(meaning: "The Master of Suffering" or "The Afflicted
One")
by Yerachmiel Tilles
Rabbi Leib "Baal Ha'yisurim" -- "The Master
of Suffering" or "The Afflicted One"-- was an outstanding
scholar and G-d-fearing man, a major disciple of Rabbi Shneur Zalman,
the first Rebbe of Chabad. He was the first Chabad chasid to emigrate
to the holy city of Hebron. It is not known how he acquired his title.
At the end of his life he settled in Tsfat (a.k.a. Safed), where he passed
away, old and accomplished, on the 15th of Mar-Cheshvan 1836.
Knowing his end to be near, he let it be known that anyone who found
himself beset by insoluble problems (G-d forbid) should visit his grave.
This amounted to a commitment to come to a person's aid, and to this very
day there are many who who visit his grave in Tsfat hoping to benefit
from his assistance to their prayers, especially on Fridays. In those
years (as in 5772 / Nov.11-13, 2011) when his yahrzeit falls on
Friday or Shabbat, there is an enormous pilgrimmage to Tsfat.
You do not reach his site by going through the main entrance to the Ancient
Cemetery, as you would for the holy
Ari and Rabbi
Yosef Caro. Instead, you just before there you enter into the Military
Cemetery and go out through the small gate at the back. Proceed down the
path (passing the tombstone of the Lubavitrcher Rebbe's brother on your
left) until you come to the large vertical sculpture for Dov Groner and
the other martyrs who were cruelly hanged by the British. Turn right and
continue until you arrive at a tomb bearing plenty of evidence of many
visitors.
For special delivery of your prayer to this special site, click
here
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