LIVED 1854–1926
100th yahrtzeit 22 Cheshvan
BURIED Belz, Ukraine
Reb Yissochor Dov of Belz zy”a was one of the greatest Rebbes during the very turbulent times before and after World War I in Europe. He was the head of an organization called Machzikei Hadas, and was famous for helping many Yidden avoid being drafted into the Austrian army.
Once, the Rebbe was spending Shabbos in Vienna, staying at a local hotel. Late on Shabbos night, he heard the sweet sound of someone learning Torah coming from one of the rooms. He looked inside and saw a soldier wearing his uniform, learning Torah with great diligence! He waited for the soldier to finish and then asked him what he was doing there.
The soldier explained that he had been drafted into the Austrian army and didn’t know how he would be able to keep Shabbos. Hashem had mercy on him, and he was assigned to be the personal secretary of one of the generals. He asked the general if he could work extra hours during the week and take Shabbos off and, miraculously, the general approved!
The soldier was so excited that Hashem had helped him keep Shabbos that he took upon himself to spend the entire Shabbos learning Torah. He would sleep as little as possible and use every available minute to learn.
Interestingly, the Belzer Rebbe reacted by saying that “such Yidden are keeping the geulah from coming!!” He explained that this soldier was giving Hashem the greatest nachas. Even the korbanos in the Beis Hamikdash didn’t give Hashem as much nachas as this Yid who was learning Torah under such difficult circumstances! So, in effect, Hashem would not be in such a rush to bring the geulah!
Once, a long line of Yidden formed outside the Belzer Rebbe’s door. They were all under threat of being drafted into the army and were seeking the Rebbe’s bracha. People kept coming, and those in the back of the line ended up waiting for three whole days! At the end of the third day, the gabbai walked out of the room and announced, “The Rebbe said he is not letting any more chassidim in. Everyone should go home. If someone thinks that by staying another day or two he will get in, it’s a waste of time, because he will not get in!” The Yid who was next in line felt terrible, but he had no choice and went home.
When his draft day arrived, he got in line to be examined for the army. It was a long line, and everyone in front of him was drafted. When it was finally his turn, a soldier suddenly walked out and announced, “In the name of the general, we are not accepting any more soldiers! Everyone should go home. If someone wants to wait another day or two to have the privilege of serving in the army, it’s a waste of time. No more soldiers will be accepted!”
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 104.