Chassidic Story Lubavitcher Rebbe's Memoirs #10: The Prince of Yanovich

In this episode of Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Memoirs, we continue the story of Baruch, the Alter Rebbe’s father, as he returns to Yanovitch and reflects on the deeper meaning of true service of Hashem. Through the stories of Zalman Chaim, Avraham Yitzchak, Shlomo the baker, Shimshon Eliyahu, Count Lipsky, and the people of Yanovitch, we see a powerful contrast between cold intellectual observance and warm, heartfelt Yiddishkeit. This chapter explores humility, sincere prayer, trust in Hashem, kindness to simple Jews, and the Chassidic path of serving Hashem with warmth and compassion. The Prince of Yanovitch is a story about faith, inner change, and the lasting impact of people who serve Hashem not only with the mind, but with the heart. Subscribe for more Chassidic stories with Michael L. Moritz, MD Glossary / Terms Mentioned Baruch - The Alter Rebbe’s father, whose spiritual journey is the focus of this story. Alter Rebbe - Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad Chassidus. Frierdiker Rebbe - Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, who preserved and shared these memoirs. Yanovitch - The town where much of this episode takes place. Vitebsk - Baruch’s hometown. Liozna - The town where Baruch met Avraham the Gardener. Dobromysl - The town where Baruch met Eliezer Reuven the Smith. Zalman Chaim - The shamash of Yanovitch, who transformed the town through warmth, Torah, and care for simple Jews. Shlomo the Baker - A sincere, simple Jew whose story shows the difference between harsh judgment and true compassion. Shimshon Eliyahu - Known as “the Prince of Yanovitch,” a trusted and beloved Jewish leader. Count Lipsky - The nobleman whose estates were managed by Shimshon Eliyahu. Chassidus - The inner dimension of Torah, emphasizing warmth, humility, joy, and heartfelt service of Hashem. Hashem - A respectful way to refer to G-d. Davening - Jewish prayer. Shul - Synagogue. Beis Midrash - A place for Torah study and prayer. Aliyah - Being called up to the Torah during public Torah reading . Siddur - A Jewish prayer book. Gemara - A central text of Jewish learning and the Oral Torah. Emunah - Faith in Hashem. Bitachon - Trust in Hashem. Tzedakah - Charity and helping others with compassion. Menorah - A lamp used for holy purposes; a Chanukah menorah has eight lights plus a separate shamash.