Avraham of Podolsk
The holy tzaddik Rabbi Avraham of Podolsk was among the foremost disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of those closest to him.
He served as rabbi and maggid meisharim (preacher of righteousness) in Podolsk, and later in Shedeh-Lavan.
He was granted a special closeness by the Baal Shem Tov, who honored him with the extraordinary address: "my friend, my friend." He passed away during the Baal Shem Tov's own lifetime; the Baal Shem Tov personally tended to him during his illness.
He is the author of Chesed L'Avraham (Warsaw, 1899).[1]
He was known for his deep love of the Land of Israel, teaching that "it was created first, and therefore it must rule, govern, and exert influence over the entire world,"[2] and that "only it is fitting for the Divine Presence to dwell there, and not in other lands."[3]
After his passing, Rabbi Abba of Krivosh succeeded him as rabbi in Shedeh-Lavan.[4]