Kiruv Rechokim

Rav Yitzchok of Neshchiz related on Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Behaalosecha, tov-reish-kaf-zayin:

Rav Gershon of Kitov met the Ohr HaChaim in Eretz Yisrael and told him about his brother-in-law the Ba’al Shem Tov. The Ohr HaChaim replied that he had heard of him and that his name was Yisrael. Rav Gershon Kitover also asked the Ohr HaChaim why he kept a certain talmid in his Yeshiva whom Rav Gershon had seen behaving improperly, unbecoming for a Yeshiva student. “This is our way,” answered the Ohr HaChaim. “We draw closer those who are distant – we are mekarev rechokim.” (Zichron Tov p. 16 #8)