Tzaddikim used to say about Rav Chaim of Czernowitz, mechaber of Be’er Mayim Chaim and Siddur Shel Shabbos that on Shabbos “er iz gevein mit a kup hecher – he was a head taller!” His appearance changed so drastically on Shabbos that he appeared to be a different person completely. (Maamar Mordechai Slonim 2)
The Tosher Rebbe related the well-known story of how the Be’er Mayim Chaim once collected tzedoka for hachnossas kalla to help marry off a poor orphan. As he approached one of the simpler, rougher elements among the Jews of Czernowitz, one of the known troublemakers was seized by a feeling that moved him to donate the entire sum, whereupon the Tzaddik blessed him that he should merit to feel the light and sanctity of Shabbos.
When Shabbos came, the simple Jew was so overcome by the sanctity of Shabbos that he simply could not handle it! He was so simple that he was unaccustomed to such kedusha! It almost drove him out of his mind. He went back to the Be’er Mayim Chaim and asked him to take back his berocha! The Tzaddik answered him that whatever gift had been bestowed by Heaven could not be taken away or given back.
Instead he advised the Jew to stay with him and he would instruct him in Avodas Hashem. And so he did. The Yid grew and grew in yiras shomayim and slowly he was able to properly receive the light of Shabbos within himself. Day after day he rose to higher spiritual levels until he himself became a great Tzaddik and received kvitlech (petitions) and blessed many Jews, performing miracles and bringing about salvation for others! (Avodas Avoda Pisgamei Kodesh p. 17)
