The veracity of Chassidic stories

Since the topic of belief in Chassidic tales, passed down through generations, has come up on a different thread, I have an inspiring story on this topic, that I decided I'd share. (even though it may compromise my anonymity)

disclaimer: I an not saying anything about the story on that thread, which I read for the first time here, and I don't know the source for. But the story I am about to tell has strengthened my belief in Chassidic tales in general.

Here goes:
In the city of Polnoah, in Ukraine, up until a number of years ago, there stood two Tziyunim on the old Jewish cemetery. They were cemented structures, completely closed up. One bore the name of the Toldos Yaakov Yosef, and the other said R' Yehudah Leib Hamochiach.
R' YMG, a person who was involved in renovating Kevarim of Tzaddikim in Eastern Europe, felt that there was a mistake here, based on an old Chassidic story, passed on through the generations.

The story goes, that R' Yehudah Leib (I'm a bit fuzzy on the chronology here, on who went first, but this is the idea) was passing by the cemetery, when he saw a holy light emanating there. He went to investigate, and found a Jew sitting and reciting Tehillim. The Jew said he had bought this plot, and he sits there every day, saying Tehillim. R' Yehudah Leib said he also wants to be buried on this plot, and the man agreed.

to be con't

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 29 2007 Posts: 12057

Is this an offshoot of the offshoot hair covering thread with the hidden story?

Diamond Member Joined: Aug 03 2007 Posts: 4448

It's a cute fairy!

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 29 2007 Posts: 12057

ok, I'm curious. could you finish the story? pretty please with a cherry and whipped cream on top????

A while later, the Toldos Yaakov Yosef was passing by, saw the light there, and made the same request. The Jew said, "Hey, this is my plot, and there won't be any room left for me!" So the TYY promised that there will be room for him, too.

Both Tzaddikim passed away, and were buried next to each other. When the Jew felt his time had come, he reminded the Chevra Kadisha of the TYY's promise, and miraculously, they found room between the two graves for him.

So, over two centuries later, comes R' YMG, and insists that the two Tziyunim cannot be correct, because the two Tzaddikim are supposed to be buried in close proximity to each other, with the Tehillim sayer between them! So he contacted my Dh, and they contacted Rabbonim, who gave permission to open one of the structures, the one that seemed to be the right one, according to historical evidence.

And sure enough, they found inside the structure three Matzevos: One of the TYY, one of R' Yehudah Leib Hamochiach, and one more in between, on which the name is on longer legible.

And whoever goes on a trip to Ukraine, can go there and see living proof to the truth of a Chassidic story, even when evidence seemed to point to the contrary.

Thanks for sharing!
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Zogt Toras Emes, Toras Chaim, Horaah BaChaim: KER A VELT HEINT!

Decided to bump this up in connection with some recent threads (which, I admit, I have not fully read).
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hadasa. One 'h', one 's'.

"...the eternal Jewish wealth is when we ... bring into the world children and descendants who keep Torah and Mitzvos." (Hayom Yom)