I am a straight descendent of the famous Rav in Bukhara of the 18th century-HaRav Yitzchoki Zambur. He is the son of Rav Pinhos Meshhedi (the one from Meshched, Iran.) His nickname, Zamburi, originated when he became well known, Literally, "Zambur," means beehive. He was surrounded by so many students, that he was nicknamed, Yitzhchok the beehive! There are many stories of Rav Yitzchok Zamburi. I would like to relate a few that i have collected over a few years.
On one occasion, Rav Yitzchok was visited by a women. Of course she came to consult with him as many do today when they visit a mekubal (kabbalist.) After her quest for help, he answered her with the following statement,"you must cover hair." She laughed at him. He then told her that she will come back and regret her levity. The next day, the women came back bald! This time, she was sincere however.
Of course, legends like these ones, seem to be unrealistic. However, to the people who experienced Rav Yitzchok Zamburi, saw him as crazy. Therefore, they tied up his hands and left him sitting. This was of course no challenge for him. He whispered a few phrases and the cloth untied by itself! This one was known to be performed on a few occasions!
Also, Rav Yitzchok and his son, Mullo Koton, also a great kabbalist, would gaze at trees and break them with mere sight!
Now, this story is what I would call the last nail in the coffin. Rav Zamburi was once sitting and learning in the synogouge. His "Gabai"(sexton) or synogouge house keeper, was preparing the tea for the next day and going about his business. He heard voices eminating from the synogouge. When both of them were leaving the synogouge towards the end, the sexton was hesitantly wating for everyone to exit the shul before he would lock it.
He looked at Rav Yitzchak and hestitantly asked, " where are the other people?
" Who are you refering to?" questioned Rav Yitzchok.
"I beleived that I heard another voice in the synogouge besides for yours." answered the gabai.
Rav Yitzchak reluctantly proceeded to explain, " I will tell you this, but on the day you reveal this secret, you will die.
I was learning with angel!"
You may ask, if so, then how do we know of the story today? The answer: Many years passed and the gabai was ready to reveal the secret. He was at a big celebration of some sort, and got up to say his word. The crowd was in utter silence. He related the story of Rav Yitzchok and explained that he would shortly pass now that he has related this story. Sure enough, the next day, the gabai was taken up to heaven.
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