The Division of Eretz Yisroel

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

The Baal Shem Tov turned to Rav Pinchos and asked, "Do you hear what that bird is saying?" He went on, "The bird is saying the pasuk, 'Le'eleh techalek ha'aretz,' 'Among these shall the land be divided.'" Hearing this, many guests rejoiced, thinking that the great division of Eretz Yisroel would begin in the lifetime of this couple, a sign of the coming redemption.

Years later, Rav Avrohom Shimshon decided to move to Eretz Yisroel, but his wife protested and refused to go. The couple came before Rav Pinchos to settle their dispute. "What can I do?" he said. "The holy Baal Shem Tov already decided this case. At your wedding he heard a bird saying 'Among these shall the land be divided,' and now I understand that you will be divided by the Land of Israel that lies between you."

Halachah says that if a husband wishes to move to Eretz Yisroel and his wife refuses to go with him, she may accept a get (a Jewish divorce) so that he is free to go. And so Rav Avrohom Shimshon went to Eretz Yisroel alone.