For the memory of my father, may his memory be a blessing.
"Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (1740–1809) spent his life acting as the self-appointed character witness for the Jewish people, engaging in a constant dialogue with G‑d, pointing out the unique qualities of every Jew he met. The following is one of the best-known “Berditchever” stories:
It was the afternoon before Passover, and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was wandering through the streets of the Jewish quarter seeking out local smugglers. From one he quietly asked for a quote on contraband tobacco, from another he inquired about the availability of smuggled brocades and embroideries. No matter the merchandise he sought, everything was available for the right price.
However, when he started asking his newfound acquaintances to supply him with some bread or whiskey, those very same businessmen who had previously proved so accommodating balked. “Rabbi,” said one, “are you trying to insult me? The Seder will be starting in just a few hours, and no Jew would have even a speck of chametz left in his home or business.”
The story continued:
Rabbi Levy Yitzchak of Berdichev went to the market and said to the people, do you have any chametz to sell me? I'm ready to pay tens of shekels for Chametz. The Jews in the market told him ‘Of course not’! Even if you pay me hundreds of thousands of shekels, I will not sell you Chametz!! Passover starts in a few hours!!’ And this is how the Rabbi went from seller to seller… Everyone thought he was crazy. The Rabbi is looking to buy Chametz a few hours before the start of the Holiday?! How is that possible... they didn’t understand.......
Then Rabbi Levy Yitzchak of Berdichev began to shout with great joy and said "Our Lord of the world... according to the laws of the country it is forbidden to sell cigarettes and anyone who sells them may be punished... but here I could get cigarettes... Yet, when I asked to buy Chametz for tens of shekels, no one was willing to sell me... and why is that? Because you commanded us in the Torah not to eat Chametz! Look, Lord of the world, what kind of people do you have, it has been 3 thousand years since we left Egypt, and your people are still faithful to you...."
“who is like Your people Israel, a unique nation on earth.”
Sources:
The first part was taken from the following link: https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/663604/jewish/Minister-for-the-Defense.htm Author: Elisha Greenbaum The content in this page is
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