Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin Hy”d (May Hashem avenge his blood) 22 Tamuz 5552 (1792)
After the Maggid of Mezeritch passed away, his disciples dispersed throughout Poland and Russia, settling in small towns and strengthening the local Jewish communities. While journeying towards the town he intended to settle in, Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin traveled through the town of Lahoisk. He took up lodging in the home of a man called Yehudah Postraver who, at the time of this incident, did not approve of Chassidim and their lifestyles.
In the morning, Rabbi Shlomo expressed his desire to immerse himself in the mikvah in preparation for prayer.
"There is no mikvah here", said his host with obvious disregard for this Chasidic custom.
"Is there a river nearby?"
"No!"
"Then perhaps a spring of water?"
"Yes", replied his host with a tone of ridicule in his voice. "There is but one spring in this village and it is located in the backyard of the priest's house!"
Rebbe Shlomo borrowed a few sheets and made his way towards the priest's house. Word spread that a strange visitor was attempting to immerse himself in the spring which was in the backyard of this known Jew-hater. People followed him, curious to witness this unbelievable feat. Some assisted the Rebbe in holding up the sheets, allowing him privacy.
The commotion in the yard attracted the priest's attention, but the Rebbe was long gone by the time he came out.
"What's going on?" he asked the local villagers who lingered behind discussing the morning's events."
"Didn't you see that Jew come into your yard and use the spring for his rituals," they asked in surprise?
"I haven't seen a thing!" replied the priest. "Go fetch that impudent man and I will teach him a lesson!"
At his bidding, messengers came to fetch the Rebbe while he was praying. However, they were stunned with fright at the sight and could not approach him.
"Then I will go myself to see this man of strange power" declared the priest. He strode over to the house and demanded to see the Rabbi.
Yehuda Pastover brought the priest's request to the Rebbe.
"No!" replied the Rebbe, "I will not look at his wicked face."
The priest left empty-handed and did not pursue the matter further. Later the Rebbe's host asked him. "How is it that this priest realized that you are a holy man, yet I, a fellow Jew did not?"
"You are not intended to be one of my followers," answered Rebbe Shlomo. "Go to Liozna, you are destined to become a Chassid of Rabbi Shneur Zalman.
Yehuda Pastover followed his advice and became a Chassid of the Baal Hatanya.
