Legacy of Two Jewish Spiritual Giants

Reb Pinchas Shapira of Koretz

A disciple of the holy Baal Shem Tov and mentor to Reb Ze'ev Halevi of Zhitomir, Reb Pinchas was committed to truth. It took him 13 years to conquer falsehood. Seven years were spent grappling with it, another seven to understand it, and yet another seven to embed the truth in his heart.

Reb Pinchas once resolved that it was unhelpful for countless followers to approach him seeking salvation, as it detracted from serving Hashem. He prayed to become unpopular so that people would no longer seek him, living in solitude except for communal prayers.

Before Sukkot, due to his unpopularity, a non-Jew had to build his sukkah lacking proper tools. When his wife sought to borrow tools, neighbors declined. On the festival night, after inviting guests who refused, he alone went to his sukkah.

There, he invited the spirits of the festival, noticing that Abraham remained outside. When asked why, Abraham responded that he wouldn’t enter where guests were absent. From then, Reb Pinchas prayed for permission to regain favor in people's eyes. ("Tales of the Hasidim," 124)

Reb Yosef Chaim, the Ben Ish Chai

A student of Reb Abdallah Somekh, his mother journeyed from Iraq to Morocco to secure a blessing from Tzadik Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira. Her devotion earned a blessing for a son who would enlighten Israel in Torah.

At seven, he fell into a deep well, but miraculously survived. Since then, he vowed to dedicate his days to Torah.

Upon reaching Israel, he prayed at the tomb of Benaiah ben Jehoiada, feeling sweet spiritual connection, which inspired the naming of his books after verses about that Tzadik.

In an incident, two scholars had to attend a celebratory meal hosted by a wealthy man, despite discomfort. One pretended to partake joyfully while inwardly maintaining study, discreetly observing "Tikkun Chatzot" at the hour without notice.

The other displayed anger and couldn’t restrain himself from openly lamenting at midnight, causing mockery and anger from the wealthy host. Only the other scholar's discreet dignity appeased the situation, earning admiration and praise.

Rabbi Yosef Chaim recounts this in "Chasdei Avot," emphasizing the harmony of Torah with practicality, advising wise conduct to honor both divine and social expectations, though humbly hiding his participation.