Interview with Rabbi Mordechai Gershon on the first ever English translation of the seminal Hasidic work Bat Ayin. Find out how this forgotten treasure of Kabbalistic thought has grown in popularity in recent years.
Today thousands attend the annual memorial of Rabbi Avraham Dov Ber Auerbach of Avritch (circa 1760 – 1840) who left a prominent career in Ukraine to return to the Land of Israel and live in Tzfat (Safed).
Hear the story of how he survived the great Safed earthquake and then led the efforts to help the victims and rebuild the city. Also, his miraculous rescue from kidnappers and how he fell in love with the land where stones shine like precious gems.
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Rabbi Yisrael M. Mendelovits compiled and prepared the translation of Bat Ayin published by Mosaica Press in 2022. He has has personally heard many firsthand stories from numerous Yidden (Jewish individuals) who experienced profound salvations and even significant miracles—such as having children or finding a suitable marriage partner (shidduch)—through visiting and praying at the rabbi's synagogue or tziun (gravesite). These individuals also undertook a commitment to study from the rabbi's sefer (sacred book) at least once a week.
Bat Ayin expresses a unique and deeply insightful philosophy. At its core, it emphasizes the greatness of Hashem (God) and the essential humility a person must cultivate. According to the rabbi's teachings, a person must recognize and admit that no matter how much they accomplish or how much Torah they learn, Hashem does not owe them anything. Everything a person receives from Hashem is an act of chesed (loving-kindness), given freely and undeservedly. This perspective fosters profound gratitude, humility, and a deeper connection with the Divine.
The podcast concludes with a rare recording of the song Chasal Siddur Pesach composed by Rabbi Avraham Dov Ber of Avritch as recorded by old chasidim of Slonim and presented by Rabbi Ben Zion Reichberg at the Bas Ayin's Yahrzeit in Brooklyn.
NOTES:
Bat Ayin (also pronounced Bas Ayin) - annotated and edited by Rabbi Yisrael M. Mendelovits, edited by Rabbi Mordechai Gershon - Mosaica Press
“The spiritual head of the German [Ashkenazic] congregation [of Safed], the Rev. A. Dob, said that the money was divided amongst their congregation according to the amount of loss sustained by each individual [in the earthquake]. Nor did the German committee ever retain one penny more for themselves than for the other members of the congregation.” - Diaries of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore edited by Dr. L. Loewe, 1890. [Page 164]
Listed in Encyclopedia Judaica as Abraham Dov Baer of Ovruch
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