It was reported that the soul of R. Yokhanan of Rakhmistrivka was that of R. Yokhanan ben Zakai. Upon hearing this from others, he smiled and said, “What’s the surprise? My name is ‘R. Yokhanan’ and I am indeed ‘pure’ [the Hebrew word ‘zakai’ means ‘pure’ or meritorious]. Given these circumstances, it is logical for me to indeed be referred to as ‘R. Yokhanan ben Zakai.’”
Y.F.
Tolner Rebbe
