Novardok
In Novardok, he was thoroughly indoctrinated about the truths of Olam HaZeh. Nothing in this world counts besides Avodas Hashem and achieving Shleimus. Novardok was so powerful about this, that the poverty and difficulties didn’t bother them. Like I’ve heard from them: “It’s all in your head”. When you are taught to appreciate the pure truth and enjoy it, no Gashmiyus attraction can persuade you otherwise. Having a Chabura to be M'chazek each other was considered #1 to keep up your principles.
After WWII, the Vaad Hatzalah tried to get displaced persons out of Europe to the USA. They could only do so for “Rabbi’s”. They saved many Yeshivaleit this way, except for one group. R’ Ahron Kotler was concerned about them, so he asked a certain “Rabbi Rosenberg” to fly immediately to Europe, to find out what’s going wrong. He said it was a matter of Pikuach Nefesh.
The general in charge of the DP camp explained that these Yeshiva students insist that they are not Rabbi’s. Indeed, they were Novardokers. They stood their ground in this, since they had total Bitachon only in Hashem; and didn’t want a trace of Hishtadlus! They were positive they would make it to USA through Bitachon alone. They also didn’t want to be Baalei Ga'ava, or say a Sheker.
The “Rabbi” went back to the general, and laughingly explained their denial, thereby settling the matter. A Novardoker doesn’t change, despite going through the Holocaust. Bitachon is part of his system.
The Alter of Novardok was once visiting R' Shlomo Elyashiv, the Baal HaLeshem. In middle of the night he heard horrific noises, and almost fainted. The Leshem was the #1 Mekubal, and the noises had to do with his mystical abilities. In the morning, he asked the Alter his opinion of what he saw.
The Alter told him, “If you won’t learn Chovos Halvavos with Hispa’alus, you’ll never be Zoche to Shleimus!” The Chofetz Chaim once told someone to see the Leshem at least in Olam HaZeh, since Olam HaBah it won’t be possible. Imagine who he was. Yet, the Alter had no Hispa’alus from him.
R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv was the Leshem’s grandson, and it’s known how he especially loved Novardok. He said that Shadchanim were able to pressure a Bachur to do a Shidduch, but not Novardokers. They couldn’t be moved.
That’s Malchus! And just like oil is smooth and gives light, so too the true Melech is warm and loving to everyone. He may be a strong individual, but he respects other Shitos. He can tolerate and appreciate all kinds of people, despite them being radically different than himself.
