Where I Wander - You

Where I wander —You!

Where I ponder —You!

Only You everywhere, You, always You.

You, You, You.

When I am gladdened—You!

And when I am saddened—You!

Only You, everywhere You!

You, You, You.

Sky is You!

Earth is You!

You above! You below!

In every trend, at every end,

Only You, everywhere You!

Translated by Perle Besserman.

Levi Yitzchok (1740–1809) was a Hasidic master, rabbi, and leader in an area that is now Ukraine. He was the rabbi of Ryczywół, Żelechów, Pinsk and Berdychiv, for which he is best known. He was one of the main disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch, and of his disciple Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, whom he succeeded as rabbi of Ryczywół. He is also the great-grandfather of Israeli artist Isaac Frenkel Frenel. Yitzchok was known as the "defense attorney" for the Jewish people, because he would intercede on their behalf before God. Known for his compassion for every Jew, he was one of the most beloved leaders of Eastern European Jewry. Yitzchok is considered by some to be the founder of Hasidism in central Poland.