Story: Part of the Description by a Jew Named Shaked Who Was With the Rav shlit"a for a Period in Prison
Story: Part of the description by a Jew named Shaked, may Hashem protect him, who was with the Rav shlit"a for a period in prison
This week, a wondrous and lengthy description was published on the Breslov information line, told by a Jew named Shaked, may his light shine, who merited to serve Morinu HaRav shlit"a within the prison walls. This reveals how Hashem publicizes the clear truth, the righteousness of the tzaddikim, and the splendor, beauty, and grace of the Tzaddik Yesod Olam (the righteous one who is the foundation of the world). It shows how much falsehood and the Sitra Achra (the impure side) want to overpower and persecute a poor and needy nation, using all their strength to conceal the truth and broadcast lies in the media. However, the holy nation of Israel senses the truth. Wherever the tzaddik arrives, Jewish souls are drawn to him like iron to a magnet. Even within the prison, the light of Hashem, emunah (faith), and the Torah shine brightly, fulfilling the verse, "But as much as they would afflict them, so did they multiply and so did they gain strength."
Story: The immense joy and Rabbi Berland's immersion in Torah
When the joyous rumor arrived that Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a was about to reach the location, the excitement in the air was at its peak. All those present were immediately filled with immense joy and eagerly awaited the arrival of the tzaddik.
The moment the Rav shlit"a entered the room, everyone burst into mighty singing and chanting. The crowd welcomed him with immense love and indescribable affection. The enthusiasm was so great that everyone pushed forward in an attempt to receive a blessing and merit shaking the holy hands of the Rav.
Concern for the Tzaddik's Rest
The moving reception lasted for about twenty continuous minutes. At this point, one of the attendees noticed the heavy crowding and asked the entire crowd to disperse, explaining that the Rav shlit"a needed rest from the journey.
Out of immense respect for the tzaddik, everyone heeded the request and left the room to allow him to gather his strength and relax from the commotion.
The Rest of the Tzaddik - The Toil of Torah
But how great was the astonishment to see how the Rav utilized his "rest time." Immediately after the room emptied, the tzaddik did not turn to rest or lie down. Instead, he immediately sat down at the table.
The Rav immersed himself completely and wondrously in the study of the holy Torah, delving into his holy books with immense diligence. This story perfectly illustrates how the true rest of the tzaddik is nothing other than clinging to the holy Torah, without a single moment of idleness.
A Wondrous Story About the Rav's Connection to the Book Ketzos HaChoshen
One of the close followers of Rabbi Berland shlit"a shared a fascinating testimony about the Rav's daily routine and his immense devotion to Torah study. It is known that the tzaddik dedicates his entire being to learning, but there is one book that accompanies him constantly and in a special way.
The Deep Connection to the Book Ketzos HaChoshen
That close follower related that the main thing from which the Rav shlit"a never moves is the holy book "Ketzos HaChoshen." This book, which constitutes one of the pillars of yeshiva study and halachic analysis, is always within the Rav's reach.
He Did Not Depart from the Tent of Torah
The witness continued to describe the special conduct of the Rav throughout the day. "Every time Rabbi Berland shlit"a leaves the room, he makes sure to take this holy book with him," the close associate related in amazement.
This brief and moving testimony illustrates just how connected the tzaddik is to the study of Torah in every single moment of his life. It teaches us about the Rav's pure love for the Torah, as he is unwilling to part with the holy book for even a brief moment.
A Story About the Wondrous Daily Schedule of Rabbi Berland shlit"a
A Jew who was close to Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a shares a special testimony about the wondrous daily schedule of the tzaddik. This is an incomprehensible routine of serving Hashem, which exceeds any normal human standard. Through this testimony, we merit a rare glimpse into the immense self-sacrifice of the Rav shlit"a.
A Daily Schedule of Self-Sacrifice
According to the testimony, the daily schedule of the Rav shlit"a consists of long, continuous hours of serving the Creator. The Rav stands on his feet for many hours, completely immersed in holy service and in Hisbodedus (secluded prayer) with his Maker. Afterward, he immediately continues with deep and continuous Torah study, without any break or rest. His immense spiritual strength sustains his body, allowing him to continue with a power unknown to the ordinary person.
Light in the Darkness
Despite the tremendous physical and spiritual effort, the Rav shlit"a devotes almost no time to bodily needs. He barely sleeps two hours throughout the entire day, and immediately rises to continue his holy service. Furthermore, the Rav is not satisfied with his personal spiritual ascent; rather, he dedicates his time and energy to studying Torah together with the prisoners around him. He illuminates the path for them, brings them closer to their Father in Heaven, and proves that a true tzaddik does not rest for a moment, but works tirelessly for the sake of the Jewish people.
A Moving Story: The Torah Classes of the Rav shlit"a from the Public Telephone
In those difficult days, there was a fixed and moving routine. Every day, Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a would go out to the public telephone designated for the prisoners in the facility. His goal was singular: to deliver a Torah class over the phone to our community members, who refused to give up hearing his voice and his holy words.
The Honor of the Torah at the Public Telephone
The scene that unfolded in those moments was wondrous and inspiring. Immediately upon seeing the Rav shlit"a approaching the telephone station, everyone would clear the area. Even when one of the prisoners was in the middle of a personal conversation, he would immediately hand the receiver over to the Rav. All of this was done out of the immense love and great respect that everyone held for the tzaddik.
Cold Water for a Weary Soul
Instead of dispersing, the prisoners would give up their own time and gather in multitudes around the Rav shlit"a. They stood there captivated, thirstily listening to the sweet words of Torah emerging from the holy mouth of the tzaddik. For those people, these words of Torah were truly like "cold water for a weary soul," illuminating their souls with a precious light.
From Issue 81 — Parashas Acharei Mos-Kedoshim