. Precisely as the Alter Rebbe described, they were arguing loudly. One man, taller and louder than the rest, stood out among the noisy group.
Recognizing Reb Leib Sarahs, the chasid hurried down to meet him. "I mustn't miss this opportunity," he thought, "for he is likely to disappear without warning." He approached the tzadik and presented his wish, mentioned that Rabbi Shneur Zalman had instructed him to seek the tzadik's guidance.
"Go to Berditchev," Reb Leib replied, "There is a tailor who lives on the outskirts of town. Order an overcoat from him. When the garment is ready, go for a fitting. As you put on the coat, the tailor will measure the button holes, humming a tune as he does so. While he is humming, ask him if you should travel to Eretz Yisrael."
The chasid followed Reb Leib Sarahs instructions, and presented his request precisely at the time he was told.
"Go!" replied the tailor, "but continue to wear this overcoat."
The chasid realized that the tailor must be a hidden tzadik and rejoiced at the outcome of the events. On the following day, he went back to the tailor's house, hoping to meet the tzadik again, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Later, he recalled having seen two apprentices assisting the tailor. He recognized one as the tzadik and Rebbe, Rabbi Nachum of Tchernobel (known for his support of hidden tzadikim), but could not identify the second one.
[Excerpted from "From My Father's Shabbos Table" (pp. 94-95), translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger from the first two volumes of Rabbi Yehuda Chitrik's 4-volume series, Reshimat Devorim.]
Connection to the Weekly Reading: Love of the Land of Israel (Benot Tzlaf'chad]
Biographical notes:
Rabbi Shneur Zalman [18 Elul 1745-24 Tevet 1812], one of the main disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch, is the founder 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.
Rabbi Leib Sarah's (1730-4 Adar 1796) was held in high esteem by the Baal Shem Tov. One of the "hidden tzaddikim," he spent his life wandering from place to place to raise money for the ransoming of imprisoned Jews and the support of other hidden tzaddikim. The Lubavitcher Rebbe stated the possibility that Rabbi Leib Sarah's and the Shpoler Zeide are the same person.
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