Weekly Chasidic Story #902 (s5775-25 / 17 Adar 5775)

"The Rebbe Wants His Money back!"

The Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk was afraid that the extraordinary singing of the "Cantor of the Baal Shem Tov" would disrupt him from his holiness.

Connection: Seasonal -- 228th yahrzeit of the Rebbe Elimelech

The Dangerous Cantor

[From the Manuscripts of the Rebbe, R. Yitzchok-Isaac of Komarna]

My teacher and father-in-law, Rabbi Abraham Mordechai of Finshtov told me that one of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov once asked our Master, "What will be my livelihood?"

The Baal Shem Tov answered him, "You will be a cantor." The disciple said, "But I can't sing!" And the Baal Shem Tov replied, "I will bind you to the World of Melody."

My father-in-law told me that he knew that man, and said that there was not another cantor in the entire world equal to him.

Once, this cantor came to our Rebbe, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. An argument ensued between the Rebbe and his holy son, Rabbi Elazar, over whether or not to honor the cantor with leading [the melodious prayers of] Kabbalas Shabbos [with which we welcome the Shabbat on Friday evenings]. Rebbe Elimelech was afraid that the cantor would disrupt him from his holiness. The Cantor had two men who accompanied him: a bass singer, and another singer.

After the debate, they agreed to honor the cantor with his two accompanists. This was out of their great awe of the holiness of the Baal Shem Tov, for the cantor was known as "the Cantor of the Baal Shem Tov." Out of respect, they had no choice but to honor him, and whatever would be, would be.

When the cantor began the prayers, Rebbe Elimelech sent word that the second accompanist should leave, and only the cantor and the bass singer should sing together. Afterward, he ordered them both to stop, for he was afraid that he would be completely annihilated in the great light and supernal holiness and illuminations that they opened up for him through their singing.

On subsequent Shabboses, the Rebbe showed great honor to the cantor, but he would not let him pray before the congregation, out of fear, as we explained.
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Source: Adapted and supplemented by Yerachmiel Tilles from the translation and commentary by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore, as first posted on //baalshemtov.com.

Biographical note:
Rabbi Yisrael ben Eliezer [of blessed memory: 18 Elul 5458- 6 Sivan 5520 (Aug. 1698 - May 1760 C.E.)], the Baal Shem Tov ["master of the good Name"-often referred to as "the Besht" for short], a unique and seminal figure in Jewish history, revealed his identity as an exceptionally holy person, on his 36th birthday, 18 Elul 5494 (1734 C.E.), and made the until-then underground Chasidic movement public. He wrote no books, although many claim to contain his teachings. One available in English is the excellent annotated translation of Tzava'at Harivash, published by Kehos.
Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk [of blessed memory:5477 - 21 Adar 5547 (1717 - March 1787 C.E.)], was a leading disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, successor to the Baal Shem Tov, and the leading Rebbe of the subsequent generation in Poland-Galitzia. Most of the great Chassidic dynasties stem from his disciples. His book, Noam Elimelech, is one of the most popular of all Chassidic works.
Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin ben Alexander Sender of Komarno [25 Shvat 5566 - 10 Iyar 5634 (Feb. 1806 - May 1874 C.E.)], was one of the most prolific and respected expounders of the Kabbalah teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. He insisted that every Jew should study the Zohar and the Writings of the Arizal, and emphasized the importance of Kabbalistic meditation. A close disciple of his uncle, Rebbe Tvi Hersh from Zhiditchov (the Komarno dynasty is considered a branch of Zhiditchov), he was a hidden ascetic for many years, only later known for his genius, piety and ability to work wonders when he became the Rebbe of thousands of chasidim. He authored volumes of deep insights on Jewish mysticism, as well as on Mishnah and Jewish Law. His commentaries include Heichal HaBrachah on the Torah, Otzar HaChaim on the commandments, and Zohar Chai on the Zohar.

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Yerachmiel Tilles is co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and chief editor of this website (and of KabbalaOnline.org). He has hundreds of published stories to his credit, and many have been translated into other languages. He tells them live at Ascent nearly every Saturday night.

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