The Lots in Beis El

It is told that in Beis El, the yeshiva of the mekubalim in Yerushalayim, the Rashash taught a circle of future giants of Kabbalah, among them Rabbeinu Yom Tov Algazi and the Chida. After they had absorbed the revealed Torah, they turned to its hidden depths, and the group bound itself to a set of takanos (spiritual undertakings). The Chida was among its most distinguished members.

Then word spread that the Chida was leaving the group to travel abroad and raise money for the poor of Chevron. The reason soon became known. The Rashash had sensed that the moment was right in Heaven to daven for the final redemption. At his direction the members withdrew from worldly affairs, afflicted themselves, and fasted for three days without a break.

When the fast ended they heard a heavenly voice: “My sons, the time is not yet ripe, and you have no right to force it. One of you must also endure the hardship of golus.” No name was mentioned, so they drew lots, and the lot fell on the Chida.

Soon afterward the men of Chevron came to ask him to travel for them. They had hoped that his name and his powerful speech would draw generous gifts, but they had not expected him to agree so quickly. He left at once by way of Egypt, and his travels took him to Livorno, across most of Italy and on to the German lands.