Baal Shem Tov Reveals Spiritual Insight on Or HaChaim's Passing During Third Meal

In the year 1763, during the third meal on Shabbat Parshat Pinchas in the distant town of Mezhibuz, the Baal Shem Tov (Besht) experienced a profound spiritual revelation concerning Rabbi Chaim ben Attar, the author of the Or HaChaim. While washing his hands for the meal, the Besht paused longer than usual and uttered the phrase, "The western candle has gone out." His disciples, curious about the meaning, learned that this was a mystical indication that the Or HaChaim had passed away. The Besht explained that a unique spiritual intention during the hand washing ritual was known only to one person at a time, and until then, it had been held by Rabbi Chaim ben Attar. When the Besht suddenly accessed this intention, he understood the Or HaChaim was no longer alive. Two weeks later, this was confirmed.

The deep spiritual connection between the two righteous men extended beyond this event. In 1763, the Besht sent his brother-in-law, Rabbi Gershon of Kitov, to the Land of Israel to seek a meeting with the Or HaChaim. The Besht believed their souls, his from the "soul of David from the world of emanation" and the Or HaChaim’s from the "spirit of David from the world of emanation", could unite to hasten the coming of the Messiah. However, the Or HaChaim advised against the journey, saying the Besht would not see his entire spiritual form in the higher worlds, implying the meeting would not succeed. The letter did not reach the Besht, who nonetheless embarked on the journey but eventually returned to Mezhibuz without success.

The article also shares teachings from the Or HaChaim and the Besht about divine compassion, the nature of suffering, and the depth of God’s love for each individual. The Or HaChaim taught that God feels a person’s pain even before they cry out for help, and that God’s mercy often leads Him to set aside His honor to save a person. The Besht emphasized that God’s love for each Jew surpasses even a father’s love for his only son, highlighting the intimate relationship between God and His people. These teachings were shared as a spiritual message for the Jewish community, wishing them blessings, health, and salvation.