The Rizhiner once visited the Apter Rav at the age of 16. The Apter Rav accorded him great honor. Many distinguished rabbis and rebbes were present at the same venue. They asked the Apter Rav, how is this possible? How is it conceivable that the Apter Rav, the elder of the group, should be so deferential toward such a young man?
The Apter Rav replied: “King Solomon authored Mishlei (Proverbs), Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), and Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs). They are all holy books. Mishlei and Koheles are holy, but we know that Shir Hashirim is the holy of holies. Jews, I swear! All the assembled here are indeed holy, but the Rizhiner is holy of holies.”
I.F.
Aizik Bronstein
