The Inspiring Life of Rabbi Aharon of Karlin

Rabbi Yitzchak of Boyan, author of the "Pachad Yitzchak," shared that in the traditions of the Ruzhin dynasty, it is said that Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and Rabbi Aharon of Karlin were among the greatest students of the great Maggid of Mezritch. Among their circle were the illustrious Rabbi Elimelech and his brother Rabbi Zushya, the Baal Shem Tov's distinguished disciples and other luminaries.

From the writings of Rabbi Eliezer Dovid Friedman, "Mipi Sefarim Vesofrim" (Bnei Brak, 2008) Vol. 2, p. 178

There is a story about a disciple of Rabbi Aharon of Karlin who went to be in the presence of the Rebbe. He observed the Rebbe making the blessing "borei pri haetz" before eating an apple, and a thought crossed his mind: "I, too, bless and eat apples. What is the difference between me and the Rebbe?"

Rabbi Aharon, sensing the thoughts of his disciple, immediately asked him, "Tell me, Berl, what truly is the difference between us? I bless and eat an apple, and so do you. What’s the difference?"

Rabbi Aharon continued to explain, "When I set out for morning prayers, I see an apple tree and am filled with holy awe. The beauty of Hashem’s creations fills me with joy, and I think, 'How great are Your works, Hashem, all made in wisdom. The earth is full of Your possessions.'

Out of immense joy in Hashem, I yearn to praise Him for creating these trees and their fruits, which reveal His divinity. I want to bless 'Blessed are You, Hashem, Creator of the fruit of the tree.' But I hold back from blessing because without eating the apple, it would be a wasted blessing. So, I eat the apple just to be able to make the blessing!

You, however, see the apples on your way to shul and already desire them. You notice their red and yellow hues, imagine their flavors—sweet and sour—and are eager to taste them. After earning some money, you buy the apples you saw and hurry home to enjoy them after placing them nicely on the table. But before eating, you suddenly remember that you must bless "borei pri haetz" lest you suffer divine punishment."

Thus, the Rabbi concluded, "We both eat an apple and bless 'borei pri haetz.' The difference is that I eat the apple so that I can bless, whereas you bless so you can eat the apple!"

The Sage Rabbi Shalom Mordechai HaKohen Shvadron "Lev Shalom" (Jerusalem, 1999) p. 72

Renowned for holiness, young Rabbi Aharon of Karlin was once known among people as "Aharon the Madman" due to three odd instances. Once, desiring to recite the blessing on trees, he found none except in a priest's garden. The garden was fenced, so he jumped in. The priest, seeing him, got angry. Startled, Rabbi Aharon jumped out over the fence, losing his head covering but quickly using his cloak to cover his head, running through the town. People ridiculed him for refusing to walk four cubits without head covering.

On another occasion, he sought to immerse in a ritual bath but found none, so he used a town well, climbing into a bucket to be lowered down. But he couldn't climb out until a townsman helped, laughing at him.

A third incident: Walking in town, he realized his clothes might have a forbidden mixture of wool and linen, immediately undressing to remain in an undershirt. For this, people mocked him, giving him that nickname.

Once, the renowned Rabbi Dovid Farkash visited his town, spoke with the young Aharon for a while, and was asked why he spent so long with a "madman." He replied, "He is not mad; he just needs guidance to become a great leader."

From the writings of Rabbi Yisrael Shimon Kastelnitz "From the Elders" (Jerusalem, 2007) Vol. 2, p. 324

The Maggid of Mezritch discovered Rabbi Aharon of Karlin by sending Rabbi Zushya to fetch him. They met at an inn and discussed spiritual dedication. Rabbi Zushya tested Rabbi Aharon's detachment from worldly concerns while reciting "Shema." Rabbi Aharon admitted he couldn't maintain focus if significant wealth news came. Rabbi Zushya advised visiting Mezritch, guiding him to spiritual refinement, and Rabbi Aharon stayed.

From the letters of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Novak "Heichal HaBaal Shem Tov," October 2005, p. 140

A follower of Rabbi Aharon sought guidance, lamenting that once he studied and prayed with passion, seeing progress. But now he felt devoid of spiritual vitality. Rabbi Aharon explained adapted wisdom from Ecclesiastes, likening it to a man given a business loan by a rich neighbor. Continuing the analogy, using wisdom and humility to manage the loan wisely compared to frivolous spending determined his success. Similarly, spiritual fervor granted is a temporary loan from a tzaddik. If not cherished with humility, it can be rescinded. Repentance provides renewal, unlocking divine wisdom and lasting spiritual growth.

From the writings of Rabbi Itzhak Mordechai Padwa "Ilan Divrei Chaim" (Bnei Brak, 2007) p. 219