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The Gartel

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The prophet Achiah of Shilo used to visit young Israel ben Eliezer -- later known as the Baal Shem Tov, "Master of the Good Name" -- to teach him the secrets of Torah. And one time Israel used the kabbalistic knowledge he had learned to cross the river Dniester: he threw his gartel (belt) on the water, uttered a secret Name, and crossed dry and safe. But all his life he repented for having used the holy Name of G-d for his own convenience.

After years, the Master of the Name stood in front of a river again. But this time Jew-haters were at his heels, ready to maim and kill him. Again he threw his belt on the water and he crossed safe and dry. But he didn't use a Name, just his absolute trust in G-d. And that was enough.

By Shoshannah Brombacher
Text and image by chassidic artist Shoshannah Brombacher. To view or purchase Ms. Brombacher's art, click here.
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