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at The 92nd Street Y, New York. Supported by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity
Nov 08, 1984
One of Reb Elimelech’s four primary students, Rabbi Yisrael was given his teacher’s heart: “The story of the Maggid [of Kozhenitz] is the story of the Jewish heart.” A woman seeks from him a blessing for birth of a child. But because she knows the story of Rabbi Yisrael’s miraculous birth, she can’t use the technique his mother used. The story (which seems to go against the secrets that stories can teach) reveals the power lodged within the person. As conveyed by the title of his book, Avodas Yisrael, prayer (avodah) took the lead in his life and devotion. But he was also a giant of Torah learning. His daughter, Perele, was similarly accomplished. With the Seer and Rimanover, Rabbi Yisrael collaborated in a mystical project designed to bring the Messiah; the three passed away soon after. His yahrzeit is erev Sukkot; the end of the town of Kozhenitz was Sukkot 1942—which Rabbi Yisrael predicted would be the year of redemption.
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