The Maaseh L’Melech of Vietzen zy”a once traveled with a group of Roshei Kehillah to participate in an important gathering in Budapest. As they traveled home by train, they met a group of chasidim on their way to spend time with the Rebbe in Kerestir.
The Rosh Hakahal of Veitzen was antagonistic towards chassidim. He turned to the Maaseh L’Melech and said disparagingly, “They are traveling to their Rebbe in Kerestir. He doesn’t know how to learn but the chassidim say that he enacts miracles.”
The Rosh Hakahal thought that his Rov, who was also not chassidish, would agree with him. However, the Maaseh L’Melech chastised him and said, “How can you speak so audaciously about the Rebbe of Kerestir? Chazal say (Avos 1:2) that the world stands on three pillars – on Torah, avodah and gemilus chasadim. The Rebbe of Kerestir is a Gaon in chesed. He is the pillar of chesed in our generation. That means that one-third of the world is standing on his zechus! And there is a clear halacha in Shulchan Aruch that a partner has the right to do as he pleases. Therefore, since he is a one-third partner in the world, it is unsurprising that he has the power to enact miracles.”
The Rosh Hakahal responded, “But you are the pillar of Torah in our generation. Why can’t you make miracles as well? Why can’t you grant me a son?”
The Rov answered, “Why do you think that I can’t do that?”
The Rosh Hakahal replied, “If so, please promise me that I will have a son!”
The Maaseh L’Melech told him to write down his name and his wife’s name on a paper. The Rov then gave his blessing, and the man had a son within the year.
When the chasidim saw that the Maaseh l’Melech was reading kvittels and granting blessings, they began to push forward, eager to give him their kvittels as well. However, he told them, “You are going to your Rebbe. You have a great Rebbe. I just wanted to show one time that I can also do this.”
