The king looked strangely angry and nervous. The Jewish generals glanced at one another. They sensed something amiss

“We have no choice but to partake in one last military expedition.” The generals passed the message along the ranks, and it spread like wildfire from Jew to Jew

“’If you agree to join my men in battle and fight side by side with us, I will allow you to return to the land of your people and rebuild your temple'

“Rabi Shimon replied with these brave words: ‘My G-d’s decree is more powerful than the decree of your Caesar!’

 “Tell us what you are thinking, R’ Shmuel,” said R’ Avigdor. “I see that something is going through your mind right now”

“He has forgotten the most enjoyable pastime of his predecessors – tormenting the Jews”

“It’s the insignia of the Russians! The soldiers were likely not coming at behest of the poritz, but perhaps to fight the poritz!”

You have to really, truly believe that Hashem is watching your every move, and that in the end, only His opinion of you truly matters

“But Rebbi… What about the trip to Leipzig? The tailor? The mysterious Shabbos guest?”

“I’ll teach you what happens to Jews who step into our streets! I’m going to finish you off, right here!”

Why was the Baal Shem Tov acting so calm when there seemed to be little time left?