***** The Neshchizer and Sosnovtzer Rebbes came to court to save a Yid*****
There was once a Chasidise Yid R' Nachum, who was a big merchant from the city of Sosnovitz, Poland, who used to travel a lot for in his business dealings. He had a customary practice or Minhag, that if there was a Rebbe in that city where he had business to do, he would to go and mention his dealings and elevate himself from the Tzaddik and hear an insight in Chassidus, He always repeated that this was a omen that helped him in his travels, not to fall into the hands of the Yetzer Harah. The Tzadikim greatly respected him for this and he also presented them with precious gifts.
On one occasion R’ Nachum happened to be in the city of Biala for an important business deal. He heard of the Biala Rebbe, Harav Yitzchak Jacob Rabinowitz ( cwwrst d"f v"xr, ), a grandson of the Yehudi Hakadosh from Pashischa. He is the author of the Seforim "Dvri Bina" and "Yishri Lev". He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Yehoshua of Sosnovitz and later in Ostrovtza, the author of Sefer Toldos Adam, (d"kr, ixhb jwwf ), the son of Harav Shlomo Leib of Lentchna ) (d"r, ixhb y"h
When Rabbi Nachum went into the Biala Rabbi, he said he wanted to tell him an amazing story that had happened with him, and his father-in-law, the Sosnovitzer Rebbe. The Rebbe said he was eager to hear! R' Nachum began:
The Sosnovitzer Rebbe was a Mechuten to Harav Yitzchok of Neshchiz, the author of the Seforim Toldos Yitzchok and Zichron Tov, the son of Harav Mordechai of Neshchiz, one of the great students of Harav Yechiel Mechal the Zlotchiver Magid (x"e, ixhbc wjf). The two Tzadikim of Sosnovitz and Neshchiz used to meet very often, and were very close.
Once R' Nachum got entangled with a Gentile with money matters, and the Gentile did not want to straighten it out with him, rather he called him to settle it out in court, and knowing the anti-semitic Judges, this would have brought on him a harsh prison sentence. He hired a top lawyer, who reviewed the case, and after a few days of working on the case, the lawyer saw that there was no way he could acquit me, and he advised that I should flee from Sosnovitz.
Having no choice, I fled to Neshchiz, where I heard that Harav Yitzchok of Neshchiz was a great Tzaddik and miracle worker. I went to the Neshchizer Rebbe and told him about the court case I had with the Gentile, and that my lawyer advised to flee. At that time the Sosnovitzer Rebbe came to visit the Neshchizer Rebbe. Their custom was that when a Yid came with a problem, they would both read the Kvitel. When I came to the Neshchizer Rebbe, I began to cry and pour out my pain that Hashem should save him from the harsh judgment. Both Tzadikim then read my Kvitel.
In the courtyard there was a large stone, and the Tzadikim. after reading my Kvitel told me to come with them and sit down next to the stone, and we will see what we can do to help you. Both Tzadikim put on their coats which were of the same material and color, and we went out into the yard and sat down next to the stone. Here they both read again my Kvitel. After a few minutes of silence the Neshchizer Rebbe asked the Sosnovitzer Rebbe: Do you feel that R’ Nachum should go to and stand trial? The Sosnovitzer Rebbe replied: “Of course he should stand trial”!
The Neshchizer Rebbe then turned to me and said, do you hear what he said, and pointed to the Sosnovitzer Rebbe who said that you should stand trial. This scenario was repeated a few times! After this episode, the Tzadikim told me to stand trial and Hashem would help you! R' Nachum understood that the Tzadikim concocted something in heaven for his benefit. My faith in Tzadikim was steadfast, and I answered that I would go to the judgment, and said goodbye to them.
The day of the trial arrived. and the judge listened to the arguments accused against me. Now it was time for my lawyer to state his defense, when the door of the court suddenly opened and in walked both Tzadikim, and walked over to the Judge, and stated that I am not guilty! The judge became very frightened, and told the two Tzadikim to enter his private chamber. After a long wait, the judge came out of his chamber and announced that I was free to go, and all charges were dropped! The Tzadikim just about vanished from the scene. I was gratified, and traveled to thank both Tzadikim. Of course, I didn’t mention that I saw them in court!
R’ Nachum concluded this story to the Biala Rebbe, and said it wasn’t my imagination. I can swear that both Tzadikim were in court, and they must have said the right words to the Judge who set me free,
