LETTERS FROM THE CHERSON GENIZA TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME. PART 10.
If you are reading these letters for the first time, see here and here for an important introduction and contextualization.
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INTRODUCTION TO THIS SERIES OF LETTERS (1733-1734):
- In this series of letters , we see another reference to the handing over of unnamed secret ‘teachings’ from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to his student the Baal Shem Tov. These were the ‘writings’ which later had to be hidden. (Doc. 48, 51)
- We again see how R. Adam tries to pressure his student to come out of hiding, by informing him that he was not untouchable and that another leader was being groomed for the leadership role if the Baal Shem Tov refused to emerge from hiding. (Doc. 47)
- The Baal Shem Tov’s wife pleads with her husband to come home for Yom Tov. (Doc. 252)
- We see that apparently and rather surprisingly R. Adam and the Baal Shem Tov had never yet met in person. (Doc. 54)
- We read how the work of Torah and Prayer had historically and theologically already been completed and how all that was left to do from that time on was to elevate the material realm. (Doc 50)
- We read how the Baal Shem Tov was actively discouraged from journeying to Israel. Israel’s ‘air’ makes wise and that ‘wisdom’ was not required at that time and the Baal Shem Tov had already mastered it. (Doc. 31)
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DOCUMENT 43:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov using numerology to encourage the latter to come out of hiding:
Letter 16.
B”H
(Parshat) Vayikra 5493 (1733).
To the hidden, awesome and holy is his name, Yisrael, son of the rabbi, Mr Eliezer, n’y.
It is taught in the holy Zohar:
‘Furthermore, he continued and said – the previous verse (refers to) a man of faith who has many blessings. Blessings (thus refer to) a man of faith in G-d, blessed be He.’
The explanation (of this) was revealed to me from Heaven:
‘Man of faith’[1] has the numerical value of 552. And your name, Yisrael, has the numerical value of 541. The difference between the (two numbers) is 11.
This alludes to the eleven years when you will be hidden and concealed (from the world) while wandering (around).
Therefore, during the forthcoming year, 5494 (1734) may it descend upon us for good, you will reveal yourself (to the world), G-d willing.
I and your holy teacher Achiya haShiloni will be (here to) help (you). Enough said.
From the one who longs to see you (although) I do not know where your (hiding) place is:
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
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DOCUMENT 258:
Letter from the Baal Shem Tov’s wife asking him to come home for the festivals.
B”H
Monday (Parshat) Bamidbar 5493 (1733).
To my husband, the esteemed Mr Yisrael, n’y.
I received through the (agency) of the non-Jewish (courier), three measures of honey-water in addition to the Ruble Teller[2].
Perhaps you will come to my home for Yom Tov?
What will I do alone in the village (during) Yom Tov? G-d willing.
From your wife.
Leah Rachel.
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DOCUMENT 105:
Letter, from the Baal Shem Tov to his wife, accompanying the money he was sending home:
B”H
Tuesday (Parshat) Behaalotecha 5493 (1733). Telusk.
To my wife, the righteous Mrs Leah Rachel, may you live.
Accept through the (agency) of the messenger, 20 Ruble Teller.
And give 2 Ruble Teller (to the teacher) for tuition fees.
I will, please G-d, be coming (home) soon.
Send regards to my dear son Herschelle, may he live, and my dear daughter Adelle, may she live.
From your husband,
Yisroelik.
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DOCUMENT 47:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov informing him that if he doesn’t come out of hiding, another will take his place as leader of the new Chassidic movement:
Letter 21.
B”H
To the rabbi, the hidden one, Mr Yisrael, n’y, son of R. Eliezer.
Do not imagine that you are untouchable[3].
If you do not reveal yourself, (you should know that) there is another (waiting) in your place.
But (instead, I urge you) to complete (the task) you have already begun, as this is the will of the Blessed one. Enough said.
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
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DOCUMENT 48:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov informing him that he is handing over to him the ‘teachings’ and urgently requesting he reveal himself as the refusal to do is delaying the redemption:
Letter 22.
B”H
5493 (1733).
To the hidden one, Mr Y(israel) B(en) R. E(liezer), n’y.
The mouth of the righteous is a source of life.
Everything depends on the mouth of the righteous, whether for good or the opposite. Heaven forefend.
I have handed over the writings to my son Mr L (rest of the name missing. According to Doc. 18, the name was Leib) n’y.
You will surely receive them.
But for how long will you refuse to reveal yourself.
In my view, you are withholding the redemption (by remaining in hiding).
Practice some self-sacrifice for the rest of (the people of) Israel. Enough said.
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
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DOCUMENT 49:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov telling him how happy he is to hear that the latter is finally coming out of hiding:
Letter 23.
B”H
Sunday (Parshat) Veyeilech 5493 (1733).
I was overjoyed when I heard that you are (about) to reveal your holy name to the world.
May it be the will of Heaven that you achieve success against the accusing (forces). Amen.
From the one who loves you from now on,
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
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DOCUMENT 51:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov, telling him he knows he has received the ‘teachings’ and that he must now study them diligently:
Letter 25.
B”H
5494 (1733).
To the beloved of G-d, one of the hidden ones, Mr Yisrael, son of the rabbi, Eliezer, n’y.
I was overjoyed when I heard that you have received in your holy hand the writings (I sent you).
But study them and learn them diligently, and in them, you will taste a great taste.
Through this, I remain your colleague[4], for now, and for the future,
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
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DOCUMENT 54:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov telling him looks forward to finally meeting him:[5]
Letter 28.
B”H
5493 (1733).
To the holy one, the hidden one, Yisrael. I do not know your holy (hiding) place.
The hidden (things) belong to G-d, while the revealed (things) belong to us.
Surely you will reveal yourself (to the world) and our eyes will see each other.
Then will our hearts be glad.
I am (now) old, and my heart is burning to see your face as (it yearns) to see G-d’ s. Enough said.
From the one who loves you forever,
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
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DOCUMENT 50:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov telling him that the work of Torah and prayer has already been completed and all that is left to do is elevating the material realm:
Letter 24.
B”H
5493 (1733).
To the holy Mr Yisrael, n’y, of Akopf.
Know that the main work (left for us to do) is only in elevating material matters to their source.
This is because the work with Torah and Prayer has already been accomplished.
From the one who faithfully loves you,
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
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DOCUMENT 31:
Letter from R. Adam Baal Shem Tov to the Baal Shem Tov telling him he will bring a new ‘fragrance’ to the world and that he should not travel to Israel:
Letter 19.
B”H
To the holy and hidden Mr Yisrael, son of R. Eliezer, n’y.
I shall reveal to you a great matter:
If it happens that at a certain time one succumbs to depression[8], one should faithfully know that he is about to be (potentially) elevated to a higher level.
(To overcome this depression) one needs much self-sacrifice. Enough said.
Also, know that your teacher (Achiya haShiloni[9]) has told me that you will bring a (new) fragrance to the world.
But do not seek glory, (do) only what is before you.
Do not travel to the Land of Israel because you have come into this world only to fix (materialism[10]). Enough said.
(This is) because the air of the land of Israel makes wise, and you have already reached the level to know the ‘head’ (of wisdom). Enough said.
From the one who loves you (only) through hearing (from you).[11]
Adam Baal Shem Tov of Ropshitz.
[1] Bar Nash in Aramaic.
[2] The name of the currency.
[3] The Hebrew reads ben ish chai, literally; son of a living man.
[4] It appears as if the symbolic handing over of the ‘teachings’ transferred the Baal Shem Tov from student to colleague. In previous letters, R. Adam signed as his teacher, not as his colleague.
[5] According to some of the letters it seems as if the two had never met, although R. Adam had often previously referred to himself as the Baal Shem Tov’s teacher.
[6] An allusion to R. Israel Baal Shem Tov corresponding to the Biblical Israel, another name for Jacob.
[7] A calendar designation.
[8] Hebrew: Roah hamidot, or bad emotions.
[9] The Baal Shem Tov’s other mystical teacher, according to Chassidic tradition, a prophet from the time of Solomon.
[10] See Document 50.
[11] Another allusion to the possibility that the student and teacher had not yet met (see Document 54).