13 Adar 5781 / Thursday, February 25, 2021 |
Torah Reading: Tetzaveh
Add to favorites
Set as homepage
Create an account
|
Sign in
Shopping Cart is Empty
My Account
Orders History
Help
My Country:
United States
Language:
English
My Currency:
US Dollar
Country:
Albania
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegowina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote d'Ivoire
Croatia (LOCAL Name: Hrvatska)
Cuba
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea Republic of
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova Republic of
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint Martin
Scotland
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia (SLOVAK Republic)
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan; Republic of China (ROC)
Tanzania United Republic of
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Wales
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Language:
English
Français
Deutsch
עברית
Русский
Español
Currency:
Israeli New Shekel
US Dollar
Euro
UK Pound Sterling
Japanese Yen
Send
Home Page
Torah Portion
Spirituality and Faith
Foundations of Judaism
Inspirational Stories
Family & Daily Life
Holidays and Fast Days
Israel and Society
Breslev Customs
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Uman
Rebbe Nachman’s Wisdom
More
Torah Portion
Heart of the Parsha
Chassidic Pearls
Chana's Blessing
Parsha Beams
Parsha in a Nutshell
Jacob's Ladder
Rabbi Winston's Window
David's Harp
Bnai Yaacov
Orot HaRav Kook
David's Sling
Stories from the Baal Shem Tov
Spirituality and Faith
Personal Growth
Spiritual Growth
Emuna Means Thank You
Kabbalah and Mysticism
Foundations of Judaism
Shabbat
Hitbodedut (Personal Prayer)
Holiness for Men and Women
Jewish Daily Life and Halacha
Jewish Outlook
Rabbinic Leaders
Inspirational Stories
Thank You Health
Thank You Marriage and Children
Thank You Good Income
Rabbi Arush Miracle Stories
Emuna Stories
Teshuva Stories
Family & Daily Life
Dating
Marital Harmony
Good Income
Children and Education
Breslev Kids
Physical and Emotional Health
Holidays and Fast Days
Purim
Passover
Holocaust Day
Yom HaZikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut
Lag B'Omer
Sefirat HaOmer
Yom Yerushalayim
Shavuot
Three Weeks
Menachem Av and Elul
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Chanukah
Tu B'Shvat
Shovevim
Israel and Society
Israel and Aliyah
Noahide World
Current Affairs
Jewish Music and Arts
Breslev
Breslev Customs
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Uman
Rebbe Nachman's Wisdom
Recipes and Cooking
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Soups
Salads
Meat and Poultry
Fish
Kugels and Sides
Desserts and Baking
Dairy
Breslevpedia
About Us
Radio Breslev
Tefillin
Mezuzot
Daily Yahrtzeits
The Three Keys
Ask The Rabbi
Photo Gallery
BillBoard
Newsletter Signup
Prayers
Contact Us
Breslev Forums
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Home
Breslev
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Bar Mitzvah Gift
Advanced Search
Search
English
Français
Deutsch
עברית
Русский
Español
Sort by Date
Sort by Name
Bar Mitzvah Gift
Suddenly Israelic realized why the two wonderfully mysterious and holy guests had come to him. This day, the eighteenth of Elul, was his birthday and his bar-mitzvah.
By:
Rabbi Tzvi Meir Cohn
Update date: 12/5/2020, 18:32
“The Baal Shem Tov – Early Years”, Part 9
In the last episode, our still young Yisraelic worked as the shamash (custodian) in a little synagogue in the holy community of Okup. Being that he had previously worked as a teacher's assistant, he never really learned how to study Torah on his own. Then, on the 18th of Elul, young Israelic's 13th birthday, everthing started to change. On that day, two old men, each with a long white beard and carrying a pack on their backs and a walking stick came into the shule. One of them, that he recognized as the teacher from when he said Kaddish for his father, began to teach him from the Zohar.
One of the men pointed to the word atop the page. "That's Vayikra," said Yisrael happily. "I know that portion of the Torah by heart."
"Very good," said the old man; and he began teaching Yisrael the entire page, translating every sentence into Yiddish.
He read: Rabbi Elazar asked his father Rabbi Shimon, "We learned that famine and hunger come into the world because of one of three sins. But those sins are found only among rich people, because their heart is so full of pride. I've never found such sins among the poor. Yet if the Almighty sends a famine into the
world, the poor starve and die off for lack of food, while the rich can buy food with their money. So they will remain alive and will go on sinning. Of what use is the famine then?"
"You have asked well," his father replied. "The group of learned rabbis studied this in the past, and they said when the Almighty wants to punish the wicked and evil people, so as to make them perish completely, He gives them a good, peaceful life earth, with everything they could wish. Then they are paid in this world for all the good they have done, and in the next world they are punished for their evil. But we also see that out of all the people in the world, none are closer to the Almighty, the supreme King of all, than the poor people. They are His chosen and those that He uses. Everyone with a broken, suffering heart is a special child of G
-
d. You should know that when famine comes upon the world and the poor people feel the pangs of hunger, they weep and cry out before G
-
d; and He draws them closer to Him than anyone else, because He never spurns or scorns the plea of the poor. So G
-
d remembers at once the reason why the famine came upon the world and then woe to those sinners and evil people who caused it. He listens to the voices of the poor, and He metes out punishment to those who made it happen...."
"We learn that the offering which a poor man had to bring to the holy Temple if he sinned, was simple and easy, yet better received by G
-
d than all other offerings, because the poor man's heart was broken and filled with sorrow.
'Once, a rich man brought an offering of two doves. When the kohen-priest (G
-
d's servant at the Temple) saw him he said, 'This offering is not yours to bring." Having been refused by the kohen, the rich man went home in sorrow.
'Why are you so sad? his brother asked him.
'The kohen refused to accept my offering,' he replied.
'What was your offering?, asked the brother.
'Two doves,' he replied.
'Then certainly that offering is not yours,' his brother retorted. 'That is the offering of a poor man. Go and bring a proper offering for a person of your stature, an ox.'
The man was surprised: 'Is it such a bad thing to have sinful thoughts that I must bring such a costly offering? Then I swear that I will never again fill my heart with a sinful thought.' From that day on he kept his vow faithfully.
In addition, every night he would sleep for a brief amount of time. Then he would rise and go wake his brother up. And the two would sit and study Torah till the light of day. After that, his brother called him, 'Judah the different one' - because he had become a different person.
"Once Rabbi Jesse the Elder passed by Judah the different one's house. After seeing this holy man, he gave him half of all his wealth to give to poor people. The other half he gave to owners of merchant ships to buy and sell merchandise in all the cities that they visited as they sailed the seas - buying goods in one place and selling it in another place far away. And the owners of the ships would always give him part of the profit they earned. In that way, he would always be free to study Torah."
All this the old stranger read to Yisraelic from the Zohar, the Book of Splendor, explaining it all in Yiddish. Now Yisrael was sure he knew who this old man was: He had to be Eliyahu haNavi (the prophet). Yisrael had heard how Eliyahu sometimes appeared to people to reveal to them great thoughts in the Torah and to open for them fountains of wisdom.
As Yisrael thought of what Eliyahu haNavi had told him, he realized a few important things: (1) A person should learn a great deal of Torah at night; (2) Through learning Torah you could really become a new person, with a new spirit; (3) All the great troubles, like famine, that come upon the world happen only because of people feeling full of pride and not caring about the poor; and (4) Finally there was the story with Rabbi Jesse the Elder: that he inspired the rich man to give away half his wealth to the poor. It was a story that made Yisrael very happy.
When he used to be the teacher's assistant and he took the children every day from their homes to the schoolroom, he used to tell them a similar story.
Long ago there was a very rich man named Rabbi Tarfon. One day his friend Rabbi Akiva asked him, "Would you like me to buy a village or two for you?" Thinking that it was a way to make large profits, Rabbi Tarfon gave him a huge amount of money, which Rabbi Akiva went and gave to poor students of Torah. After a while Rabbi Tarfon asked him, "Were are those villages you bought for me?" When Rabbi Akiva told him the truth, he was happy to learn what a good deed his money had accomplished. Afterwards, he gave Rabbi Akiva more money for the poor students.
Yisrael remembered how happy the children had been whenever he told them this little story. They would always exclaim that when they grew up they would also give to the poor, and they would collect money from the rich to help those who had nothing.
Yisrael closed his eyes and imagined himself all grown up and very rich. He could see himself giving everything away - never leaving a penny in his house overnight but giving all his money away every day to the poor. And he would also go to the rich people to take from them for the poor - just like Rabbi Akiva. That was his plan for the future!
"Yisrael," said Eliyahu HaNavi, "kiss this holy book, and keep it safely with you. Soon, my master and teacher Rabbi Achya of Shilo (the other stranger) will come and teach you." With that, both, of the visitors kissed him on the forehead, and left.
Suddenly Israelic realized why they had come to him. This day, the eighteenth of Elul, was his birthday and his bar-mitzvah. From this day on, Yisrael was no longer a child. He had the same obligations as any Jewish man to obey the laws of the Torah. Those two wonderful strangers had come in honor of his birthday, because he became a bar-mitzvah.
Then he started thinking how Eliyahu HaNavi knew Yiddish, the language spoken by Jews in Poland and Russia and that Rabbi Achya of Shilo spoke only Hebrew? After a time, he understood. Eliyahu HaNavi always came to every bris whenever a Jewish child was circumcised, to bless the child. He came to every Passover
seder
to see if the children who asked the Four Questions and listened to everything and drank the four cups of wine, were fast asleep or still awake, waiting to see if he came to tell them that the Messiah was coming.
There was also much more that Eliyahu HaNavi did. If a poor man had no money to buy what he needed for Passover, he would appear with his old knapsack and walking stick and leave more than enough money for the man. If a poor person had to marry off a daughter, he would appear and leave money for her dowry and the wedding expenses. So, of course, he had to understand Yiddish, to know what they needed. Then too, what of an orphan who did not know how to learn any Torah? Eliyahu HaNavi would come to teach him - in Yiddish, which the boy understood.
At that moment the children of Okup came back into his mind. If only he could run and talk to them now, he would tell them how important it was to "love your neighbor like your own self." He would tell them of the story in the Zohar that he just learned that very day, how a man gave half of his money to the poor. It was a story he would never forget.
With all the innocence of a child he decided in his heart, when I grow up I will choose other grownups to be my friends, and I will teach them what a great mitzvah and wonderful thing it is to love your neighbor like yourself. I will make them know how important it is to obey this rule every day. I will teach them to love the poor people and to share their wealth with the poor and the needy.... Why, when I am grown up I will tell my group of friends all that I learned on this day of my bar-mitzvah. And every day of my life I myself will obey what I learned on this day of my bar-mitzvah.
All my life I felt sad when I heard other children calling out, "father, father!" And I didn't have a father or a mother. Now I know that no matter how sad I feel, I also have a father. G-d said to me, 'Today I bore you.' And He sent me those two wondrous visitors to teach me Torah from the Zohar. No matter what I become when I grow up, I will never forget to obey the rules I learned today, when I became bar-mitzvah."
To be continued next week, G-d willing…
***
Tzvi Meir Cohn attended Yeshiva Hadar Hatorah in Crown Heights, Brooklyn after completing his university studies in Engineering and Law. While studying at the Yeshiva, he discovered a deep connection to the stories and teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. His many books about the Baal Shem Tov can be found on
Amazon
. He can be contacted at
howard@cohnpatents.com
.
New Comment
See More Articles By Rabbi Tzvi Meir Cohn
Read more about
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Back
Part
-
9
of
-
20
Next
See All Parts of The Baal Shem Tov – Early Years
Top of article
Email This Article
Share to Facebook
Print version
Join the distribution list
If you would like to receive other related articles or Breslev.co.il features via e-mail, please enter your e-mail address here:
Subscribe for Free
Related Articles
Fifty Year Old Honey
Rabbi Adam’s Son
A Joke Made in Heaven
0
Talkbacks for this article
Add Your Comment
In Honor of:
In Memory of:
Like What You Read?
Help Breslev Israel spread the light of Rebbe Nachman
across the globe, and be a partner in making a better world.
Click here to support Breslev.co.il
Products of the Day
Lazer Beams - Rays of Inspiration
Our Price:
USD $ 3.70
List Price:
USD $ 16.70
Add To Cart
The Big Rescue
Our Price:
USD $ 2.50
List Price:
USD $ 5.90
Add To Cart
Shofar - 4
Our Price:
USD $ 40.10
List Price:
USD $ 61.70
Add To Cart
Tzitzit Undershirt - Size XXXL
Our Price:
USD $ 6.80
List Price:
USD $ 12.10
Please notify me
In Between Sounds, Yonatan Razel
Our Price:
USD $ 15.10
List Price:
USD $ 22.20
Please notify me
The “Jewels of the Choshen” series - The Collection
Our Price:
USD $ 6.20
List Price:
USD $ 15.50
Add To Cart
1
2
3
1
2
3
Most talked about
Raising Children to be Righteous
Kids of Bnei Noach don’t go to synagogue. They don’t see their dads learning Torah or praying three times a day. So how do you raise a righteous Noahide child?
A Modest Miracle
If someone had told me a few months ago that not dressing modestly could affect a person’s health and well-being, I’m not sure I would have believed them...
A Critical Update
Learn the powerful, new formula - Chok Todah - The Law of Thank You - that I discovered to say thank you and see miracles! The law really works!
Stay Put - For Now
If you are active in bringing souls closer to Hashem wherever you are, then keep on doing what you do. There is nothing greater now than outreach...
Try Not to Judge
Negative emotional states such as anger and depression will cause you to be judgmental of others since they allow for a very limited and narrow perspective...
The Secret Weapon
People are full of depression and despair, losing a truly psychological war. But there is a secret weapon which always works, and fixes the problem at its root...
Not Fun & Games
For the Herbert family, it’s purgatory – their son David is addicted to online games. If he’s not online, he’s going through withdrawal. If they pull the plug, it’s violence…
Forgiving and Forgetting
For transgressing the laws between man and G-d, such as keeping kosher, we can repent to Him directly. But for hurting our fellow man, Hashem will not forgive us...
Love Peace and Truth
Everyone is asking: What do we do now? How do we save ourselves? And what does Hashem want us to learn, and repent for, in all of this? The answer is simple: Love peace and truth!
A Spiritual Antenna
Women, if you’re undecided about covering your hair, we really understand your dilemma. Here are a few inside secrets that will hopefully help you in a big way...
Reaching Out to Noahides
You may feel like youre walking alone and questioning your decision to strike out on this trail. Have confidence in your quiet voice that tells you you are on the right path...
Fighting is Absolutely Forbidden
Even if you think that you are right to fight – you are always wrong. Even if you think the truth is on your side, fighting is always a lie. Fighting is never worth it!
The Secret to a Successful Business
He was working like a dog, and providing for everyone except – himself! Then he did The Law of Thank You and discovered the secret to a successful business…
The Worst Comes True
Sometimes, a persons worst-case scenario actually comes true in order to show him that everything Hashem does is truly for the very best...
Dr. Emuna: Consult with the Best Doctor
Why have so many people who strengthened their emuna been healed in both body and soul?
1
2
3
Most read
The Zohar on Tikkun HaBrit - Part 2
The holy teachings of the Zohar, where we learn what Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai and his disciples say about Shmirat HaBrit, the major...
Tikkun HaKlali
Tikkun HaKlali – The Ten Psalms.
Nature's Song of Thanks - Perek Shira
Who cares what frogs, rats or vegetables say when they speak to G-d? Does it really matter? Perek Shira - "Natures Song" - is more than what meets the eye...
Gratitude in Personal Prayer
Breslev Israel is delighted to present our readers with a condensed and practical guide to personal prayer based on the teachings of Rabbi Shalom Arush shlita…
Hitbodedut – Secluded Prayer
Rebbe Nachman teaches that the main "weapon" of Mashiach–and of every Jew - is prayer. Every tefilah (prayer), every bracha (blessing), every whispered thanks...
"I Am Hashem"
When a soul completes its 120 years on the physical earth and leaves the body, Hashem reveals Himself to the soul. At this awesome moment, Hashem says...
The Power of Pidyon
A Heavenly edict limits curing to a certain day, a certain hour, by a certain person and by a certain medicine. Once the edict is rescinded, then any doctor or treatment can cure.
Feigie Channa, OB”M
Our beloved and esteemed Rabbi Shalom Arush answers an inquisitive media reporter after the funeral of his baby granddaughter, Feigie Channa, of blessed memory...
Vayigash: The Two Treasure Chests
As soon as he was out of sight, Reb Moshe started running towards his house. When he finally arrived, he rushed over to the oven and started digging underneath...
From Airborne Medic to Spiritual Leader
Rabbi Arush tells the amazing story of his odyssey from Airborne Medic in the Israel Air Force’s crack pilot-rescue squad to world-renowned spiritual leader.
The Power of Tikkun Chatzot
A person in this world is constantly being robbed of his dearest possessions - inner peace and tranquility. But theres a way to recover them from the robber...
They Don't Decide
Each passing day brings Iran closer to a nuclear warhead. Despite the so-called "nuclear agreement", the Iranian centrifuges are working 24/7…
Simple yet Proven Segula
Do you want a segula that is simple, powerful and proven for protection, healing, wealth, success, children, easy labor and much more?
Five Types of Erev Rav
The Erev Rav today could have the best pedigree, the most thorough Torah education, the longest beard; so how can we even begin to recognize and avoid them?
Rabbi Arush on CORONAVIRUS
Rabbi Arush speaks about coronavirus, and how to truly protect ourselves and not be afraid though all the upheaval.
1
2
3
Facebook
Mailing List
Subscribe Here:
Send
About Us
Breslev
Radio Breslev
Breslev Store
Contact Us
Partner with Us
Breslev
Customs and Thought
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Uman
Rebbe Nachman's Wisdom
Judaism
Personal Prayer
Shabbat
Jewish Outlook
Concepts in Judaism
Practical Halacha
Society
Jewish World
Noahide World
Family
Dating and Marriage
Breslev Kids
Spirituality and Faith
Personal Growth
Spiritual Growth
Inspirational Stories
Kabbalah and Mysticism
Personal Holiness
Torah Portion
Heart of the Parsha
Rabbi Winston's Window
Chana's Blessing
Chassidic Pearls
David's Harp
Breslev Israel 2004 - 2014 © All rights reserved
My Account
|
Search
|
Shopping Cart