EATING GEBROKTS
Some Chassidim of the Tzaddik of Sanz were in Pressburg on Pesach, guests at the Chasam Sofer’s table. Among Chassidim, it is the custom to avoid eating gebrokts (matza that has come into contact with liquid). This is a chumra that Misnagdim have not adopted; hence, the Chasam Sofer ate kneidlach on Pesach.
When the Chassidim were served kneidlach, they were in a quandary, because they had never eaten gebrokts – and they knew how makpid the Sanzer Rav was with regard to this minhag. One Chassid did not eat the kneidlach. The other reasoned, “I’m sitting at the table of the Godol HaDor. Who am I to be more strict than he is?” and he ate the kneidlach.
When they reported their visit to the Tzaddik of Sanz, the latter said to the Chassid who ate the kneidlach, “You have earned Olam HaBa.” To the Chassid who had refused to eat them, the Tzaddik said, “You had better stand near me on Yom Kippur, and I will try to elicit forgiveness for you.”
Adapted from Four Chassidic Masters by Rav Dr. Abraham Twerski (page 194–195)
