R. Bentcha once related that when he learned in Lubavitch, an older boy with long peyos, side-curls, and obviously not from a Chabad home, once showed up to the yeshiva. He kept to himself and did not mingle amongst the other boys his age. When he continued keeping silent, they began to tease him.

Seeing that he couldn’t get rid of them, he said, “If you promise to stop bothering me, I will tell you a story about your Rebbe that you have never heard.” Of course, they agreed, as they were deeply interested to hear what still-unknown story about the Rebbe Rashab this newcomer might have to say.

He kept to himself and did not mingle amongst the other boys his age

And so he began:

“I am a Slonimer Chassid. Last year, my Rebbe went to visit many tzaddikim, holy Jews, in different countries, and when he returned he held a gathering to deliver words of Torah, as is our custom. During one teaching, he stopped suddenly and said: ‘I traveled the world to see tzaddikim, Rebbes and holy Jews1. I saw a real tzaddik in Lubavitch. He sits with two golden chains on either side of his waistcoat, and a golden watch, but he possesses a degree of humility and modesty that exists by no other human.’

“He said more words of Torah and then interrupted himself again, and said with devotion, ‘How fortunate are the eyes that peered into the eyes of a real tzaddik!’ He then continued and said, ‘How fortunate are the eyes that look into the eyes of he who saw a real tzaddik!’

“He then finished saying his words of Torah and the food customarily served at such gatherings was served. After the Rebbe had tasted the food, everyone began to take something of what was left, to have the privilege of sharing a meal with the Rebbe, as is our custom. As a close follower, I sat near the Rebbe and I took too. He then turned to me and said: ‘This is not the way for you. Go to Lubavitch.’

“And so I came.”