It was a cold first day of Sukkos and the first Slonimer Rebbe, the Yesod haAvoda, was on his way to shul. He passed a Jewish soldier and saw an amazing other-wordly light coming from him. The Rebbe asked him, “I see a great light emanating from you – please tell me what great deed you have done.”
At first the soldier denied it, but after pushing and prodding he relented and told his tale:
“Yesterday was the first night of Sukkos and I know the importance of eating at least a kezayis (an olive-sized portion) of bread in the sukka. But I am a conscripted soldier stationed on duty – what was I to do?
“There was a high fence surrounding my position where I stood guard, forbidden from deserting my post, and I noticed that over the fence was a Jewish home and there, in the backyard, stood a small sukka! I decided that when all the guards left, I would have my chance. I hid a small piece of bread in my pocket and waited and waited all night. I knew I had to get in before chatzos (midnight) because the mitzva is to eat a kezayis in the sukkah before chatzos!
“Finally, about a quarter of an hour before midnight, my opportunity arrived. I saw all the guards leave; I leaped over the fence, dashed into the sukka, made a beracha and ate my bread in the sukka. Then I made a mad dash back over the fence and once more took up my position as guard. I had risked my life but it was worth it! I was so happy!”
“Hmm,” said the Rebbe skeptically. “For this alone I cannot imagine you would shine so. What else did you do that night?”
“Nothing else . . .well, I was so happy I had done the mitzva of sukka limehadrin that I danced all night long!”
“Aha!” pronounced the Rebbe. “Now I see why you shine with such a light!” (Yehi Ohr 614)
