A Talmid Like the Rebbe Reb Melech

Rav Yeshaya of Pshedburz once expressed his wonder at Rav Yitzchak’s deep attachment to Rav Simchah Bunim of Peshischa. Rav Yitzchak told him that Rav Bunim had the same power as Eliyahu HaNavi.

“When he takes hold of your hand, or even the hand of one of the simplest and lowest of his talmidim, you are immediately filled with fiery excitement. Your heart is filled with such a fierce love for Hashem and His Torah that you become willing to sacrifice yourself for His sake, even to die al kiddush Hashem.”

The affection was mutual. Rav Simchah Bunim once remarked, “One day I will raise up a disciple as great as the Rebbe Reb Melech of Lizensk.” The Kotzker later revealed that this talmid was none other than Rav Yitzchak of Vurka.