With the permission of Kosciusko, Colonel Joselovich Berek, later killed
at the battle of Kotzk (1809), formed a regiment of light cavalry
consisting entirely of Jews, which distinguished itself especially at
the siege of Warsaw. Most of the members perished in defence of the
suburb of Praga. In the agony of death, Rabbi Hayyim longed for good
tidings, that he might die in peace. And when the fight was over,
Zbitkover expended two barrels of money, one filled with gold ducats and
one with silver rubles, for the live and dead soldiers who were brought
to him.[4] Indeed, Prince Czartorisky was so convinced of their
patriotism, that he always advocated the same rights for the Polish Jews
as were claimed for the Polish Gentiles, entrusted his children to the
care of Mendel Levin of Satanov, and instructed his son, Prince
Ladislaus, always to remain their friend.[5]

But when, in spite of struggle and sacrifice, the doom "finis Poloniae"
was sounded, and a large portion of the once powerful empire was
incorporated into Russia, we find the Jews bearing their sorrow
patiently, and willingly performing their duties as subjects to their
new masters. Their attachment to their czar and country was not shaken
in the least when, in 1812, Napoleon made them flattering promises to
secure their services in his behalf. Rabbi Shneor Zalman, the eminent
leader of the Lithuanian Hasidim, hearing of the invasion of the French
army, spent many days in prayer and fasting for the success of the
Russians, and fled on the Sabbath day, not to be contaminated by contact
with the "godless French." When Napoleon was finally defeated, the event
was celebrated both at home and in the synagogue, and Russian soldiers
were everywhere welcomed by Jews with gifts and good cheer.[6]
Lilienthal relates that the Jews succeeded in intercepting a courier who
carried the plan of operations of the French army, and Alexander
declared in a dispatch that Jews had opened the eyes of the Russians,