A Journey to Spiritual Fulfillment: The Life of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye

Rashkov is a beautiful village along the Dniester River, on the border of Moldova and Ukraine. Today, no Jews live there, yet in the heart of the town stands an ancient, abandoned synagogue. If its walls could speak, they would tell of extraordinary events that unfolded there some two hundred seventy years ago.

The Day the Rabbi Gave Everything Away

The town’s rabbi, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef, a respected Torah scholar and a well-to-do merchant, appeared one day as if "something had passed over him". After prayers, he stood before the congregation and announced that anyone who had ever given him money for any reason, whether for trade, agreements, or other matters, should come and reclaim it.

He explained that he was no longer certain all transactions had been conducted with complete integrity. In order to fulfill his obligation before Heaven, he had decided to return all his possessions. He even declared a ban, instructing anyone who believed they were owed money by him, even without certainty, to come and take exactly what they felt was due.

Many took advantage of this opportunity. One by one, people came forward, until the rabbi was left with nothing. When another man approached to collect money and there was nothing left to give, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef asked him to wait, pawned his tallit for two gold coins, and handed them over.

This was Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Katz, later known as Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye, after he became the rabbi of that town.

From Wealth to Self-Denial

Until that turning point, he had lacked nothing. He was learned, God-fearing, wealthy, and honored by the community. Yet giving away his possessions was only the beginning. He entered a prolonged period of repentance and self-denial, striving constantly to refine himself and elevate his spiritual life.

Around this time, he encountered the Baal Shem Tov, whose influence transformed him deeply. He immersed himself in intense spiritual work. Some traditions relate that he fasted for six years, eating only at night.

Over time, however, the townspeople grew uneasy. They felt their rabbi had withdrawn too far, becoming distant and inaccessible. They wanted a leader who was present and connected to all souls. One day, the community leaders entered his quarters, led by the town’s forceful tax collector, and declared that he was dismissed. He was ordered to leave the rabbi’s house, and they announced they would soon appoint a new rabbi.

Fire, Fear, and Heavenly Judgment

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef saw this as a humiliation of the honor of the Torah. In great anguish, he spoke harshly, declaring that anyone who sinned in this way would be struck by Heaven.

Soon after, frightening events unfolded. A fire broke out in the town, damaging many homes. At the same time, the tax collector’s family was struck by a mysterious illness, hovering between life and death.

Terrified, the townspeople sent a messenger to the Baal Shem Tov, pleading with him to intervene and restrain his disciple, whose words seemed to burn everything in their path, much like Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai upon emerging from the cave.

The Baal Shem Tov replied that he could not annul Rabbi Yaakov Yosef’s words, which carried immense weight in Heaven. He could, however, soften the decree. The family would survive, but it was decreed that in every generation, one child among their descendants would be unhealthy. Tradition holds that this indeed came to pass.

A Question Without an Answer

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef authored Toldot Yaakov Yosef, the first Hasidic book ever published, recording many teachings he received from the Baal Shem Tov.

According to tradition, before his master’s passing, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef once asked him how he would know when his own time had come. The Baal Shem Tov replied, “When someone defeats you in debate and you have no answer, know that your time has arrived.”

On Simchat Torah in the year 552, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef noticed a simple Jew, not a scholar, dancing and rejoicing with the Torah with great intensity. Unable to restrain himself, he asked, “What connection do you have to the Torah that you rejoice and dance so?”

The man replied simply, “It is true that I did not merit to study. But should I not rejoice at my brother’s wedding? My brothers, the children of Israel, have completed the Torah and are celebrating. Should I not share in their joy?”

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef was left speechless. He immediately remembered his master’s words and understood that his time had come. After the holiday, he fell ill, and shortly thereafter, he departed from this world.

The Promise at the Graveside

Tradition relates another story from his life. Once, standing by the cemetery fence, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef noticed a tailor from Polnoye reciting Tehillim and giving charity near the grave of a man known as “the proof-giver.”

Years later, when Rabbi Yaakov Yosef sought to purchase a burial plot in that very location, he discovered it had already been sold to that tailor. He pleaded with the man to relinquish the plot for his sake. Only after Rabbi Yaakov Yosef promised that the tailor would one day be buried beside him did the man agree.

Years after Rabbi Yaakov Yosef’s passing, the tailor also died. When the burial society came to bury him next to Rabbi Yaakov Yosef and the proof-giver, they found there was no room. They placed the body temporarily in a tent and cried out, “You promised him a place. Please fulfill it.”

At that moment, a narrow space appeared between the graves, just wide enough. There, they laid him to rest, fulfilling the promise even after death.