The Taz’s Dream That Saved a City From Massacre

In the year 1648, during the violent attacks on Jewish communities across Eastern Europe, the Jews of the city of Alik experienced a remarkable salvation. At that time, the great sage Rabbi David HaLevi Segal, known as the Taz, lived there.

Bands of attackers led by the notorious Bogdan Khmelnytsky went from city to city and village to village, looting and murdering Jews without mercy. When these forces reached the gates of Alik, they attempted to break through the city defenses but were unable to force their way inside.

The Jews understood that danger was very near. Together with their rabbi, the Taz, they gathered in the synagogue and remained there day and night. With broken hearts and flowing tears, they prayed to Hashem and pleaded for salvation.

A Night of Fear and Prayer

The attackers did not give up. They called for reinforcements and prepared for another assault. After eating and drinking heavily, they launched a fierce attack on the city walls.

The sounds of rifles, axes, and heavy hammers echoed through the night, mixed with the wild shouts of the drunken attackers. Inside the city, the frightened Jews continued to cry out to Hashem for mercy and protection.

The Taz’s Dream

During those tense hours, the Taz became exhausted from fasting and constant prayer. For a short time he dozed in his chair.

In his sleep he heard the words of a verse from the prophet Isaiah:

"I will defend this city and save it, for My sake and for My servant David" (Isaiah 37:35).

The Taz immediately awoke and called out to the community to strengthen themselves in prayer. He assured them that they would soon witness Hashem’s salvation.

The Unexpected Salvation

Following the Taz’s instructions, the Jews placed an old and broken cannon on the city wall. Suddenly, loud and frightening noises came from it.

The attackers were terrified. Convinced that the city was heavily defended, they fled in panic and abandoned their weapons. The Jews were left with relief and deliverance.

About the Taz

Rabbi David HaLevi Segal, known as the Taz after his famous work Turei Zahav, was one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. He served as rabbi of important communities in Poland and became one of the foremost commentators on the Shulchan Aruch.

He was among the leading halachic authorities during the tragic massacres of 1648 and 1649. Rabbi David HaLevi Segal passed away on 26 Shevat 5427, leaving behind a legacy of Torah scholarship and spiritual leadership that continues to inspire generations.