Rabbi Yisrael HaMet of Mezhibuzh (a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov)

Rabbi Yisrael ben Feiga – own brother of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov

Rabbi Yisrael, buried in Mezhibuzh beside the Kever of the Baal Shem Tov, is known by the name “Rabbi Yisrael HaMet” — (Rabbi Yisrael who died).

Behind this unusual name lies an astonishing and shattering story.

His mother, Feiga (we know her through Rabbi Nachman – Nachman ben Feiga), remained childless for many years. While the holy Baal Shem Tov was still alive she would come to him, weeping, and plead: “Rabbi, bless me that I may merit a child.”

After the Baal Shem Tov departed this world, a son was born to Feiga, Yisrael. Her happiness, however, did not last long.

Rabbi Yisrael lived only 3 years. When he turned three he departed this world and returned his soul to the Creator.

His inconsolable mother took the body of her little son and brought him to the holy Kever of the Baal Shem Tov. She laid the child on his grave and, streaming with tears, said: “Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, holy grandfather… I did not ask you for such a son. Take him back to yourself.”

Then she left the child at the grave and returned to the town, weeping. Several hours passed. Jews who had come to pray at the grave of the holy Baal Shem Tov were astounded at what they saw. By the grave sat a small three-year-old child, crying bitterly. They could not understand whose boy he was. The Jews took him with them into the town and began asking: “Whose child is this?” Before long everyone recognised him. He was the great-grandson of the holy Baal Shem Tov — the son of Feiga. The people hurried to bring the boy to his mother.

Seeing her son, she was filled with boundless joy. Through her tears she embraced him tightly, and then, worn out by all she had been through, she fell asleep. And then something astonishing happened.

In her sleep the holy Baal Shem Tov himself appeared before her and said: “My daughter, why have you done this? His soul had already been joined among thousands of other souls, and he was at peace in Gan Eden. And you have made me return his soul to his body.”

The woman awoke from that dream. Rabbi Yisrael went on living, and lived another sixty years.

At the age of 63 he departed this world and returned his soul to the Creator in the town of Mezhibuzh.

He was buried there, beside the grave of his great-grandfather — the holy Baal Shem Tov.

May the zechut of the holy Baal Shem Tov — the great-grandfather of Rabbi Yisrael, the great Tzadik — protect all of Am Yisrael!