When the Ruzhiner was released from the ordeal of the informants the governor still argued that since the Ruzhiner was so eminent he feared that they would crown him king of Israel – so they needed to send him to Siberia and not allow him to take with him more than the Jews for a quorum.
But before the governor’s degree was publicized – the Ruzhiner, soon after being released from prison, was sitting at the table [tish]. He told the attendant to put out wine for someone and he mentioned a name. The attendant, knowing that that Jew was no longer alive, did not call out the name. The Ruzhiner repeated – “Well, put out wine!” The attendant said to the Ruzhiner “But why? Rebbe, the Jew no longer lives.” The Ruzhiner replied: “Do you think that I don’t know? But see how a true follower [hasid], even in the next world risks his life for his Rebbe” – and he told the following story:
When they found out about the decree of the governor it was announced that whoever would reveal the decree to the Ruzhiner would lose their portion in the Garden of Eden. One follower called/said – that it is worth it to him to lose his heaven as long as he will save the Ruzhiner. So he came to the Ruzhiner and told him of the whole danger he was in. The Ruzhiner replied to him “Although the heavenly court decided so I do not consent to it – I do not agree that they should send me away to Siberia – I do not wish as they wish.”
The Ruzhiner concluded – “This Jew visited me first – this is why I am putting out wine for him.”
I.F.
Yirmiyahu Katz
Boyaner Hasid
