The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, writes in a letter:[15]
The “Grandfather of Shpoli”[16]was known for his exceptionally warm and ebullient nature. When he was in Liadi to see the Alter Rebbe[17] (this was in the year 5669 or 5670[18]), he related: “When I was three years old, I met the Baal Shem Tov.[19] He placed his holy hand over my heart, and from then on, my heart is warm.”
“A single motion of a tzaddik,” concludes Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, “how much more so the sight of him and the sound of his voice, should never be forgotten.”
Adapted from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Yanki Tauber
[15]. Quoted in Hayom Yom, Tevet 14.
[16] Rabbi Leib of Shpoli, 1725-1811.
[17]. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), founder of Chabad Chassidism. Rabbi Leib and Rabbi Schneur Zalman were both disciples of the Rabbi DovBer of Mezeritch (d. 1772), second leader of the chassidic movement.
[18]. 1808-1810.
[19]. Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), founder of Chassidism.