R. Shalom was a distant relative of the Ruzhiner. He was a simple [proster] man and was given no recognition in the Hasidic world. However, he looked exactly like the Ruzhiner – to the point that he was mistaken for him several times.
Once, the Ruzhiner had to visit the Apter. It so happened that this R. Shalom was in that area and arrived a half hour before the Ruzhiner. He went into the Apter and the Apter did not recognize him – he sat with him and kept on sighing.
When the Ruzhiner finally arrived the Apter was very pleased and said to him: “Woe, woe you caused me great pain – for a while I was afraid that you have an entirely different face [panim].”
{Chronologically, one story does not fit the other (I.F.)}
That same R. Shalom later moved to the Land of Israel and obtained a position in a Kollel.
Two years into his time in the Land of Israel, he came to Europe and visited the Apter. The Apter said: “See, see what a wonderful power the Land of Israel has. It changed R. Shalom entirely. It is verily similar to Rosh Hodesh. Make a big meal – exactly like in Rosh Hodesh”
I.F.
P. Landau
