Zalman of Lutsk

Rabbi Zalman of Lutsk was a nephew of the hidden tzaddik Rabbi Kehos, a close associate of Rabbi Adam Baal Shem, and a devoted attendant of our teacher the Baal Shem Tov. His father was Rabbi Naftali, who was counted among the circle of hidden tzaddikim in the era of Rabbi Adam Baal Shem, and who in his youth had known Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem. Rabbi Zalman was an outstanding Torah scholar, a devoted servant of G-d, and one who cherished solitude.

Rabbi Zalman traveled on several occasions as an emissary of the Baal Shem Tov, carrying out miraculous missions on his behalf. Following the passing of the Baal Shem Tov, he also served the Maggid of Mezeritch, and for approximately five years (5527–5532 / 1767–1772) resided continuously in Mezhybizh. After the passing of the Maggid, he spent a full year (5533 / 1772–1773) in Anipoli, and thereafter relocated to Liozna.

Rabbi Zalman of Lutsk, together with Rabbi Shlomo of Boyev and Rabbi Yona of Polotsk, were among those present with the Baal Shem Tov on 18 Elul 5505 — the birthday of the Alter Rebbe — and witnessed the special conduct with which the Baal Shem Tov marked the occasion of the Alter Rebbe's birth.

Further Reading

• Otzar Sipurei Chabad, vol. 6, pp. 44–46.
• Rabbi Eliyahu Yochanan Gurarie, Otzar Chassidei Chabad, vol. 1, pp. 94–95.