Souls on Fire by Elie Wiesel

Author:Elie Wiesel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks

DISCIPLES IV

BEFORE Hersh Ziditchoiv’s soul was sent down to earth, Satan appeared before the celestial court to lodge a complaint: “This soul must not be given to men; it will make saints of them. And signify my end. With Hersh of Ziditchoiv as my adversary, I am beaten in advance. I protest, I demand justice . . .”

The court deliberated and decided: “Your argument is valid, but we cannot turn back. Our decisions are irrevocable. This soul that frightens you will inhabit Rebbe Hersh. But, to reassure you, another soul will be sent down for another man who will have all the signs, qualities and virtues of a Rebbe; the crowds will admire and praise him. And with the exception of this court and yourself, nobody will know that this man owes allegiance not to our sacred and divine authority but to you alone.”

How is one to know? How does one recognize purity in a man? And how can one be sure? I remember putting this question to my grandfather. He chuckled and his eyes twinkled when he answered: “But one is never sure; nor should one be. Actually, it all depends on the Hasid; it is he who, in the final analysis, must justify the Rebbe.”

• • •

David Zlates, disciple of the Seer of Lublin, refused to become a rabbi. He persisted in wanting to remain disciple. After the Seer’s death, he joined Hersh of Ziditchoiv’s followers, then Meir of Premishlan’s and, finally, Israel of Rizhin’s.

It is said that one Shabbat, the Seer invited him to recite the blessing customary at the end of a meal. Rebbe David demurred. “I order you to obey,” shouted the Seer. “Whoever accedes to the higher spheres may not retreat from them!” David did as he was told. But thereafter, whenever his followers came to seek his advice or help, they found his room empty. David the Hasid was with another Master. As a simple Hasid.

“You’ll grow up, you’ll see,” my grandfather had said. “You’ll see that it is more difficult, more rare to find a Hasid than a Rebbe. To induce others to believe is easier than to believe. To give, easier than receive. And,” added grandfather, “a Hasid is more to be envied than his Master.”

• • •

Menahem-Mendl of Riminov said: “To pronounce useless words is to commit murder.”

• • •

Moshe of Ujhely waited his whole life for the Messiah; he never went to bed at night without reminding his sons: “If he comes, wake me right away!”

Near the end of his life, this is how he spoke to God: “Master of the Universe, my strength is gone; I am exhausted. You must send us the Messiah. You have no choice. Don’t think I’m asking this for my own salvation. If you wish, I am ready to deny myself even a single ray of light and joy. Believe me, I am ready to sacrifice my life and my soul and undergo the terrors of eternal night if that be the price of Israel’s redemption.

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