The chassid Reb Yaakov Cadaner related some of the character traits of the Mitteler Rebbe, the second Rebbe of Chabad:
No testimony is needed for the great and vast knowledge of the Mitteler Rebbe, for his works are published and are widely known. He had the ability to take the finest and deepest insights, and relate them to the simplest of people. It was truly unique and exceptional.
His service of Hashem was performed in a very discreet manner. For example, once on Rosh Hashanah he davened Shemoneh Esreh for 3 hours(!), yet he stood completely still without flinching.
After davening he went to his room to change his shirt. As he made his way out of shul, it was difficult to look at his holy face because it was so fiery. Seeing the attendant holding the Rebbe’s extremely wet garment, the Chassidim told him not to hold it with his hands as water would certainly be squeezed out of the garment which is forbidden on Yom Tov.
After Musaf, the Rebbe changed his shirt again as it was once again soaking wet, although, amazingly, all throughout his davening he was completely still as were his discreet mannerisms.
The Pathways of Heaven
Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev was once attending a wedding in the city of Liadi. The Alter Rebbe honored Reb Levi Yitzchak to lead the crowd in bentching, the Blessing Recited after a Meal.
Reb Levi Yitzchok in turn offered it to the Mitteler Rebbe who was a young man at the time. He had heard earlier from the Alter Rebbe about the young man’s greatness and wanted to see it first hand.
The Mitteler Rebbe led the bentching in a most basic manner. He read the words like a simple man, without intensity or passion.
Surprised, Reb Levi Yitzchak questioned the Alter Rebbe regarding his son’s behavior, for certainly the Alter Rebbe was not exaggerating when he praised his son.
The Alter Rebbe replied, “the same way I know the streets of Liadi like the back of my hand, does my son know the pathways of Heaven, from the highest level of hishtalshelut (chain-like descent of spiritual worlds) to the lowest.
“His service of Hashem is permeated with love and fear of Hashem and not at all superficial or external. Such a high level of service of Hashem is only possible with a neshama d’iskasya (a soul from a concealed and very high source)”.
Sippurim Noraim pg. 18; pg. 46 in the new edition; reprinted from Derher
