הכנסת אורחים בסוכה הקדושה
The renowned Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Linisk, the father of the holy Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz, was very particular about having a guest at his table for the meals during Succos, especially on the first night of Succos, which is the Ushpizin of Avraham Avinu, the great host of guests. It is mentioned in sifrei kodesh that one must be very diligent about this, and if there is no guest with him in the succah, the holy Ushpizin do not enter.
One year, on the first day of the chag, the harsh winter was already in full swing, the roads were difficult and exhausting, and no guest could be found in the city. They searched everywhere, but not a single Jewish guest could be found. The hour grew very late, but the Tzaddik of Linisk did not want to enter the succah to partake of the Yom Tov seudah without the holy Ushpizin, and in the absence of a guest, there would be no Ushpizin!
His son, Rebbe Naftali, who was a clever and wise child—later known as ‘Chachima d'Yehudai’ (The Sage of the Jews)—saw his
