R’ Hillel was once visiting the Tzemach Tzedek. In honor
of the illustrious guest, a bowl of cherries (strawberries?) – a delicacy at
the time – was placed on the table.
Both the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek and R’ Hillel made a
brocho, and partook of the treat. However, while the Tzemach Tzedek ate them
whole, R’ Hillel first opened each one and carefully inspected it for worms and
bugs. Only after assuring himself of it’s kashrus, did he place it in his
mouth.
Some of the Chassidim, who were closely monitoring the
visit of the famed chosid with the Rebbe, found the behavior of R’ Hillel an
affront to the Tzemach Tzedek. As soon as R’ Hillel emerged from the room, he
was accosted: “Hillel”, they demanded, “how could you act differently from the
Rebbe in his presence? Are you perhaps more frum than the Rebbe?”
“It is very simple”, R’ Hillel reassured them, “the Rebbe,
being a true tzaddik, can be assured that he will not encounter anything
objectionable, as the Possuk says “לא
יאונה לצדיק כל און”. Therefore he
has no need to be overly cautious. I, on the other hand, have no such
protection; I, therefore, have to personally verify the appropriateness of
anything I take into my mouth”.
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