The Division of Eretz Yisroel

Many tzaddikim attended the wedding of Rav Avrohom Shimshon. The Baal Shem Tov himself was the guest of honor, and Rav Pinchos Koretzer was among the many notables present. As was customary, the chuppah was held outdoors, in the courtyard of the shul. On the windowsill a bird stood, merrily chirping.

The Baal Shem Tov turned to Rav Pinchos Koretzer and asked him, “Do you hear what that bird is saying?” He continued, “The bird is saying the pasuk, ‘Le’eleh techalek ha’aretz’ (‘Among these shall the land be divided’).” Hearing this, many of the guests rejoiced, imagining that the great Division of Eretz Yisroel would begin during this couple’s lifetime, a sign of the imminent redemption.

Years later, however, when Rav Avrohom Shimshon decided to move to Eretz Yisroel, his wife protested and refused to go. The couple appeared before Rav Pinchos of Koretz, seeking a resolution to their marital strife. “What can I do?” Rav Pinchos exclaimed. “This case has already been decided by the holy Baal Shem Tov. At your wedding he heard a bird saying ‘Le’eleh techalek ha’aretz,’ and now I understand that you shall be divided because of the Land of Israel that lies between you.”

The halacha states that if a husband wishes to move to Eretz Yisroel and his wife refuses to accompany him, she may accept a get (a legal divorce), so that he is free to go. And so it was that Rav Avrohom Shimshon left for Eretz Yisroel alone.