She Cursed the Rov, But Wanted Children Like Him

When a woman began shouting derogatory statements against Reb Boruch Mordechai Babroisker, his Rebbetzin could not bear it. But then the Rov demonstrated to her that the woman didn’t really mean it.

Reb Boruch Mordechai Itinga, known as Reb Boruch Mordechai Babroisker, was of the great chassidim of the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe, and the Tzemach Tzedek.  He was an exceptional gaon and chossid, renowned for his sharpness and wit. 

Reb Boruch Mordechai served as rov in Babroisk for about 50 years.  He later traveled to Eretz Yisroel, and passed away on the 14^th of Elul, 5616 (1856).  He is buried on Har Hazeisim.

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Two business partners once came to the Alter Rebbe to help resolve an argument.  The Alter Rebbe looked into their contract, where he found their exact issue addressed, and the two left pleased with the ruling.  Soon, however, they returned with a different argument, and again the Alter Rebbe looked into their contract and again found a clause that resolved the exact problem.  After a few more repetitions of this occurrence, the Alter Rebbe inquired about the author of their contract.  It was Reb Boruch Mordechai.

When Reb Boruch Mordechai next visited the Alter Rebbe, the Rebbe reprimanded him, “Your head is too engrossed in business if you are able to think of every possibility…”

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Two women, who worked as vendors in the market, once approached Reb Boruch Mordechai for a Din Torah.  When the Rov paskened in favor of one of the women the other woman began shouting derogatory statements against the Rov. 

Reb Boruch Mordechai’s rebbetzin could not contain herself, and asked her husband why he does not chase this wicked woman out of the house.  “Don’t worry,” the Rov soothed her, “She does not mean what she is saying.”  Hearing this, the rants and curses escalated further!

Turning to the woman, the Rov asked, “Would you want your children to grow up like me?”  The woman jumped up, “Oy, halevai!  If only that were to become true…”

Reb Boruch Mordechai commented to his wife, “You see! She doesn’t really mean it…”

For sources, visit TheWeeklyFarbrengen.com