A Chasid's Journey
From
Rabbi Avraham Sternhartz, Tovos Zichronos 2
"Emor
El HaKohanim," the second lesson in Likutei Moharan, was given on a Shabbos
during the winter of 5561 (1800-01). The discourse addresses the
importance of the importance of spiritually binding oneself to the Tzaddik of
the generation, particularly when praying. Rabbi Shmuel Isaac, destined to
become one of the foremost Breslover Chassidim, visited Rebbe Nachman in
Zlatipolia, where the latter had established his residence less than a half
year earlier. Rabbi Shmuel Isaac's visit was precipitated by a most disturbing
dream, for which he sought the Rebbe's explanation.
In
his dream, Rabbi Shmuel Isaac found himself lost inside a great forest, with no
path by which to make his way home. There he encountered a man who was armed
with a double-edged sword. Rabbi Shmuel Isaac's initial fear was abated
by the man's friendly demeanor, and Rabbi Shmuel Isaac agreed to follow him.
They soon came to a large house deep in the forest, and the man informed him
that inside Rabbi Shmuel Isaac would find many swords, great and small. He
could chose one of the small swords, but he would have to know how to use it in
a judicious manner. Entering, Rabbi Shmuel Isaac came upon an old man who told
him that he could not take any of the swords until he was absolutely pure from
any spiritual or moral blemishes. He would also have to know how to wield any
sword he would take from here. Then suddenly, Rabbi Shmuel Isaac found himself
being covered by layer upon layer of dark clouds. The old man then pushed Rabbi
Shmuel Isaac out of the house, telling him, "You are not yet ready for the
sword, since you are still surrounded by these clouds. However, if you are able
to travel still further into the forest, you will come upon a beautiful
building in which you will find the craftsman who sharpens these small swords.
Even the large sword carried by the master swordsman you encountered must be
brought to this craftsman. But who knows if the craftsman will open the door to
let you in when you arrive," concluded the old man. At this point Rabbi
Shmuel Isaac awoke, his heart pounding in dismay. What was the meaning of this
dream?
This
took place not long after Rabbi Shmuel Isaac had first become one of Rebbe
Nachman's followers. He lived in Dashev, and at that time the Rebbe lived in
Zlatipolia, a considerable distance away. To make matters more difficult, Rabbi
Shmuel Isaac was extremely poor. Nevertheless, he realized that he must
overcome all obstacles and consult the Rebbe about his dream. Somehow, he
managed to gather together enough money for his journey. Thus, Rabbi Shmuel
Isaac set out on foot in the winter's frost, until at last he reached
Zlatipolia. Not knowing exactly where the Rebbe's house was located, he asked
one of the townspeople for directions.
"What
do you want to go to him for?" asked the local inhabitant. "Indeed,
there is much objection to him here in town."
Hearing
these words, Rabbi Shmuel Isaac recalled the old man in his dream, and
remembered his having wondered if Rabbi Shmuel Isaac would manage to get in to
see the craftsman. When he eventually did arrive at Rebbe Nachman's house, the
door was indeed locked. After knocking loudly and repeatedly, Rabbi Shmuel
Isaac heard the Rebbe's hushed voice from the other side of the door:
"Shmuel Isaac, it is impossible to open up for you now! "
For
about an hour, Rabbi Shmuel Isaac stood at the door, crying and completely
brokenhearted. When Rebbe Nachman finally opened the door, he said to Rabbi
Shmuel Isaac: "Were you not already informed, even before having set out
on your journey, that you might not be allowed to enter? However, I have
fulfilled the words of our sages, 'All the gates are sealed, but the gates of
tears' - because you cried so much - 'are not sealed.' "
From
this, Rabbi Shmuel Isaac understood that Rebbe Nachman already knew about his
dream. Yet when the Rebbe said to him, "You are surrounded by numerous
clouds," Rabbi Shmuel Isaac was left totally astounded by exactly how much
the Rebbe really knew. Overawed, he could not manage utter a word about his
dream.
As
Shabbos approached, other Chassidim arrived from Medvedevka. It was at the
Shabbos gathering that Rebbe Nachman revealed this lesson, Emor el
HaKohanim. Careful study will show that the Rebbe included within his
lesson the explanation of Rabbi Shmuel Isaac's dream, particularly through such
pointed references to the sword of Mashiach and the need for bringing one's
prayers (the sword) to the Tzaddik (the craftsman) for perfection (sharpening).
This marked the beginning of Rabbi Shmuel Isaac's attachment to Rebbe Nachman
specifically through the devotional practice of prayer. In fact, Rabbi Shmuel
Isaac devoted so much effort into perfecting his prayer that he very nearly
fulfilled the Talmudic dictum, "Would that a man could pray all day
long" (Berachos 21a).
Illustration by David Sears with permission of Mesorah Publications.