The Skverer [Rebbe] never allowed anyone to look at the Tzoref² before immersing themselves in a Mikva. One had to go to the Mikva Lishma [for its own sake] – for the purpose of looking at the Tzoref. 

I.F.

Pinchas Landau

1. Apparently, a reference to Sefer Ha-Zoref by Joshua Heschel Zoref (1633–1700). The Sefer Ha-soref was apparently held by the Skverer, See this collection of stories transcribed by Israel Freidman, file 294.9, pages 40-44. See also https://yiddish.forward.com/articles/184048/new-square-rich-warehouse-of-spirituality/index.html@p=all.html. For more information, see Gershom Scholem, “Joshua Heschel Zoref,” in Encyclopedia ha-Ivrit, vol. 28 (1976), cols. 579-580 (Hebrew), https://www.academia.edu/44508852/Gershom_Scholem_Joshua_Heschel_Zoref_in_Encyclopedia_ha_Ivrit_vol_28_1976_cols_579_580_Hebrew_; https://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/12/307-sefer-hatzoref-and-story-of-lost.html?m=1; https://www.kotzkblog.com/2017/06/sefer-hatzoref-were-these-secret.html.