Rabbi of Kalov, Harav Yitzchak Eizik Taub, the founder of the Kalover Chassidic dynasty, performed a miraculous event among many, and rescued his flock of sheep from bloodshed and the acquittal of an innocent individual [named Chaim]. The situation was so dire because of one of the young gentile inhabitants of Kalov who served as both a shepherd and a caretaker of Chaim’s garden.
Subsequently, the gentile boy vanished unexpectedly, prompting a search for him in every possible location, yet his whereabouts remained unknown. Chaim visited the gentile boy's parents, believing in his heart that he would return to his parent's home, but he was not found there either. Nevertheless, his hope was not entirely extinguished, as he was deeply concerned that the boy might have followed his gentile friends, leading to a search throughout the surrounding area, but to no avail.
A few days later, the boy's father approached Chaim with a troubled heart, and issued a grave warning, stating that if his son was not returned soon, his [Chaim’s] fate would be as bitter as that of a thorn bush. Suddenly, a profound darkness enveloped Chaim, and his world became obscured as if thunder had struck on a clear day. He hurried to the Kalover Rebbe and recounted all these events, expressing his distress in hopes of receiving guidance and wisdom to save him from the torment of his soul, for who could predict how far this situation might escalate?
The Rebbe after reading Chaim’s kvitel, reassured him, advising him not to fear or be disheartened, but to place his trust in the Lord, for surely He would command His mercy and locate the boy. The boy would soon be found.
However, as a few more days elapsed without any sign of the boy, a violent commotion arose in the city, and numerous gentile men assaulted Chaim, demanding that he return the boy to his parents or they will replace a life for a life. All the Jews residing in the city were also filled with great anxiety regarding the peril looming over them, as they anticipated a pogrom could follow soon!
Rabbi Yaakov Fish, a family member of the Rebbe, entered the Rebbe’s sanctuary to invoke mercy for Chaim and the entire Jewish community, which was in distress, as the boy had been missing for six days. The gentiles were grinding their teeth and defaming the Jews with blood and its repercussions. Who will rectify their actions?
The Rebbe responded, saying, "Listen to my instructions, prepare your wagon and embark on a journey. Take along a friend on the cart and head towards the city of Nirbatir, both of you keeping vigilant throughout the journey, look both to the left and right, until you locate the boy who is lost. Once you will find him he will be in distress, you should calm him and take him along in the chariot and inquire about the identities and who influenced his heart to escape from his master. Once you have concluded your conversation, ensure he swears to disclose all this in the courthouse, and make sure that nothing he has shared with you will be forgotten.
Rabbi Yaakov Fish hurried to follow the Rebbe's instructions and commenced his journey at noon. By the dead of night, they discovered a young boy lost in a field, exhausted and weary. He was glad to see a wagon and ran towards them. They placed him in the chariot and nourished him until his spirit was revived. When asked his name, Rabbi Yakov gave a sigh of relief, that Baruch Hashem the boy was located and is alive!
The young boy regained his mood and strength, and after asking him questions, he recounted that his gentile friends who are wicked individuals, had approached him, and we drank, and became intoxicated. They came up with a plan for me and they persuaded him to turn against his Jewish masters who were subjecting him to arduous labor.
They appealed to his heart, urging him to flee to a large city, where he would amass wealth and not be deprived of any worldly pleasures. "And you will become a man," they said, and then abandoned him, leaving him to wander alone. I regret that I listened to them as since that time, he has found no rest for his feet, drifting from one exile to another. He ate very little food until he stumbled and his strength was depleted.
The gentile boy declared that a curse should befall the five gentiles who had robbed him of the rest and peace of mind he once enjoyed under the protection of the Jew. He hoped to return to his previous situation. They made him swear to testify and recount everything about this vision in the courthouse the following day, ensuring he would not omit any details.
He affirmed, "I will comply with your request." And so it transpired. They detained the gentile instigators in prison. Chaim then hosted a grand feast to express gratitude to Hashem for all his doings, and then went to Kalev to thank the Rebbe.
Reprinted from an email of Pardes Yehuda.
