Handing the Leadership to Reb Dov Ber

The talmidim gathered for the first yahrzeit of the Baal Shem Tov and sat around a table, with Reb Tzvi at its head. He had just concluded his Torah discourse when he rose and said, “Today my father appeared to me and informed me that the Shechinah and the Heavenly Assembly that used to be with him have gone over this day to Rav Dov Ber. Therefore, my son, transfer the leadership to him in the presence of the Chevra Kadisha (Holy Society). Let him sit in my place at the head of the table, and you, my son, sit in his place.”

When he finished speaking, he removed the white robe that symbolized his office and placed it upon the shoulders of Rav Dov Ber.