An important Jew once came to the Apter for Sukkot. At night at the meal, he saw that there were no other guests so he sat next to the Apter. The Apter told him to move down. The Jew wondered greatly and when he asked him why the Apter replied – ‘this seat is for the eminent guests the Ushpizen.’
The Jew pleaded that he would do anything in the world to see them. The Apter replied that this was only possible on the condition that he accepted that he would have to die soon after. The Jew agreed to the exchange.
The Apter waved his handkerchief and the Jew saw the Ushpizen. Soon after he did indeed die.
They say that since he merited to see the Ushpizen and accepted such a sacrifice from then on the Apter began to recite the Kaddish before the Kegavna prayer.
I.F.
Manistritcher Rebbe
