Question: I spent Shabbos in Tzefas, Israel (Safed). Friday we went to pray at the grave of the Baal HaYisurim. Where can I find more about this great person? I prayed there and my heart went to pieces.

Answer: I found the following on this site:  Rabbi Leib Baal HaYisurim passed away on the 15th of Mar-Cheshvan 1836. He was known as an outstanding scholar and G-d-fearing man, a major disciple of Rabbi Shneur Zalman Baruchovitch of Liadi, the first Rebbe of Chabad. He was the first Chabad chasid (follower) to emigrate to the holy city of Hebron. It is not known how he acquired his title. At the end of his life he settled in Safed, where he passed away, old and accomplished. When he realized that his end was near, he let it be known that anyone who found himself beset by insoluble problems (G-d forbid) should visit his grave. This amounted to a commitment to come to a person’s aid, and to this very day there are many who visit his grave in Safed hoping to benefit from his assistance in their prayers, especially on Fridays.

May the merit of your pilgrimage to his grave lead you to the greatest accomplishments.

Rabbi Kolakowski