T162 PNC - Story of the Maggid — Rich Man Drawn Near / Kiruv Over Confrontation (1 seg)

Beginner: In the days of the Maggid (Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch, the successor of the Baal Shem Tov), there was a wealthy man of distinguished lineage who opposed the Maggid's followers and the Chassidic movement. The followers reported this to the Maggid, who urged them: draw him near. He instructed them to work greatly to bring this man close, to pray for God's help in the effort, and to persist. Through their great effort and prayer, they succeeded — they brought the man to the Maggid, and he became a devoted follower. The lesson: when faced with opposition, the response of the true tzaddik and his followers is not confrontation or rejection but drawing-near (kiruv). The power of love and genuine outreach can transform even the most resistant opponent. The effort and prayer invested in bringing the person close are themselves a form of divine service. Intermediate: Story from Maggid's time (R' Dov Ber of Mezeritch). Rich man of lineage opposed Maggid's followers. Maggid's response: draw him near (not confront/reject). Urged great effort + prayer for God's help. Result: they succeeded → man brought to Maggid → became devoted follower. Lesson: response to opposition = kiruv (drawing near). Love + genuine outreach transforms resistant opponent. Effort + prayer in kiruv = divine service.