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Beit Midrash
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"Come on," Rabbi Baruch pressed them, "I'm waiting to hear something bad about him!" The Hassidim were mystified by their Rebbe, but now they understood that this was what he really wanted. They raked their memories for something negative they may have heard once about the Rebbe of Berditchev, but to no avail. They were unable to satisfy their Rebbe.
An hour of unsuccessful efforts went by, by then the suspense of the Hassidim had become unbearable. Finally Rabbi Baruch explained his strange request:
I must now tell you that the Angels of Heaven are jealous of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. He perfectly embodies the verse, "you will find grace and good sense in the eyes of G-d and men" (Proverbs 3:4). He is so flawless in the study of Torah, fear of G-d, love of the Mitzvot and love of the Jewish People, that the Angels envy him. The result is that a great accusation has been provoked against him and his life is in peril. I must find some flaw in him in order to cool down the jealousy of the Angels."
As soon as the Hassidim understood the meaning of their Rebbe's strange wish¸ they tried with all their strength to find some fault in Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, knowing that by doing so, they will save his life.
In the meantime, a wealthy merchant from Mezibuz entered the Beit Midrash. Most of his time was spent travelling from town to town on his many business dealings. When he heard what the Rebbe and his students were discussing, his eyes lit up. He waited for a moment of silence and said:
"I can tell you of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's shortcomings!"
All eyes were fixed on the merchant, who spoke with delight. Rabbi Baruch looked at him with penetrating eyes and said, "If so, tell your story!"
The merchant began his tale:
"A few weeks ago I happened to be in Berditchev on business. I woke up late in the morning in my hotel and went to the town's Synagogue. At that late hour, all the Minyanim (community prayers) had already finished. To my surprise, I saw Rabbi Levi Yitzchak in the corner of the Synagogue, completely immersed in the morning prayer. I clearly heard that he was in the midst of reciting the blessing "Yotzer ohr" (literally, "[You who] creates light," which is said before "Shema Israel"). I stood at the doorway, about to enter in order to pray alone. To my surprise, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak came over to me and said, 'what will the Angel Michael say?! And what will the Angel Gavriel say?!' Immediately afterwards, the Rabbi returned to his place and continued praying as usual."
The merchant studied the faces of his listeners and raised his voice:
"So what can you say about this strange behavior of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak? What does all of what he said have to do with me? What is this business about the Angels Michael and Gavriel in the middle of the prayer," the merchant asked with a contemptuous smile. "And most importantly: Since when is it permitted to interrupt in the middle of saying "Yotzer ohr" in order to speak to someone?!"
The Hassidim stared at the merchant, stunned that he had found a real flaw in Rabbi Levi Yitzchak. They breathlessly awaited their Rebbe's reaction. Rabbi Baruch began:
"In the blessing "Yotzer ohr," when we reach the words 'Yotzer meshartim' (meaning [You who] creates servants), the Angels Michael and Gavriel stand up in order to appeal on behalf of the nation of Israel. At that moment, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak joins them as well, and he also pleads for a favorable judgment for the Jewish people."
The Rebbe turned his head towards the merchant and focused his penetrating eyes on his eyes:
"When Rabbi Levi Yitzchak saw you entering the Synagogue with your Tefillin bag in your hand, and in your coat pocket the silver spoon you stole from your hotel that morning, he tried to find some justification for you but didn't succeed, since you are a rich merchant and have no reason in the world to steal."
Rabbi Baruch's eyes didn't budge from the merchant. He raised his voice and said:
"That is why Rabbi Levi Yitzchak came over to you! He knew that even the Angels wouldn't find any excuse for you, that's why he called out, 'what will the Angel Michael say?!' and 'what will the Angel Gavriel say?!'"
The arrogant smile was wiped off the merchant's face, which became red and progressively turned pale. The Hassidim were left breathless by this revelation of divine insight of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rabbi Baruch.
In a moment, Rabbi Baruch's gaze became softer, as well as his voice.
"If you desire atonement," he said to the merchant, you must return to Berditchev and return the stolen item to its owner, go to the Tzaddik and ask forgiveness for your insolence toward him, and beg the Holy One, Blessed be He, to help you return to the proper path."
Rabbi Baruch's words entered the merchant's heart like an arrow. He rose without a word and departed from the Beit Midrash of Mezibuz to Berditchev, determined to mend his ways. In conclusion, the merchant returned entirely to the path of the righteous, and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev was saved from the jealousy of the Angels.
In commemoration of 200 years since the passing of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the great advocate of the people of Israel.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
