Asher was a simple, G-d-fearing Jew who was very wealthy with a generous heart, and was a firm believer in Hashem. This incident occurred a few days after Purim. It was a cold winter night, and Asher was driving his wagon through the snowy and treacherous roads. He had one goal in mind: to seek the advice of the holy Rebbe, Reb Levi Yitzchok. Asher finally arrived in Barditchev and decided to get some rest from the long journey and then visit Reb Levi Yitzchok.
The next morning, the Rebbe greeted Asher warmly and asked him how he was doing. “I am well, and my family is well,” he said. “Hashem has blessed me, and I have a good income, and my family lives comfortably. But there is something that saddens me and keeps me awake at night, and that is why I came to you.”
What is the matter, the Rabbi asked? I have looked forward to seeing Eliyahu Hanavi every year at the Seder on Pesach, but I have never had the merit to see him. We have bought a most beautiful silver cup in his honor, and before Pesach, my wife cleans it until it shines. It stands out as a gem all over the table, and I then open the door at the proper time. What more do I have to do, Rebbe?
The Rebbe knew that Asher was sincere, gave a huge smile, thought for a while, and then said, Asher, go to the city of Groslova, near Kovna. You shall reach Groslova 2 or 3 days before Pesach, and when you arrive there, ask where R. Noson lives. Go to him and ask him to let you attend his seder, and with the help of Hashem, you will see Eliyahu Hanavi at his seder.
Asher was elated and didn’t know how to thank the Rebbe for the great advice. Finally, he would merit to see Eliyahu Hanavi; his desire in life would be fulfilled! Asher traveled his journey tirelessly, enduring the harsh weather conditions and treacherous terrain. After all, he was in seventh heaven and in an elevated spirit. He finally reached the designated town at the precise time foretold by the Rebbe. Upon entering the house, he introduced himself and expressed his desire to spend the Pesach meals here. Asher explained that he had been sent by Reb Levi Yitzchok of Barditchev. The homeowner, with a perplexed expression, welcomed him into his humble home, but expressed his concerns about being an inadequate host. He explained that his house had a leaky roof, the outside temperature was bitterly cold, and he lacked firewood to keep warm. Furthermore, he confessed his financial situation that he wouldn’t be able to provide the necessary foods for Seder night and Yom Tov.
Asher heard these words and observed the distress of R. Noson. He took a few hundred rubles from his pocket, handed them over, and instructed: "Go, my friend, repair the roof of your home, purchase firewood, and acquire food for the Seder night and the entire Yomtov. Also, go and purchase clothing for yourself and all your children, along with new shoes, sparing no expense." R. Noson’s attitude changed, and he expressed immense gratitude towards Asher’s offer. The house's roof was fixed, firewood was bought for warmth, and a hearty feast was prepared for Seder night and the holiday days. The family gathered around the Seder table, all dressed as princes, and they conducted the seder with gratitude to Hashem, and sang the Pesach songs. Despite eagerly anticipating the arrival of Eliyahu Hanavi, he did not make an appearance, leaving Asher disappointed.
R. Noson’s family retired to their rooms for the night, while Asher stubbornly remained in his seat, still hopeful that Eliyahu Hanavi would make an appearance. He sat there throughout the entire night, but his wish to see Eliyahu went unfulfilled. The same scenario was repeated at the second Seder.
Feeling disappointed and exhausted from the punishing journey, Asher returned to Reb Levi Yitzchok in Barditchev and expressed his grievances. He questioned why he had been sent on such a long and tiring trip to the home of R. Noson, believing that Eliyahu would reveal himself there. Despite observing the seder night without any issues, he had not caught a glimpse of Eliyahu, even though he had stayed awake all night. He wondered if he was not deserving or worthy enough to see Eliyahu openly and why the Rebbe had sent him there in the first place.
In response, Reb Levi Yitzchok smiled and positioned Asher in front of a mirror. He then asked Asher to identify the person reflected in the mirror. Asher replied that he saw his own face in the mirror. Rabbi Levi Yitzchok continued: "Asher! Heed and listen to what I have to say. At the Seder of R’ Noson, you yourself were elevated to the level of Eliyahu Hanavi! You helped and made the family of the hidden tzaddikim very happy. This was so precious in heaven as a tremendous merit. The reward to you was that you wouldn’t have to see Eliyahu Hanavi; rather, you yourself were so elevated and were Eliyahu Hanavi!” Asher fully understood the Rebbe.
