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The Prince of Fire
As old age crept up on Rabbi Adam, who was initiated in the secrets of magic, he became increasingly burdened by concern over who should receive his life's works – his writings – after his death. He did have a son but this son had not inherited his father‘s ability to absorb the innate power of his texts. His last wish was that his son visit the neighbouring village of Okopy and hand over the invaluable treasure to a boy by the name of Israel. Rabbi Adam passed away soon after and his son fulfilled his father's wishes. He eventually found the boy – the young Baal Shem – who was an orphan and who supported himself by doing odd jobs in the synagogue. Israel proved himself to be a knowledgeable young lad and possessed an unerring instinct in handling the secret texts. The Rabbi’s son, mortified by his bitter loss, beseeched the young boy to allow him also to study the writings, despite this being against his dead father’s wishes. The young Baal Shem knew that this was not right, but they decided nonetheless to prepare for their studies, fast from Sabbath eve to Sabbath eve and attain kavana. The Prince of Fire, the angel Gabriel, stepped down and Rabbi Adam’s unhappy son gradually wasted away in the flame of the awakened power.
The Hebrew lines are from Hilchot Yesodei Hatorah by Maimonides. |
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