The Two Chaims at the Kever of Rebbi Akiva

This account was heard from Rav Yaakov Chai Zerihan, the chief Rav of Teveria.

When Rav Chaim ben Attar, author of the Ohr HaChaim, arrived in Teveria, he went to the bais medrash. There he found talmidim learning under their master, Rav Chaim Abulafia, who sat teaching them with many cushions and pillows propped on either side for his comfort. Seeing this, the Ohr HaChaim wondered quietly, "Does the Torah deserve this?" meaning that it seemed disrespectful to the Torah to relax like that.

Rav Chaim Abulafia noticed him at once and called out, "The Chacham Chaim has come to us." He rose to greet him, reciting the pasuk, "Arise before your elders," and the two sat down and learned sugyos of Shas together. The Ohr HaChaim was amazed at Rav Chaim Abulafia's scholarship and breadth of knowledge. Then Rav Chaim Abulafia told him, "The Torah does deserve this and requires it, because of my advanced age and weakness." The Ohr HaChaim asked his forgiveness.

Afterward they went together to the kever of the Tanna Rebbi Akiva. So as not to waste time, they rented an animal to carry Rav Chaim Abulafia, who was of very advanced age. At the cave he dismounted from the donkey, and the two honored one another to enter first. The Ohr HaChaim sat down and wept, saying, "Woe to us that both Moshiachs have arrived here together at the right time."

A great fog and mist settled over them and hid them from view. Whispers and low conversation were heard, as the two wept quietly. Those present later concluded that it had been revealed to both Chaims that they would pass away within a year of each other. And so it was. The Ohr HaChaim passed away on 15 Tammuz 5503, and Rav Chaim Abulafia in Nissan of the following year, 5504.