January 28 1800 – 2 Shevat 5560
Rabbi Meshulam Zusha of Anipoli, famous disciple of the early Hasidic leader the Maggid of Mezeritch, passed away. Reb Zusha was beloved for his good deeds, warm charisma and above all, for the direct, simple way in which he related to God. Though The Golden Menorah, a collection of his tales and sayings, was only published a century after his death, endless stories have been woven around Zusha, his brother, Rabbi Elimelekh of Lizhensk, and his pithy remarks. A choice example: “If I’m asked in the World to Come why I wasn’t Moses, I’ll know how to reply. If I’m asked why I wasn’t Zusha, I’ll have nothing to say.”