Encounter with the Besht

The two sages (the Baal Shem Tov and Maggid) had corresponded during 5513 (1752). The Maggid had grave doubts whether to undertake the journey; the slanderous rumors spread by the opponents of Chassidism deterred him from taking that step. The Baal Shem Tov, in his replies, assuaged the Maggid’s suspicions and hesitations and urged him to come, foreseeing the meeting to be of great significance to Chassidism. The Maggid eventually decided to see for himself whether the Baal Shem Tov was as great as his followers reputed him to be.

The journey to Mezibush was long and arduous and the Maggid was unable to study. This caused him much anguish and he began to regret his decision. He consoled himself by assuming that when he reached his destination he would surely hear profound words of Torah from the Baal Shem Tov. When his coach finally arrived in Mezibush, he lost no time in seeking out the Baal Shem Tov.

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov received his visitor cordially and told him a short, seemingly insignificant story. The interview ended. They met again on the second day and again the Baal Shem Tov told him only a short story.

Rabbi Dovber, the assiduous type, to whom every moment was precious, regretted having come and having wasted so much time. He made plans to return home; he would leave the same night, as soon as the moonlight would make traveling possible. But before he could leave, a messenger came from the Baal Shem Tov asking Rabbi Dovber to come to the master’s house. When he arrived, the Baal Shem Tov asked him: “Are you well versed in Torah?” Upon receiving an affirmative reply, the Baal Shem Tov asked: “Are you familiar with the teachings of the Kabbalah?” Again, an affirmative reply. The Baal Shem Tov then asked the Maggid to interpret a passage in Etz Chaim, the basic work of the Lurianic Kabbalah. Rabbi Dovber carefully examined the passage and offered his interpretation. The Baal Shem Tov rejected his words. Rabbi Dovber deliberated again and reiterated his previous statement, adding: “The meaning of this passage is as I stated. Should you have a different interpretation, tell me and we will see who is right.”

At this stage the Baal Shem Tov read the passage to him. As the Baal Shem Tov read and spoke, it seemed to the Maggid as though the whole house had become full of light and that a Divine fire surrounded them. It appeared to the Maggid as though he actually saw the angels whose names were mentioned in the discourse. Afterwards, the Baal Shem Tov said: “Your interpretation was correct, but there is no soul in your learning.”

Rabbi Dovber remained with the Baal Shem Tov for some time, to learn from him.

Reports show that the Maggid visited the Baal Shem Tov only twice. The second time he remained for six months. Rabbi Dovber related that the Baal Shem Tov taught him everything to the most intricate details of the various works of the Kabbalah and the “language of the birds and trees."

When he wished to return home, the Baal Shem Tov did not agree and delayed him several times. When asked for the reason, the Baal Shem Tov explained that as long as the Maggid was with him, his own mind was “as a gushing well, and the more one draws from a well the more it pours forth.”

Though Rabbi Dovber may not have seen the Baal Shem Tov again, they remained in touch through messengers and correspondence. Occasionally, Rabbi Dovber served as interim leader of the Chassidim in the absence of, and at the request of, the Baal Shem Tov.

Even though Chassidism is generally opposed to self-mortification, the Maggid appears to have continued for some time in his erstwhile habits. The Baal Shem Tov warned him to cease these practices and to guard his health.