One bitterly cold night, Reb Shmuel Munkes embarked on a journey to his Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. The wind pierced his bones, and he was relieved to see a wagon passing by. The wagon stopped, and the driver happily offered Reb Shmuel a ride. The driver was a liquor merchant, and Reb Shmuel made himself comfortable among the many bottles of liquor that filled the wagon. Still chilled to the core, Reb Shmuel realized that drinking some of the vodka would warm him. The driver agreed, and after drinking the vodka, Reb Shmuel felt warm through and through.

Reb Shmuel entered into a private audience and told Rabbi Schneur Zalman, “The Rebbe has taught his chassidim that they must take lessons from every life experience.” Reb Shmuel recounted the events of his journey. “The air had chilled me to the bone. I sat among the bottles of liquor for quite a while, and although liquor has the power to warm a person, I still remained ice-cold. Only when I actually drank the vodka did I become warm.”

Reb Shmuel said that this taught him an important lesson about Divine service. One might dwell in an environment of Torah, surrounded by inspiration, yet only once it is internalized will it have a great affect on him and warm his soul.

“Education is what remains with you after you’ve forgotten all that you learned.”