The Pamphlet: 'Judgments Against Tzaddikim'

Judgments against tzaddikim and prominent Torah scholars, unfortunately, are nothing new. Moshe Rabbeinu, the father of all prophets, whom the holy Zohar calls 'Ra'aya Meheimna' (the Faithful Shepherd) of Israel—even about him, they gossiped and claimed he was promiscuous, to the point that Moshe Rabbeinu had to go outside the camp.

The persecution of tzaddikim, accusing them of vain matters that are in complete opposition to their holy character, has repeated itself time and again throughout the history of our people. In the pamphlet, 'Judgments Against Tzaddikim,' fundamental points are presented regarding this persecution and incomprehensible controversy. These words are essential in order to continue looking at reality through the eyes of Divine Providence and holy wisdom, to observe and understand how the tzaddikim took false accusations upon themselves—all for the sake of the people of Israel.

When one mentions the list of true tzaddikim who were persecuted by their contemporaries, one is simply shaken: the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto), R' Yonatan Eybeschutz, the Baal HaTanya, the Besht (Baal Shem Tov), Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Moharnat of Breslov, R' Yisrael of Ruzhin, and the list is far too long to contain. Today, when looking at these names, it simply seems like imagination; after all, these are tzaddikim whose books and teachings are a foundation of Judaism, but in their generation, they endured persecutions and terrible accusations, often to the point of death.