Rav Osher Zilbershtien ZY”A, [Rov of Mezeritch before WWII, Los Angeles afterwards and Rebbe of my Grandfather Rav Yonah Ganzweig ZY”A], was troubled with the following question. Why is the Maggid of Mezeritch buried in Anapoli, and not in Mezeritch? He found this story in the Pinkos Hakehilloh of the Chevroh Kadishoh of Anipoli.
A plague was rampant in Mezeritch. The army surrounded the area, Thoroughfare was prohibited, and a great penalty was placed upon anyone who would give refuge to one from the plagued area, in order to contain it. The Tzadik Reb Zushoh of Anapoli ZY”A, was aware of the danger the Maggid was in and went and brought him to Anapoli where he was hidden. After a while, people snitched to the mayor of the city, and he summoned Rav Zushoh. “I know you are a G-Dly man and will not question your actions, but how do you take the responsibility for the welfare of our city Anapoli as thousands of people can become infected with the disease? If you will confirm to me in writing that no harm befalls, I will let you go, otherwise I shall punish you.” To this Rav Zushoh wrote, “I, Meshulem Zusia confirm that from today, 19 Kislev 5532, until a year from today 19 Kislev 5533 there will be no deaths, neither young or old, Jew or Gentile, no miscarriages no one will die in the town of Anapoli.” Rav Zilberstein investigated the cemetery and so it is, not one had the date between 19 Kislev 5532 and 5533. How great are Tzadikim, may their Zechusim stand for us.
Heard from Rav Binyomin Adler Shlit”a, who heard it from YBCHL”CH Rav Osher Zilberstein ZY”A.
