One winter, Reb Shalom Dov Ber (known as the Rebbe Rashab), the fifth Chabad Rebbe, spent several months in Vienna for medical treatment. With him was his son, Reb Yosef Yitzchak (later to become the sixth Rebbe).
Every once in a while, Reb Shalom Ber and his son would go out for a walk and visit one of the small shuls (known as "shtib'lach") in the area. There, they would sit quietly, listening to the gems of wisdom or bones from these Polish chasidim.
On one such evening, they went to a little shtible and found a group of old chasidim trading bones about Reb Meir of Premishlan. One old chasid related that the mikva for ritual immersion was located on the top of a steep hill on the outskirts of Premishlan. When the road up the hill was slippery from rain or snow, people had to take the long way around; to walk directly up the hill was dangerous.
One winter day, when snow and cold temperatures had made the icy paths extremely dangerous, Reb Meir walked straight uphill to the mikva as was his usual custom.
The local inhabitants were not surprised in the least. They had witnessed this "mini miracle" many times. However, there were two guests staying nearby, sons of rich men under the influence of the "Enlightenment" movement. These young men, of course, did not believe in miracles or supernatural acts. So, when they saw Reb Meir walking up the steep hill with sure steps, they were certain that it was, in fact, perfectly safe. They convinced themselves, and wished to convince others, that the path was not in the least bit dangerous.
After Reb Meir had entered the building which housed the mikva, the two young men started their climb. Without going more than a few steps, both young men fell on the slippery path and needed medical attention for their bruises.
One of the young men was the son of one of Reb Meir's closest chasidim. After he was all healed, he mustered up his courage and approached Reb Meir.
"Why is it, Rebbe," he asked with utmost respect, "that no one can negotiate that slippery path, yet the Rebbe walks with such sure steps?"
Answered Reb Meir, "If a man is tied on 'high, he doesn't fall down below. Meir is tied on "high" and for this reason he can walk up even a slippery hill."
Sometime later, on one of his daily "constitutional" walks ordered by his doctors, Reb Shalom Ber and his son were walking through the municipal gardens. While they walked side by side, the Rebbe became deeply engrossed in his thoughts. Without realizing it, he drew the attention of many passers-by. He continued walking thus for a long time and his son became more and more uncomfortable. Every minute seemed to take an hour. Finally, he could contain himself no longer, and he sighed.
Reb Shalom Ber paused in his walk, distressed to think that something had caused his son to become morose or depressed. He said, "Why do you sigh? If a man is tied up on high, he doesn't fall down below!"
