In the courts of the Rizhiner dynasty on Chanuka, when lighting the Menora, they used to tell the following story about the Tzaddik Rav Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev:
Once, the holy Berditchever Rav entered his Bais Medrash on Chanuka and observed a group of Chassidim assembled, speaking in undertones. When they noticed the Berditchever approaching, their hushed whispers ended and they stood silently, embarrassed.
“What were you discussing?” asked the Berditchever. Abashed, the Chassidim’s cheeks burned red with shame, as they stood silent, unanswering. However, the Berditchever was not so easily dissuaded, and he pursued the matter once again.
“Nu, what were you discussing, eh?”
Finally, one of the Chassidim confessed, “Rebbe, we were discussing the Graf Potatzski, the local squire, and how much wealth and material comfort he has. He has it all – why, even in the heat of summer if the fancy strikes him to ski, and of course there is no snow to be found, he gathers sacks and sacks of sugar and skis on the sugary mountains of artificial snow!”
The Berditchever looked back at them and countered, “Does the Graf light Chanuka candles?”
“Of course not, Rebbe!” answered the astonished Chassid. “The Graf is a gentile!”
“Well then,” answered the Berditchever, declaring with finality, “then surely he has never tasted any true simcha in his life at all!” (Yalkut Bnei Bina)
