Drawing the Distant Closer

Rav Yitzchok of Neshchiz related, on Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Behaalosecha 5627, that Rav Gershon of Kitov met the Ohr HaChaim in Eretz Yisroel and told him about his brother-in-law, the Baal Shem Tov. The Ohr HaChaim replied that he had heard of him and knew that his name was Yisroel.

Rav Gershon also asked why the Ohr HaChaim kept in his yeshivah a certain talmid whom Rav Gershon had seen behaving in a way unbecoming for a yeshivah student. "This is our way," answered the Ohr HaChaim. "We draw closer those who are distant. We are mekarev rechokim."

Another version relates that, before Rav Gershon left, the Baal Shem Tov told him to visit the Ohr HaChaim. "If he does not know his own greatness, send him my regards and tell him that I see him in the Heichal of Moshiach, the supernal palace where Moshiach sits on a throne and learns the Ohr HaChaim." When Rav Gershon arrived and asked about the talmidim, some say he asked why the Ohr HaChaim learned with people of lowly souls. The Ohr HaChaim asked where he came from, and when Rav Gershon said Polnoy, he told him to return the next day. The next day he said, "I saw your Rebbe, and he is a very great man."

Rav Gershon then delivered the regards and the message. The Ohr HaChaim answered, "I do not know what favor he does me by revealing my greatness. Tell him that I saw the Angel of Death, and that he stands with one foot on Polnoy and the other on the whole world." This was a hint of the danger facing the Jews of Europe and of their need for mercy. As for the people of lowly souls, he explained that he learned with them because he sought to redeem holy sparks from the places where they had been captured and held.