The Heilige Rebbe Reb Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz, had a chosid, Reb Yitzchok, who was from the upper echelon and elite of the group of the Chassidim. He had a daughter to marry off but was very poor, and couldn’t afford a dowry. Reb Yitzchok was always satisfied and happy with his situation. Once when he came to his Rebbe with a Kvitel and he didn’t mention materialistic matters, the Rebbe asked: “Why didn’t you mention about your daughter”? Reb Yitzchok answered: “I didn’t want to bother the Rebbe with money matters!” The Rebbe insisted that he write another kvitel, and after reading the Kvitel, the Rebbe said: “I want you to go this Shabbos to the city of Dorna, and Hashem will help you with a Shidduch for your daughter”. Reb Yitzchok didn’t hesitate, and packed his suitcase, and traveled to Dorna. He had no idea where to go or what does Dorna have to do with a shidduch. He arrived Friday early afternoon, wearing his Shtreimel and Beketcha. His noble appearance caught the eye of an elderly couple, who wanted him to be their guest. They approached Reb Yitzchok and said: I see that you are a Rebbe and it would be our honor to have you as a guest!”
Reb Yitzchok said “I would gladly be your guest, but I am not a Rebbe, only a simple Yid”! The elderly couple said “Now we see that you are a Rebbe”. They went to the house to get ready for Shabbos. Reb Yitzchok’s noble and majestic appearance was a magnet to the people of Dorna, and word ran out that a big Rebbe came for Shabbos. It didn’t take long before a large crowd came to give him Shalom, yet when people asked for brachos, Reb Yitzchok simply answered: “You are making a mistake, I am not a Rebbe, only a simple Yid!” This gesture only emboldened their respect for him, and they insisted he bless them. He had no choice and gave each one Brachos.
Just as Reb Yitzchok wanted to go to Shul, a Yid came crying that his daughter suddenly fell unconscious, and the doctors are hopeless, please help her! Reb Yitzchok gave a Bracha that she should be well, and went to Shul. Reb Yitzchok was very uncomfortable with the situation, as he knew he was a simple person, and here people believe in him and showering him with money! In Shul he was seated up front. After davening everyone came to say Good Shabbos. The Yid who’s daughter was ill, came to thank the Rebbe for his Bracha, as his daughter regained consciousness and was feeling a lot better! This was enough to bolster the claim of the people that Reb Yitzchok was a big Rebbe! The Shabbos was nice, and the people of Dorna were gratified to have such an honored guest. Reb Yitzchok, though, was waiting for Motzei Shabbos to leave, as he was upset that the people were making a big mistake.
But, the people insisted he must stay overnight, as many people came specially from nearby towns to visit the Rebbe. He obliged, and before leaving the city, the Rosh Hakahol came to thank Reb Yitzchok and gave him a nice sum of money, but had a request. He was married for 17 years and had no children, and he wants the Rebbe to bless him with a child. Reb Yitzchok blessed him that he shall bear a son this year. Reb Yitzchok came back to Ropshitz, and went to his Rebbe. He couldn’t come to himself over the dramatic Shabbos. He handed the Rebbe all the Kvitlach and money he received. I am not a Rebbe, and I didn’t earn this honestly! The Rebbe said: Give me the Kvitlach and the money keep for the dowry. Reb Yitzchok was now able to find a good Shidduch for his daughter.
The following year, Reb Yitzchok who had another daughter, was again advised by his Rebbe to go to Dorna for Shabbos. Reb Yitzchok was again uncomfortable, but listened to his Rebbe. He arrived Friday in Dorna, and went to his hosts of the previous year, who were grateful that he came again. Word went out fast that Reb Yitzchok the Rebbe was back. Meanwhile the Rosh Hakahol came to thank Reb Yitzchok and reveal the good news that he had a boy that day and he insists that Reb Yitzchok stay in Dorna to be Sandek. This was good news for Dorna, and hundreds of people came for Brachos. Many people came to tell stories of how they were helped by Reb Yitzchok. The Shabbos and that week was very elevating, and Reb Yitzchok was Sandek at the Bris. He was showered with money and honor, and he began to think, maybe he is a Rebbe! After all, so many people were helped by him. But, Reb Yitzchok tried hard to overcome this theory, and worked on his prestige, that he was a simple Yid!
This time when he came to his Rebbe to give the Kvitlach and the money, the Gabbay didn’t allow him to meet the Rebbe. Reb Yitzchok decided to wait until the Rebbe left his room. When the Rebbe noticed Reb Yitzchok, he stated sarcastically: I have hundreds of difficult cases, since you are a Rebbe, please help these people! Reb Yitzchok saw that the Rebbe grasped his thoughts, but he said that he did Teshuva on those foolish thoughts! The Rebbe scolded Reb Yitzchok that he even had such thoughts, saying that a person must despise Kavod even in his thoughts! Reb Yitzchok agreed, and when the Rebbe saw his sincerity, took the Kvitlach and gave all the money to Reb Yitzchok, who now had enough money to marry off all his children. Reb Yitzchok learned a valuable lesson in chassidus!
