When the Degel Machane Ephraim arrived in Mezibozh to settle there, the dispute between the Chasidim and Misnagdim was very intense. [Marginal note: the Misnagdic Rav was a great-grandfather of R. Chaim Bick].

The Chasidim tried to convince the Degel that since he is Tzadik with midos he should take the initiative and reach out to the Rav. He agreed and they decided to go to the Rav on Shabbos for Kiddush.

As soon as the Degel crossed the threshold of the Rav’s house he heard the Rav reciting the preparatory verses of Kiddush [starting with Isaiah 58:13 “If you refrain from trampling the sabbath”] and “He will let you enjoy the heritage of your father Jacob For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

As soon as the Degel heard this, he did not proceed to enter into the house. He remarked “Just listen, just listen that he admits that the Rabbinate belongs to us and not to him.

He just mentioned the heritage of Jacob – and who is the heritage of Jacob if not the descendants of R. Israel Baal Shem Tov.”

I.F.

Mezhibozher Rebbe