Editing Michel Opotzkier (section)

== With the Alter Rebbe ==
R' Michele was among the first chassidim of the Alter Rebbe.

His father, R' Meir Zalman, was among the hidden tzaddikim in the period before the revelation of [[the Baal Shem Tov]], and received a blessing for long life from the Baal Shem Tov.

When his father was ninety years old, the Baal Shem Tov said to him: "At ninety one speaks<ref>Pirkei Avos Chapter Five, final Mishnah.</ref> - you know what to say and yet you remain silent. Your son Michel will speak for you as well<ref>Sefer HaSichos 5701 (1941) page 82.</ref>."

He was among the greatest scholars of that time, expert in Bavli and Yerushalmi with the commentaries as well as in kabbalah seforim<ref>Sefer HaSichos 5701 (1941) page 82.</ref>. He first came to the Alter Rebbe when he was thirty-five years old.

The Alter Rebbe said about him: "I give praise and thanks to Hashem for each one who follows the ways of chassidus, and for R' Michel I give special thanks to Hashem. R' Michel is below in this world as an example of above."

He received a blessing from the Alter Rebbe for long life.