Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev was born in the year ת"ק (1740). After his chassunah, he went to study from the Maggid of Mezritch. He served as the Rov of the city of Berditchev and was one of the most famous Rebbes. Reb Levi Yitzchak was known as the “saneigor” (advocate) of Yidden, always finding merit in every situation. He was niftar on the 25th of Tishrei, תק"ע (1809).
Reb Mordechai Liepler was active in pidyon shvuyim and freeing young men from serving in the Czar’s army. Eventually, the government found out and planned to arrest him, so Reb Mordechai hurried to the Alter Rebbe for a bracha. At that time, the Alter Rebbe’s granddaughter had just married the grandson of Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev in Zhlobin, and Reb Mordechai arrived during the week of sheva brachos. When he presented his request, the Alter Rebbe advised him to approach his mechutan, the Rov of Berditchev.
The gabboim of Reb Levi Yitzchak did not want to allow him to disturb the tzaddik’s schedule, but when they heard his plight—especially the Alter Rebbe’s instruction—they advised him to hide in the room behind a curtain, and then present his request at an appropriate moment. From his hiding place, Reb Mordechai could watch Reb Levi Yitzchak’s assiduous avoda.
First, the tzaddik sat at a table in dveikus as both gabboim inserted spoonfuls of food into his mouth, with only small portions of it actually being eaten. The meal was soon over and the elderly tzaddik was laid down on a bed. His gabboim sat near him, one at his head and the other at his feet, and they simultaneously read from Mishnayos and from Zohar respectively. The tzaddik was deep asleep, yet every so often he would stop them and correct their reading. After a short while Reb Levi Yitzchak rose and washed neggel vasser.
At that moment, Reb Mordechai came out of his place and asked for a bracha. At first Reb Levi Yitzchak told him off for endangering his life by being involved in activities which opposed the government, but upon hearing that it was at the Alter Rebbe’s instruction he conceded, “If so, you are righteous in your case. Go in peace!” And that is what happened.
(מגדל עז ע' קסז)
