Rabbi Shalom Rokeach zt"l

Grand Rabbi of Belz

27 Ellul 5615 (1855)

Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch, the "Maharash," in the years before he became Rebbe, did his best to keep a low profile. Once, when he was on a trip to Europe, he dressed as an ordinary businessman, rather than the Chassidic garb more appropriate to the son of a Rebbe and a profound Torah scholar in his own right.

One Shabbos during his journey, he spent in Belz. At the time of Seuda Shlishis he went to the famed Shul of Rabbi Shalom Rokeach, the Sar Shalom of Belz. He stood at the side in a remote corner of the room, which by then was crammed from wall to wall with ardent Chassidim awaiting the entrance of their Rebbe.

When Rabbi Shalom at last entered, a path directly from the door to his chair at the head of the table opened before him, like the splitting of the Red Sea. He took a few steps then suddenly halted. He didn't look around because at that stage in his life he was blind, but he began to inhale the air. "I smell something special," he announced. He turned and walked slowly in the direction of the Maharash, the whole time continuing to sniff.

When he reached him he took his hand and said, "Young man! From me, one cannot hide." He then took the young Maharash with him to the head of the table.

On the way, a few of the Chassidim, who suspected that the Rebbe had made a mistake due to his failed eyesight, whispered to him, "Rebbe, this guy is just an ordinary businessman."

The Rebbe smiled and said, "True, he is indeed a merchant. But his merchandise is the best of all.