Shmuel of Kamenka
Rabbi Shmuel of Kamenka[1] was born to Rabbi David of Rabinow and was one of the six Holy Brothers of Kamenka, all of whom were disciples of the Baal Shem Tov.
Some say that it was through him that Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne was first drawn close to Chassidus.[2]
The Baal Shem Tov said of him that when Moshiach comes in the time to come, he would be the prophet. His fellow disciples were envious of how close he stood to the Baal Shem Tov. Once, wishing to show them the true greatness of his level, the Baal Shem Tov spoke very deep teachings — so deep that the other disciples, unable to follow at their own level, fell asleep. Rabbi Shmuel alone remained awake. He was so moved by what he heard that his eyes nearly leapt from their sockets, and in his overwhelming emotion he ran toward the door — startling everyone else awake. In that moment they all saw for themselves that he was truly greater than them all.[3]
In a letter addressed to him,[3] the Baal Shem Tov honors him with the most exalted titles:
My beloved disciple, the Rav, the Gaon, the holy being who descended from Heaven...
Notes edit
- ↑ Not to be confused with a second Rabbi Shmuel of Kamenka, who was a disciple of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
- ↑ See the Kherson Genizah, letter 106: "I ask your honor once more to make every effort and endeavor that the holy Rav, Moreinu Yosef, should come to me… and I am confident that if he attaches himself to me and is privileged to absorb the light of my Torah and my ways, he will rise to great heights…" Though it is unclear to whom exactly the letter refers.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Writings of R"Y Shoiv".