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The Two Moshiachs

A story ofRav Chaim Ibn Attarהרב חיים בן עטרProfile ›

This story was told by Rav Yaakov Chai Zerihan, the chief Rav of Teveria. On reaching Teveria, the Ohr HaChaim walked into the beis medrash, where Rav Chaim Abulafia was teaching his talmidim. The old Rav sat leaning against cushions and pillows placed on both sides of him. The Ohr HaChaim quietly said to himself in surprise, “Does the Torah deserve this?”

Rav Chaim Abulafia noticed him and called out, “The Chacham Chaim has come to us.” He stood up to receive him, citing the pasuk “Rise before the aged.” The two sat down to learn sugyos of Shas together, and the Ohr HaChaim marveled at his host's depth and breadth of Torah. Then Rav Abulafia said, “The Torah does deserve this and requires it, because of my age and weakness.” The Ohr HaChaim begged his forgiveness.

Afterward they went off to visit Rav Akiva's kever. To save time they hired an animal for Rav Abulafia, who was about ninety-three years old. At the cave he got down, and each insisted that the other go in first. The Ohr HaChaim sat down and wept, saying, “Woe to us, that both Moshiachs have come here together at the right time.”

A thick fog and mist settled over them, and from inside came soft whispers and quiet weeping. Those who were present later guessed that both Rav Chaims had been shown that they would leave this world a year apart. So it was. The Ohr HaChaim passed away on 15 Tammuz 5503. Rav Chaim Abulafia followed him in Nissan 5504.

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