Boruch of Medzhybizh (1753–1811), was a grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidic Judaism.Martin Buber, Tales of the Hasidim: The Early Masters; ©1947, 1975; Schocken Books, New York; p. 338 ("Genealogy of the early masters of Hasidism")
In his later years Boruch became depressed and his followers brought in Hershel of Ostropol as a court jester of sorts. Hershel was one of the first documented Jewish comics. One tale has Hershel lingering for several days and dying in Boruch's own bed surrounded by Boruch and his followers.Learsi. R., 1961, Filled with Laughter: A Fiesta of Jewish Folk Humor: Thomas Yoseloff. pp. 159–160.
When Boruch died in 1811 on 18 Kislev 5572 (4 December 1811), his chasidim (followers) numbered in the thousands.Yitschak Afasi, Hachasdidut miDor leDor, p. 52, Da'at Yosef
References
Bibliography Wiesel, Elie, 1978, Four Hasidic masters and their struggle against melancholy: University of Notre Dame Press.