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<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" color=#000000><U><FONT
color=#0000ff></FONT></U><BR><BR><BR>>>R Harari adds that true convert
R. Avraham ben Avraham (the Graf Potocki) was tortured by the monks, who
threatened to burn him unless he re-converted to Christianity, which he
refused. The GRA offered to save him using Sheimot HaKedoshim, but the ger
tzedek refused, preffering a "kiddush shem shamayim barabim" . <BR><BR>Harari
quotes R Nebenzhal saying that this mesora of the GRA is not found in any
written source but alluded to in the book HaGaon HaChasid MiVilna p
18.<BR><BR>Does anyone know of any other sourcces about this mesorah from the
GRA not coming from RSZA and his
talmidim?<<<BR><BR></FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV></FONT>
<DIV><SPAN
class=327543312-22102007>===================================================</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=327543312-22102007>IIRC R"HS retells the story in either
nefesh or mpininei. There is no mention of the GRA's offer, just that he
comforts him with a quote from a pasuk implying HKB"H will be his mourner
since he has no halachik relatives.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=327543312-22102007>KT<BR>Joel
Rich</SPAN></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><br><br><table bgcolor=white style="color:black"><tr><td><br>THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE <br>
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