During the Divrei Hayim’s (Sanzer Rebbe) lifetime, his daughter, who was married to R. Eliezer of Krakow (a descendant of the Radoshitzer), passed away. Over her as well, he observed aveilut [the bereavement rituals] for only an hour before concluding the shiva [seven-day mourning period] and resumed his leadership as rebbe, as if nothing occurred.
During the Friday night tish [spiritual meal] (during the shiva), he turned to his son-in-law who was seated behind him. (The custom observed at the Sanzer was that the sons-in-law were not seated together with the rebbe’s children during the tish, but rather separately at their own table. This was commonly known as the “sons-in-law’s bench”). The Sanzer inquired, “Eliezer, have they proposed any favorable shiddukhim (matches) for you?”
(This anecdote was recounted by the Sanzer Rebbe to illustrate the inexplicable aloof behavior of the Sanzer [the Divrei Hayim] during a period of great anguish.)
Y.F.
Sanzer Rebbe