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I grew up hearing about the story of a wonder child in Jerusalem that was born knowing כל התורה כולה. The Gedolim of that era explained that he didn't receive the flick from the angel at birth to make one forget his learning that was taught to him in the mother's womb (see Niddah 30). I was wondering if anyone can validate this episode or provide any articles etc. that we're written about this very interesting story..

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    he.wikipedia.org/wiki/…
    – shmosel
    Mar 16 at 23:45
  • thanks. I also heard from someone that Belzer Rebbe zatza"l immersed the boy in a mikva of just 39 סאה of rain water and thats how he forgot his learning! FASCINATING! Mar 16 at 23:51

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The Steipler Gaon, in his ספר חיי עולם סוף פרק יב (https://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=41473&st=&pgnum=23) brings the story and writes that he knew his knowledge from a previous Gilgul, not that the angel forgot to hit him. This is much more likely, as 1) an angel doesn't forget his task and 2) Rav Dessler explains the "hitting of the angel" metaphorically as the transition of the spiritual life of a foetus into the physical world. As such, no actual angel is involved.

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  • Thanks Imanonov, Great source!! Although I would love to see a sefer that elaborates more on this story.. Mar 21 at 20:40
  • Have you checked the sources mentioned in the above mentioned wikipedia article?
    – Imanonov
    Mar 22 at 21:33
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    Here is a link to another article about it, including photos of the "boy" today. kikar.co.il/haredim-news/410948
    – Imanonov
    Mar 22 at 21:37
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    Thanks Imanonov!! Yes I read everything posted here about this topic, and I'm completely amazed about what has transpired!! I would love to see real accounts from people that asked him questions... Amazing Mar 22 at 21:48

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