te synagogue, whilst gold and silver plate adorned his table. His
Journal, still preserved in the library of the United Synagogue,
contains references to "mysterious journeyings" to and from Epping
Forest, to meetings, a meeting-chamber in the forest, and chests of gold
there buried. It was said that on one occasion when he was driving
thither along Whitechapel Road, a back wheel of his carriage came off,
which alarmed the coachman, but Falk ordered him to drive on and the
wheel followed the carriage all the way to the forest.

The stories of Falk's miraculous powers are too numerous to relate here,
but a letter written by an enthusiastic Jewish admirer, Sussman
Shesnowzi, to his son in Poland will serve to show the reputation he
enjoyed:

Hear, my beloved son, of the marvellous gifts entrusted to a son of
man, who verily is not a man, a light of the captivity ... a holy
light, a saintly man ... who dwells at present in the great city of
London. Albeit I could not fully understand him on account of his
volubility and his speaking as an inhabitant of Jerusalem.... His
chamber is lighted by silver candlesticks on the walls, with a
central eight-branched lamp made of pure silver of beaten work. And
albeit it contained oil to burn a day and a night it remained
enkindled for three weeks. On one occasion he abode in seclusion in
his house for six weeks without meat and drink. When at the
conclusion of this period ten persons were summoned to enter, they
found him seated on a sort of throne, his head covered with a
golden turban, a golden chain round his neck with a pendant silver
star on which sacred names were inscribed. Verily this man stands
alone in his generation by reason of his knowledge of holy
mysteries. I cannot recount to you all the wonders he accomplishes.
I am grateful, in that I am found worthy to be received among those
who dwell within the shadow of his wisdom.... I know that many will
believe my words, but others, who do not occupy themselves with
mysteries, will laugh thereat. Therefore, my son, be very
circumspect, and show this only to wise and discreet men. For here
in London this master has not been disclosed to anyone who does not
belong to our Brotherhood.

The esteem in which Falk was held by the Jewish community, including the
Chief Rabbi and the Rabbi of the new Synagogue, appears to