The son of the Sanzer, R. Solomon the grandfather of the Bobover Rebbe – suddenly one Friday night fell terribly ill – and they immediately saw that the situation was dire. He was still a very young man – so the fear and pain were double. People began to weep and wail but the Sanzer exhibited no noticeable change – they wanted to go to him, to ask him to pray for mercy but he replied: “Today is the Sabbath!”
He shortened the third meal somewhat – he performed the Havdalah and the community waited impatiently for him to go into his son who was lying on his deathbed. He did not hurry, however – he smoked his pipe and the room became so filled with smoke that a terror fell upon everyone.
Then he went into the room where R. was lying. He stood there for several minutes – tears pouring from his eyes and he said: “Do not be afraid – when you arrive in the supernal world, my friends and holy rebbes will protect you – you will not lack anything.”
I.F.
Jacob Flanzgraben
(Plonshever Hasid)
