יז

And this building of our new study hall was a great salvation for us in several ways. And Hashem Blessed be He made everything beautiful in its time and in its moment. For when my words began to make an impression in the hearts of several people — and they were aroused to His service — and they saw that his holy fire had not been extinguished — Heaven forbid — for his words were living and enduring forever — the opponents began to arouse themselves again little by little. For this one against that one He made and so on. For during his holy lifetime there were several who objected to him. And this was because the Other Side and its forces provoked themselves — since they saw he wished to return the entire world to the good. Therefore it gnashed its teeth at him — and clothed itself in certain great men — and put into their hearts to object to him. And from them branched off very many people coarse in desires — and very many habitual sinners — who gave them room to err. And arrogant things came from their mouths. And they slandered him with things that were not so. And through this they prevented many from true life — and they did not merit to benefit from his great and holy light. And all that passed in this — it is impossible to tell. But after his passing — at first it appeared as though the dispute quieted somewhat. And this was for as long as his holy fire had not been aroused. But as soon as the holy sparks of fire of his began anew to kindle in certain people — immediately the dispute and their prosecution came back and was aroused again. And even though most of them had no opening to speak ill of him personally — since all saw: "the end of a man of peace" — that he had passed in peace and had illuminated the face of the world with his holy books — and had left worthy truly fitting students — even so they strengthened to object to us — and to me most of all. For I was engaged in this undertaking to bring his holy Torah into the world and to draw souls to his truly holy ways. Until some people were also found here who began to object. And because of this it was very difficult to speak in the study hall mentioned above — for there were some there whose hearts had turned from him. Therefore it was a great good from Hashem for this holy undertaking — that our new study hall was built — which was built on the site of his holy dwelling. And also at the time they were engaged in the building of the new study hall — it was then agreed upon among them that they would give me the lodging in the old study hall — where the local rav had been sitting. For for the local rav — a new lodging was built in the new study hall. And it also seemed good to me — a great benefit — that I would no longer be tossed about in lodgings so much. And I was thinking all summer: how could I build myself some small room there — to engage in the service of Hashem. But "many thoughts are in the heart of a man — yet Hashem's counsel shall stand." And it was from Hashem that the study hall was completed at Rosh Hashonah of the year 5574 as mentioned. But the new lodging for the rav was not completed. And the rav remained in his place in the lodging in the old study hall.

And when I came from Uman from Rosh Hashonah 5574 mentioned above — I saw that the rav had remained in his place. I began to be distressed. For the lodging where I had been sitting in the summer was very difficult to sit in further through that winter. And I had great anguish. And Hashem Blessed be He in His mercy had pity on me — and on all who depended on this great undertaking. And He sent into my heart — between Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur — on Friday — Erev Shabbas Tshuva — that I should see to buy myself a house. And even though I had no way to spend on this — for then I was still not receiving income at all. And I was supporting myself from the small sum of money that still remained with me. And I could not buy a house from my money — for I would have nothing to support myself from. Even so — Hashem strengthened my heart in trust that I would buy this house. And I immediately sent word to the man who owned that house — to sell it to me. For it was from Hashem that the lord of the villages nearby had returned at that time to rent out the arenda properties — which had been confiscated for some time. And then the master of the house of that lodging took an arenda. And because of this I sent word to him to sell me his house. And so it was — that he immediately agreed to sell. And on the day after Yom Kippur — I bought it.