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Discourses and likkutim in the manner of pardes by R. Israel Dov Ber ben Joseph of Velednik. The title page describes R. Israel Dov Ber as a godly gaon and harif, expert in niglah and nistar, and that he was a a disciple of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl. At the beginning of She’erit Yisrael is the introduction of Michael Levi Frumkin, who brought the book to press, and then the text in two columns in rabbinic type. Among the sources quoted by R. Israel Dov Ber is R. Shimshon Ostropolier.
It is reported that the young R. Israel Dov Ber was once listening to an inspiring lecture from the saintly R. Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev. Due to his brilliance he impetuously interrupted the lecture again and again. R. Levi Yitzchok found this annoying because the whole purpose of his lectures was for the sake of Heaven, to inspire Jews to deepen their love and reverence for Hashem, and not to prove his proficiency in pilpul. For one instant, Rav Levi Yitzchok protested against R. R. Israel Dov Ber’s behavior, and his words sped heavenward, piercing the heavenly spheres. From that moment, R. R. Israel Dov Ber’s crystal clear mind became murky and confused. For years R. R. Israel Dov Ber’s suffered from the Berditchiver's denunciation until he became close to Rav Mordechai of Chernobyl, who suggested a solution. "I cannot circumvent R. Levi Yitzchok's curse," he said. "But there is a way that it can be fulfilled while leaving your mind undisturbed most of the time. You must deliberately behave strangely from time to time." R. Israel Dov Ber followed Rav Mordechai’s advice. Whenever he opened a book he would read the opening page that mentions the author's name etc. in a singing chant as if that, too, were part of his studies, and it is theorized that various other strange customs he had were also a result of R. Mordechai’s advice. |
