In vos ligt ihr?

R’ Shmuel Michel Treinin was a chosid (of the Rebbe Rashab) who resided in Petersburg. R’ Shmuel Michel was a very wealthy chosid, and, in addition, was very organized and well put together by nature. Furthermore, he was a moroh shchoira, a serious and pessimistic individual (I know, it’s not a good translation for MS). He had dealings with numerous important government officials (which was one of the reasons that he was approved to live in Petersburg), and was always dressed immaculately.

Once, the celebrated chosid R’ Michoel der Alter came to Petersburg for the purpose of getting a bochur freed from the draft (so that, rather than serve in the army, he can spend his time learning Torah). He came to R’ Shmuel Michel for assistance, and R’ Shmuel Michel was accompanying him to visit some important officers who would perhaps be able to help their cause.

R’ Michoel went around the streets of Petersburg the same way that he did in Lubavitch; - he didn’t pay any special attention to his attire. Furthermore, at the time of the story R’ Michoel was apparently before davening, and wasn’t even buttoned up (I won’t get into which buttons we’re talking about, - this was before zippers were around . . .)

R’ Shmuel Michel was walking alongside R’ Michoel in the street, and feeling distinctly uncomfortable. Here he was, the respected businessman who everyone knew and held in such high esteem, and he was being escorted by what looked like a tramp! Of course he wouldn’t say anything to R’ Michoel, who he was in awe of, but every time one of his acquaintances passed by them he felt like running away and hiding.

Finally, he could not contain himself, and a long sigh burst out of his mouth. Startled, R’ Michoel asked him if everything was alright. R’ Shmuel Michel tried very respectfully to suggest to R’ Michoel that at least when walking in the streets of Petersburg he could make himself more presentable. When R’ Michoel heard that this was what was troubling his colleague, he turned to him reproachfully and exclaimed:

“Gevald, R’ Shmuel Michel, in vos ligt ihr?!!” [Gevald, R’ Shmuel Michel, is this what your into??!!]