The third Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, known as the "Tzemach Tzede," often visited groups of "Cantonistim." These soldiers in the Czar's army were Jews of unusual self-sacrifice that had been snatched from their homes from the age of five years and up. They served in the Czar's army as part of a cruel plan to "persuade" them to leave Judaism. But overall, despite the years of tortures and brainwashing, most of them clung to their Jewish identity.
In one of the Tzemach Tzedek's visits to these brave soldiers, he told them, "One must sacrifice one's life rather than one's Judaism. Even if the Czar himself personally tells you to change your religion you must sacrifice yourself rather than obey him." These words, spoken from the soul, had a deep effect on one sailor by the name of Shimon Levin.
Shimon was an excellent and devoted soldier of the Czar. He loved his job and was one of the best, perhaps the very best, sailor in the Czar's royal navy to the point that he was called by his compatriots called him Semion Bodri (Shimon the brave). He had been promoted to the rank of officer and served at the naval base in Svastopol on the Black sea. Then, one glorious day, the base received notice that the Czar was to personally make a visit.
It is hard for us to imagine the fear and awe that the very mention of the Czar's name inspired in every Russian citizen no less an actual personal visit by his Royal Highness! The very thought filled the sailors with trembling.
When the glorious day arrived the base had been scrubbed and polished for the visit and the sailors had a grand reception prepared. The band played, everyone was dressed in immaculate and pressed uniforms, even the decks of the ships gleamed. But the highlight of the day was something very special.
The commander of the base climbed to a platform, stood to his full height. The music stopped, everyone was silent, and he announced before the Czar that in honor of his royal Majesty, one of the officers would perform an act of unmatched skill and unequaled bravery. The commander swung his finger majestically up pointing to the highest ship mast in the harbor some twenty meters high.
Again the drums began to roll and suddenly stopped. Shimon Levin, in full battle gear, stood at the foot of the mast, saluted and bowed to the Czar. Then, without hesitating, he climbed briskly up the mast, stood erect on its very point and, as the crowd gasped in amazement, jumped, arched his back and dived gracefully into the sea. The crowd broke into applause as Shimon swam to shore, walked up to the Czar and bowed deeply.
The Czar was ecstatic. "Who is this man!?" he asked excitedly. "His name is Semion Bodri," the commander proudly replied. The Czar called out "Semion Bodri! I want to reward you. We will have another celebration at this same time here tomorrow!"
The next day the scene was repeated, but this time there were tens of new officials that the Czar wanted to impress. The Czar was to the point. He stood proudly and announced "Semion Bodri, you are a true soldier, a credit to the Royal Navy, and a Jewel in the crown of Mother Russia. Because of your act of power and splendor that you demonstrated yesterday I hereby promote you to the rank of General! Congratulations!" The crowd broke into wild applause, the sailors began singing a patriotic song and the band played along.
But when it all ended Shimon just stood there without a smile on his face. "Your majesty" he replied. "I am truly grateful but according to the laws which your highness has made it is forbidden for me to accept." Silence reigned, only the wind could be heard whistling through the masts. "I am a Jew, your majesty and it is forbidden for a Jew to rise above the rank of petty officer."
The Czar was surprised and embarrassed. He had planned to brag before his generals and ministers and this Jew had made him look foolish. "Then you will change your religion!" He announced angrily. "Do you hear me officer Bodri?! You will change your religion and become a general! Now!"
"Your majesty!" answered Shimon. "With your majesty's permission, first I would like to repeat the feat that I performed yesterday for your royal highness." Without waiting for an answer and before anyone knew what was happening, Shimon ran in the direction of the mast, swooped up his gear and, without stopping, put it on as he was running. Even more swiftly than yesterday he climbed to the peak, stood there proudly, and announced loudly, "Your majesty, 12 years I have been serving in the Russian navy and I love my service with all my soul. But know, my king, that above all I am a Jew. Through my entire service I have kept the Sabbath and never eaten forbidden foods. I will never leave the G-d of Israel. 'Shma Yisrael Hashem Elokenu Hashem Echad!!"
Again he gracefully dived from the mast and plunging down into the blue sea. But this time he did not come up. Shimon the brave had conquered the Czar of Russia.
