simple Jewish folk in their fulfilment of the mitzvot. Many tales are related of the fervour of Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, called the "Heavenly Advocate of Israel" before God. His saintly emotional response to deveikut would break restrained rules of conduct, sometimes humorously in public. In one story, he prepares himself to ritually slaughter a chicken according to the halachic laws of shechita: As he recited the blessing prior to the act, he dwelt on the holy commandment he was about to perform. "Blessed art Thou, God..", he began. "..Who commands us concerning Shechita", he concluded in such fervour that he lost all sense of his surroundings. Opening his eyes after the blessing, he looked around to find an empty room, with the chicken escaped. "Where is the chicken" he began asking! See also Jewish mysticism: Hasidic philosophy Jewish Renewal Kabbalah Neo-Hasidism Practices: Jewish meditation Jewish prayer Mitzvot Niggun Teshuvah Tzedakah Concepts: Awe of God Ayin and Yesh Inner dimensions of the Sephirot Jewish theology of love Love of God Ohr Bhakti yoga References External links My Jewish Learning: Devekut Devekut.com A compendium of teachings related to devekut Jewish theology Jewish mysticism Hasidic thought Jewish prayer and ritual texts Kabbalistic words and phrases Hebrew words and phrases in Jewish prayers and blessings