The Sanzer’s father-in-law, the rabbi of Vidaslov, was raised by the Hidushei HaRim – the brother of his father. The Sanzer heard this story directly from him. R. Berish Meisels, initially rabbi of Kracow, was later chosen to become the rabbi of Warsaw. Though he was considered a mitnaged (opponent of hasidism), the hasidim themselves crowned him as their rabbi. (they had initially intended to appoint the Hidushei HaRim as the rabbi of Warsaw, but he declined the offer, citing his limited availability for communal matters, as he would pray shakharit [morning prayers] for possibly four hours and what more did he require, given that he was already extremely wealthy?) During one visit by R. Berish Meisels to the Hidushei HaRim, the two discussed hasidism, and the Hidushei HaRim, while shouting, asked R. Meisels, “Do you know what I heard from my teacher, R. Bunim of Peshuskha about the Yid HaKadosh (the Holy Jew)? He was as great as the prophets, if not greater.” The Hidushei HaRim then exclaimed again, “While smoking, the Yid HaKadosh had kavanot (mystical intentions) similar to the high priest or in the innermost sanctum during the offering of incense.”
Y.F.
Sanzer Rebbe
