R. Isaac Skverer once criticized R. David Tolner for his [manner of] living so opulently – riding a coach driven by four horses.
R. David debated with him and demonstrated to him that his way was correct.
R. Isaac replied – “It might be that your way is indeed correct and good for you. However, what will be with your children – if your children will not be like you (meaning in sanctity and ethics) then this will not be alright.”
He went on – “My children, on the other hand, if they will follow my way of much fasting and constant immersion in the mikveh – even if they will not be so sincere about it – well, it is still good.”
I.F.
Bilitzer Rabbi
Rabbi Stern
