First Coming to Ropshitz

Rav Avraham of Olynov, the son of Rav Yitzchok Charif of Samvur, was a good friend and colleague of Rav Chaim Halberstam of Sanz. Rav Avraham was initially among the misnagdim, those who disagreed with the derech of Chassidus and opposed the Chassidim and their rebbes.

“Please come with me just once to Ropshitz to meet my rebbe, Rav Naftali,” Rav Chaim pleaded with Rav Avraham again and again, to no avail. Rav Avraham staunchly refused. Finally, after much cajoling and persuading, he agreed. Rav Chaim was overjoyed, and Rav Avraham promised that they would go in a few weeks' time.

When the appointed date arrived, Rav Chaim of Sanz turned to another good friend and colleague, Rav Yosef of Rudnik, and said: “Rav Avraham has finally agreed to come with me to Ropshitz to meet my rebbe. But as this will be his first visit, I am worried that perhaps no one there will give him the proper attention, or his welcome won't be warm enough and he will never agree to come again. Let us go with him together and see to it that he receives a warm welcome and due attention.” Rav Yosef agreed to the plan and set off with Rav Avraham of Olynov for Ropshitz.

When they arrived at the threshold of the Ropshitzer Rav's room, Rav Chaim and Rav Yosef were ready to enter and introduce their friend and colleague as the Rav of Olynov, so that he would receive the proper welcome. To their astonishment, he was ushered in ahead of them, and the Ropshitzer Rav rose from his chair and seated Rav Avraham beside himself, a sign of respect and honor. “Baruch Haba, Olynover Rav,” the Ropshitzer greeted him prophetically, with no introductions necessary.

They sat together for several hours, conversing in secret matters. Afterward the Olynover Rav took his leave, and the Ropshitzer escorted his guest to the gate of the courtyard. When he returned, Rav Naftali extended his hand in greeting to his other two guests in turn, to Rav Chaim of Sanz and to Rav Yosef of Rudnik. Then he sat down again in his chair and began stroking his beard, sighing and saying out loud to himself: “Naftali, Naftali. Have your eyes seen how white the hairs of your beard have grown? You have grown old with age, yet you have accomplished nothing. See how the Olynover Rav, so much younger than yourself, has already accomplished so much more. If only I had been able to make such unifications as he has made during these few hours.”

With a sigh of regret the Rav concluded his lament and called over his son, Rav Eliezer of Dzhikov. Back then he was just a young man full of life. The Ropshitzer told him: “We have an important guest with us for Shabbos, the Olynover Rav.” He gave him a wink. “Now, I know how much you like your little pranks, and you are always a troublemaker with the rabbanim and guests who come to visit here. But I am warning you this time. Give it up or you will regret it. He is a flaming fire. Guard yourself lest you be scorched, and do not touch even the hairs of his beard.” The warning delivered, Eliezer was dismissed.

And this is how the first visit between the Olynover Rav and his future rebbe, Rav Naftali of Ropshitz, unfolded.