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)
When Rav Gershon of Kitov traveled to Eretz Yisrael, the Ba’al Shem Tov told him to meet with the Ohr HaChaim. “If he doesn’t know of his greatness, send him regards from me and tell him I see him in Moshiach Heichal – the supernal palace, where Moshiach sits on a throne and studies the Ohr HaChaim.”
When Rav Gershon came to Eretz Yisrael, he arrived at the Ohr HaChaim’s Yeshiva and asked why he studied with talmidim who behave inappropriately; others say that he asked why he studied with people with lowly souls.
The Ohr HaChaim asked Rav Gershon from where he hailed. When he said that he was from Polnoy, the Ohr HaChaim responded that he should return the following day. The next day, the Ohr HaChaim told him, “I saw your Rebbe and he is a very great man.”
Rav Gershon then related his regards from the Ba’al Shem and relayed the Ba’al Shem’s message. The Ohr HaChaim responded, “I don’t know what favor he does me by revealing my greatness. Tell him I saw the Angel of Death and that he stands with one foot on Polnoy and the other on the entire world.” This was a hint at the danger facing European Jewry and that they would need mercy. He also responded that the reason he studied with people with lowly souls was because he sought to redeem holy sparks from places that they had been captured and held hostage. (Kisvei Ri Shuv of Brisk)
