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Rabbi Baruch of Kaminka Born: ? Died: ? Student of the Baal Shem Tov. The Burning Tree One time the Baal Shem Tov traveled from Kaminka to his home together with several of his students as well as R. Baruch of Kaminka. It was winter and the weather was bitterly cold. At one point the Baal Shem Tov announced that at a certain place, many miles ahead they would pray minchah. The travelers were freezing and fearful. They said to the Baal Shem Tov that it is impossible to reach that place without endangering their lives in the cold and the coachman agreed. As they traveled through the forest, the Baal Shem Tov had the coachman stop the wagon. He then climbed down into the snow and touched a tree. This tree ignited and began to burn. Everyone warmed himself by this fire. The coachman even took off his felt boots and dried off his socks. When they left, Rabbi Baruch turned to take a look at the tree and the Baal Shem Tov shouted at him "Never mind what happens to the tree. Don't look back." May the merit of the tzaddik Rabbi Baruch of Kaminka protect us all, Amen. |