Jewish Community Honors Informer’s Funeral with Unexpected Respect in Hasidic Tale

In a Hasidic story from the time of Rabbi Leib, known as the 'Mocheach' (the Rebuker) of the Polish community Polna, a notorious informer who caused distress by reporting on townspeople to the authorities passed away. Despite his negative reputation, when the Mocheach learned of the informer’s death, he instructed the burial society to notify him of the funeral time and attended the funeral himself, accompanied by Rabbi Meir Milkes. His presence drew the entire town, men and women alike, to the funeral, much to the delight of the informer's son, who saw it as a great honor.

At the cemetery, the Mocheach delivered a eulogy using a parable about a dog named Briten who was loyal to his master by hunting other animals. The parable illustrated that while the dog’s death freed the animals, it also meant the other dogs would now compete to please the master themselves. The Mocheach implied that the informer’s death would embolden other informers to rise, as they no longer feared his dominance. This message was understood by all, leading to a profound communal mourning.

After the eulogy, the Mocheach turned the deceased’s face to the ground and struck him, then quickly left with Rabbi Meir. On the way, the Mocheach explained to Rabbi Meir that the informer’s spirit was still holding back one of the wagon’s wheels, symbolizing his lingering influence. The story concludes with the Baal Shem Tov’s commentary that the informer’s soul reincarnated into the dog Briten, and the Mocheach’s public shaming at the funeral spared him further punishment.

The narrative also includes teachings from the Baal Shem Tov about humility, prayer, and the spiritual impact of human actions, emphasizing that even flawed individuals can change their ways and influence divine mercy. The story was shared as a lesson for the community to remain vigilant and faithful despite challenges posed by informers and wrongdoing.

Summary: A Hasidic tale recounts how a respected rebuker attended the funeral of a notorious informer, delivering a parable that warned of the rise of other informers after his death, leading to communal reflection and spiritual teachings from the Baal Shem Tov.