The Riyatz of Lubavitch zy’a told the story of a Yid named R’ Manya Moneson who once paid a visit to the Rashab of Lubavitch zy’a. During their conversation the Rebbe greatly praised the simple Jews of their times. R’ Manya was very surprised that the Rebbe would praise simple people so much and he asked why he was doing so.
The Rebbe answered, ‘They have many good qualities!’
R’ Manya responded, ‘I don’t see that!’
The Rebbe asked R’ Manya, who made his living by selling precious gems, ‘Do you have any jewels with you?’
R’ Manya said that he did. He took some out of his bag and placed them on the table, saying that they were very beautiful and valuable. The Rebbe said, ‘I don’t see anything special about them?’
R’ Manya replied, ‘To see the value of a precious gem, one has to be an expert.’
The Rebbe said, ‘A Yid is priceless. But one has to be an expert on Yiddishe neshamos to see their value!’