There are various versions as to how the Zeide finally became publicly known as a tzaddik and miracle worker.
HaRav Yosef Yitzchok of Lubavitch, known as the Frierdiker Rebbe, related the following incident:
Once, on his way to visit the Maggid of Mezritch, Reb Yehudah Leib noticed a Jew struggling to pull his wagon out of some deep mud. When the Jew noticed him coming down the road, he called out to him and requested that he help him.
“I am unable to pull out the wagon,” he replied, “especially as it is carrying such a heavy load.”
Replying in Ukrainian, the Jew said, “Mozhesh danye chotshesh — you can, but you don’t want to.”
Hearing these words, he felt that perhaps the individual was correct and he should at least attempt to help him. To his shock, as soon as he gave one pull, the wagon came right out onto the road.
Reb Yehudah Leib realized that it wasn’t his strength that had pulled it out but the hand of Hashem.
As he continued on his way to the Maggid, [he remembered the teaching of the Baal Shem Tov that a Jew should realize that everything he hears or sees, and surely an event he participated in, is b’hashgochah protis (Divine Providence) and contains a message for him]. So, he began contemplating as to what was the message that Hashem was surely sending him. He came to the conclusion that he was being informed that he was now being granted the special ability to help others, and it was time for him to finally accept the responsibility of leading a community and no longer remain a hidden tzaddik.
When he arrived in Mezritch, he didn’t tell anyone about what had happened. However, as soon as the Maggid noticed him, he said, “The Baal Shem Tov told me that just as you were able to pull out a wagon with its heavy load, you are also able to uplift a community.” He then bestowed upon him the necessary talents and blessed him with success, and the Zeide then settled in Shpoleh (which is close to the town of Zlatopola).
Reprinted from the Parshas Vayigash 5784 Weekly Story of Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon.
