Nachman of Horodenka
Rabbi Nachman of Horodenka was among the leading disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, and is described in his master's writings as a trusted member of his household.[1]
Life
Rabbi Nachman was born to R' Yitzchak. His brother was Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda Leib of Medzibuzh.
In his early years he opposed the path of the Baal Shem Tov, but he eventually drew close and became one of his devoted Chassidim.[2]
Rabbi Nachman of Horodenka is said to have refined his limbs to such a degree that they acted entirely in accordance with the Divine will. On one occasion, the Baal Shem Tov spoke publicly in his praise — and Rabbi Nachman bent his ear low to listen from nearby. The disciples were puzzled by this, and the Baal Shem Tov explained: Rabbi Nachman had prayed that he would not hear anything unnecessary for him to hear, and so he could not hear when others spoke his praises — yet when Torah was being spoken, he could hear even from a great distance.[3]
He was also the Baal Shem Tov's mechutan (co-father-in-law): Rabbi Nachman's son Rabbi Simcha married Maras Adel, the Baal Shem Tov's daughter.[4]
Rabbi Nachman made an early journey to the Land of Israel — before the year 5500 (1740) — together with his son Shimshon Chaim, though he returned to Medzibuzh that same year.
In Elul 5524 (1764), on the eve of Rosh Hashanah 5525 (1764), a group of approximately thirty Chassidim made aliyah to the Land of Israel. The group was led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Premishlan, Rabbi Nachman of Horodenka, and Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Shepetovka.
Rabbi Nachman passed away in Tiberias on the 2nd of Tammuz, 5525 (1765) — less than a year after his arrival in the Holy Land.
Notes
- ↑ The Baal Shem Tov refers to him in this way in a letter from the Kherson Genizah, letter 133.
- ↑ See Shivchei HaBesht.
- ↑ Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov.
- ↑ Shem V'She'erit, p. 16.