25th of Tishrei is the yahrzeit of Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev (1740-1810). On the day of his birth, the Baal Shem Tov informed his followers that a “defender of the Jewish people” has been born. Rav Levi was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. Following posts at Zelichov and Pinsk, he spent the last 25 years of his life in Berdichev. His teachings are contained in the posthumously published Kedushas Levi.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak is remembered for his compassion and love for every Jew. He once said, “If after I pass away I have the option of being alone in paradise, or to go to purgatory but there to be in the company of other Jews, I would certainly choose the latter. As long as I’m together with other Jews!” He was also judging others always in a positive light. Once, when R. Levi Yitzchak spotted a Jew greasing the wheels of his buggy while wearing tallit and tefillin, in middle of prayer, R. Levi turned to Hashem and cried out, “Master of the Universe, look at how holy Your nation is. They even grease the wheels of their buggies with tallit and tefillin on . . .”
