A hasid of R. Mendele of Rimanov was once in Vienna. That year there were no etrogim in Galicia. When the hasid saw a very nice etrog, he bought it for R. Mendele. Later, he saw an even nicer etrog, so he thought to himself since he would have to travel through Sadigora, he would give the first etrog he purchased for R. Mendele to the Rizhiner, and the second etrog he would hide for the Rimanover.
When he came to the Rizhiner and gave him the etrog, he saw how the Rizhiner became deeply disconcerted. After a while, the Rizhiner asked him: “is this indeed my etrog?” [At this point] the hasid had to tell the whole truth and he told him the entire story and showed him the etrog that he purchased for R. Mendele. [Upon seeing it] the Rizhiner called out, “This is my etrog!” And the Rizhiner explained: on 15 Shvat the Tzaddik is shown the etrog he will have on Sukkot. When I saw the etrog [that you originally showed me] I did not recognize it. I was very scared because it is known that if the Tzaddik’s behavior is faulty, he does not merit to receive the etrog that was shown to him on 15 Shvat. When I saw the other etrog, I was afraid that I did something wrong that I don’t remember, but now that I see that the last etrog that you bought was designated for me, I am happy and reassured.”
I.F.
R. Velvel Katz
