Chasidic Stories

as told by Yerachmiel Tilles

co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and chief editor of this website (and of KabbalaOnline.org). He has hundreds of published stories to his credit, and many have been translated into other languages. He tells them live in Tsfat (Safed) at Ascent and other places nearly every Saturday night.

Updated every Tuesday

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CURRENT Story

#666

Jacob & Ivan; Israel & Peter

Many visitors had come to spend the Days of Judgment in the nearness of the saintly Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev.

Connection: Seasonal - Saturday night starts the Selichot prayers before Rosh Hashana (for Ashkenazic Jews; the Sephardim have been saying for three weeks already, since 2 Elul)

LAST Story

#665

The Pesky Beggar

"If you feel you have no needs," the Baal Shem Tov said, "perhaps you will listen to a story I have. But you must listen attentively."

Connection: Seasonal - Shabbat 18 Elul is the 312th anniversary of the birth of the Baal Shem Tov, and the 286th annioversary of his revelation of the Chasidic movement.

NEXT week's Story

#667

Two Parables for Prosperity

The Modzitcher Rebbe rebuffed a chassid seeking advice on his parnassah, saying, "I don't occupy myself with the frivolities of this world." Immediately after this, another chassid entered the Rebbe's room and spoke to the Rebbe for a full two hours - about his parnassah.

Connection: Seasonal - Rosh Hashana)