R. Baruch Mezhibuzher once visited R. Shalom Prohobishter.
The Rizhiner was still a child and he played with a “ritshkele”
He [the Rizhiner] hit R. Baruch with the Ritshkele twice on his caftan. When he wanted to do so a third time, R. Shalom forbade him [from doing so] and grabbed him by the hand.
Afterward, R. Shalom asked him why he hit R. Baruch. The Ruzhiner answered:
- The first time [I hit him] he shouldn’t be higher than the other person [i.e. me].
- [The] second time, I wanted to be equal with him.
- The third time, I wanted him to stand lower than the other person [i.e. me].
R. Shalom remarked – that’s why I restrained [you] the third time – for the honor of the Besht – after all he is still a grandchild of the Besht.
I.F.
Rabbi Reiter
Prohobishter Rav
