When the Alter was Niftar, the Novardokers got together and promised to give their lives for fighting for the truth. The Novardoker Bachurim used to go to the small cities to recruit new Bachurim. R’ Yitzchok Shenker Zatzal told how Novardokers came to his city and promised the parents that Novardok was loaded with eggs and butter, with food on end. Just what these starving people wanted! Seventeen parents sent their boys.
They arrived to the Ezras Nashim of a dark and old Bais Medrash. This was the “great Yeshiva”, and zero food, not even bread! They had to pick up the leftovers of the people living there. When one parent found out that Novardok had less food than at home, he brought back his sons, along with thirteen others. Only two stayed, and they were the only ones who remained frum Jews!
Thanks to these “lying” Novardokers and their “nasty” tactics, the famous Steipler Gaon came to Novardok. Look how the history of the Gadol HaDor is based on their lies! There is a similar story told about the Hanahala of Slabodka who saved R’ Ahron Kotler Zatzal from going off the Derech, by intercepting the letters that his sister sent him. The Steipler said that Shitas Novardok is total truth. Once on Erev Pesach, the Alter came home to find his wife full of worry. They were very poor, and she didn’t know how they would obtain their needs for Yom Tov.
The Alter said that he doesn’t understand her concern, since in eight days it will be over anyway. When he missed a train, he would say: Look how early we are for the next train! danger.
When the Steipler was Rosh Yeshiva in Bais Yosef of Bnei Brak, he once had it announced that he would be giving a Shiur in his house. He gave the Shiur while lying in bed, covered by a blanket. Later, the Talmidim asked the Rebbetzin if his health was okay. She explained that his clothing tore, and he had no other clothes to wear while his torn clothing was being repaired.
Only a Novardoker doesn’t mind doing something like this. Rav Nekritz Shlita of Boro Park told a story about R’ Chatzkel Abramsky Zatzal who remembered coming to Novardok, and the Alter Farhered quizzed him in Gemara with Tosafos. The Alter was impressed, and he said that R’ Chatzkel deserved a glass of tea. The Alter didn’t have sugar, so he got a sugar cube on credit from the grocery store!
R’ Nekritz Shlita said that we see how the Alter knew how to be M'chabed a Bachur, and R’ Chatzkel never forgot this! The Steipler’s family considered him a total Novardoker, with his never going to doctors, etc.
