When the Apter Rebbe lived in Jassy he wished to go meet R. Baruch. However, his servants, who knew that R. Baruch was a very stern person, feared that when R. Baruch heard the Apter Rabbi’s exaggerations and saw the way he eats (the Apter Rebbe would eat a great deal) this would result in a dispute.
But nothing could dissuade him – and the Apter Rebbe left, and he came for the Sabbath to R. Baruch. At night at the table [tish] they served noodles – an entire bowl. First, the Apter Rebbe ate with a spoon, but he soon took the bowl in his hands and began to eat out of the bowl.
They were afraid that this kind of eating would bother R. Baruch. No! He only said: “Look how a Jew lusts after the Temple sacrifices!” Later, he invited him to give over teachings.
Sabbath morning, he again invited the Apter to give over teachings.
At the third meal, the Apter Rebbe did not wish to go to the table – he said – “I gave over teachings Friday night and Sabbath morning – I fear that he will honor me again [to give over teachings].”
R. Baruch promised him that he would give over the teachings but that he should come. So he came. At the third meal R. Baruch began to recite a passage from the Zohar – but only the simple reading – without any explanation.
After the blessing after meals, the Apter Rebbe went home to his guesthouse – and he said to one of those close to him: “R. Baruch verily broke me with his teachings.”
And R. Baruch said regarding the Apter’s exaggerations: “His mouth is a golden weight.”
I.F.
Elazar Zohn
A Mezibuzer
