Once Rav Yosef of Neustadt came to visit the Tiferes Shlomo in Radomsk. As the two tzaddikim sat side by side enjoying each other’s company, Rav Yosef asked if the Tiferes Shlomo could share an anecdote from his rebbe, Rav Fishel of Strikov since the Tiferes Shlomo was one of his disciples. The Tiferes Shlomo related how strong was Rav Fishel’s emuna (faith) in hashgacha pratis (Divine Providence). “He always believed that anything and everything that happened was directly related to him and specifically for his sake. For example, when the weather turned cold, the frost would make immersion in the mikvah a formidable ordeal. He would say: “I believe with full faith – b’emuna sheleima that this a test from Hashem whether I will immerse despite the cold and discomfort; but know, you Evil one, yetzer hara that you will not dissuade me nor block me from serving Hashem!”
Another story the Tiferes Shlomo shared was that before retiring to bed each night, Rav Fishel would take a glezzeleh bronfen (a glass of brandy or liquor) in hand and wish Hashem, “L’Chaim! L’Chaim Ribono Shel Olam sheAta MeKor HaChaim veChai HaChaim - a gitte Nacht! L’Chaim, L’Chaim Master of the World; You are the source of all life; I wish you a good night!”
He wished Hashem L’Chaim and a good night in Yiddish.
Rav Fishel even once explained the reason behind this unusual minhag (custom) of his: “You must know that there are sick Jews everywhere in the world, and oftentimes it is at night that suffering intensifies. I attempt to bring some relief to them with my L’Chaim to Hashem based on the principle that He suffers in our suffering. I wish Hashem a good night, if He wants a peaceful night free of pain and distress, He must heal all the Jews’ suffering first! And so, I drink to Hashem and wish Him a good night – Gitte Nacht!” (Siach Sarfei Kodesh)
