A gadol (a revered rabbi) took it upon himself to endure seven years of galut (exile). During this time, he secluded himself in his home and avoided associating with others, believing himself to be very humble, though he held himself in high esteem. He sought an approbation from the Maggid and explained how he undertook great suffering and how exceedingly humble he was. The Maggid responded by interpreting a verse: “‘Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?” declares God.’” If a person endures exile and hides from the world, but regards himself as great and places a high value on the “I”, then “‘[I] do not see him,’ declares God.”
Y. F.
Nachum Ber Hamburger
Boyaner hasid
