The Jewish cemetery in the town of Radoshitz, Poland, had been almost completely destroyed. The site had been neglected and deteriorated over the years, and its ground was scattered with broken gravestones. At the center of the cemetery, one gravestone had been preserved, and in recent years a canopy (ohel) had even been erected over it, as is customary for the graves of tzaddikim. This is the burial place of the tzaddik Rabbi Yissachar Dov, known as the “Holy Grandfather” of Radoshitz. Rabbi Yissachar Dov had thousands of chassidim and admirers, renowned for his ruach hakodesh, Divine inspiration, and the wondrous miracles he performed. One of these miracles is connected to this very cemetery.
One day, the community leaders of Radoshitz approached Rabbi Yissachar Dov, complaining that a respected community like theirs did not have its own cemetery, and all their deceased were being buried in a neighboring town. “Why do you not consecrate a plot and establish a cemetery in Radoshitz?” asked the Rebbe.
The Poritz
“There is a certain place on the outskirts of Radoshitz suitable for this purpose,” replied the community leaders, “but the land belongs to a poritz—a nobleman—who is a sworn enemy of the Jews and steadfastly refuses to sell it to us, even for a sum far higher than its true value.”
Rabbi Yissachar Dov wrapped himself in contemplation. “Indeed, you are right,” he finally said. “I also believe the time has come to establish a cemetery on the outskirts of Radoshitz so that we will no longer have to transport our dead and compromise their honor. If the poritz agrees to sell the land—good; if not—let it be done by force, of his own will,” he concluded, adding nothing further.
A few days later, the poritz, accompanied by his family, set out in his state carriage, intending to visit his estates both within Radoshitz and beyond. Upon reaching the outskirts of Radoshitz, the carriage became stuck in a large swamp that had formed on the very plot the community leaders wished to purchase for a cemetery.
Stuck in the Mud
Local peasants—both Gentiles and Jews—who wished to gain favor with the poritz, rushed to help extricate him and his family from the swamp. The swamp was deep and especially treacherous, and the peasants feared entering it lest they also sink. They attempted in various ways to pull the carriage and its occupants from a distance. They threw long ropes with hooks and pulled with all their strength; they laid wide, flat boards in the swamp to give the horses a firm footing. Nothing helped. They could not jump out without drowning. The poritz and his family began sinking along with their carriage and horses. If they were not rescued in an hour, they would be buried in the mud and water.
Then, a Gentile peasant dared to suggest an unusual idea. “Not far from here lives the holy Rebbe of the Jews, known for performing wonders. I will go and ask for his help,” he said to the poritz, partly informing him, partly asking.
A grimace of disgust crossed the poritz’s face. Even in this moment, he could not overcome his hatred of the Jews. Yet the desire to survive prevailed over his hatred. “Go to him!” the poritz shouted in a hoarse voice, resigned.
The peasant and several of his companions ran to the home of Rabbi Yissachar Dov. In panicked words, they described the desperate situation of the poritz and his family.
Rabbi Yissachar Dov did not let himself be carried away by the peasants’ agitation. He wrote on a sheet of paper: “I hereby commit to sell the open field on the outskirts of Radoshitz, where I now stand, to the Jewish community for the establishment of a cemetery.”
“Find a way to deliver this commitment to the poritz,” he told the peasants. “Tell him he must sign it. Only after will he be rescued, G-d willing.”
A Miracle
When the peasants returned, all four wheels were completely stuck. The poritz and his family waved to them desperately. The poritz had no choice but to sign the deed of commitment presented on behalf of the Rebbe.
And then, a miracle: as if a tremendous force had been infused into their legs, the horses moved forward, gaining a firm footing in the swamp, and pulled the carriage. Within minutes, the carriage stood on solid ground.
At the first opportunity, the poritz came to Rabbi Yissachar Dov’s home to thank him for saving his life and his family. “I know this was Divine punishment, and because I prevented you from establishing a cemetery there, I, my wife, and my children were almost buried there,” he admitted humbly.
The poritz fulfilled his commitment and more. He granted the land designated for the cemetery free of charge. From then on, the poritz changed his attitude; from a blatant hater of Israel into a friend and supporter, helping the Jews at every possible opportunity.
