They Thought the Elder Chossid Was a Thief

The chossid Reb Nateh, the Rov of Malastirzineh, was a prominent chossid of the Mitteler Rebbe and the Tzemach Tzedek, and was known for his exceptional bittul. When young chassidim in Lubavitch tried throwing out of the Rebbe’s shul, Reb Nateh was not offended – and even defended them.

The chossid Reb Nateh, the Rov of Malastirzineh, was a prominent chossid of the Mitteler Rebbe and the Tzemach Tzedek, who both sent young men to learn the ways of Chassidus from him.  He was known to be totally divested from day-to-day ‘Olam Hazeh’.

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Reb Nateh was a very simple and humble person.  When he would visit Lubavitch, he presented himself like a commoner.

Once, Reb Nateh arrived in Lubavitch during the time of the market.  At such times, many thieves roamed the streets looking to take advantage of the trade season.  The Tzemach Tzedek had instructed the residents of Lubavitch not to allow any strangers to sleep in the shul.  Reb Nateh just arrived and was about to lay down to rest in the shul.  The young men did not recognize him and told him that this was not allowed.

Reb Nateh pleaded with them, trying to convince them that he was not a thief.  The young men persisted and started forcefully removing him from the shul.  Amidst the commotion, the Maharin, Reb Yisroel Noach, the son of the Rebbe, entered the room.  When he saw the situation, he shouted, “What are you doing?! This is Reb Nateh!”

The young men knew of Reb Nateh and were shocked and ashamed.  To their surprise, Reb Nateh turned to the Maharin and said, “What do you want from them?  This was the instruction from the Rebbe!  They were correct!  Who am I anyway…”

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Hearing so much praise sung about Reb Noteh, one of the younger chassidim wanted to meet this great chossid and get to know him. Such an opportunity presented itself during one of his trips to Lubavitch, when he found out that Reb Noteh was also there. He hurried excitedly to where Reb Noteh was being hosted. Just as he was about to enter the inn, he noticed someone on his way out.

“Is Reb Noteh from Malastirzineh here?” the young chossid asked, pronouncing the name Reb Noteh with great reverence. The man, however, answered with lackluster, “Eh! People exaggerate! There’s a tiny village out there called Malastirzineh, and over there can be found a simple Reb Notke… and this they turn into something spectacular.”

Hearing such dishonorable words being spoken about Reb Noteh, the young man angrily rebuked the other, even slapping him on his cheek. The great chossid continued on his way and the young man entered the inn, again inquiring where he could find Reb Noteh.

“He just walked out; you must have seen him,” he was told.

Realizing that the man he had spoken to earlier had been Reb Noteh, he was filled with remorse and hurried to ask forgiveness. Reb Noteh laughed and asked, “For what? What have you done to me?”

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Reb Nateh lived across the street from his brother-in-law.  Once, his wife and her sister were discussing whose husband was more of a tzaddik.  Reb Nateh’s wife said that her husband is so great that he fasts very often.  She added, “Today, too, he is fasting.  He has not eaten all day.”  Reb Nateh overheard the conversation.  Right away, he took a piece of cake, and very conspicuously ate the cake in front of the window.  Reb Nateh’s tziddkus was not for public knowledge.

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Reb Volf Greenglass related:

R. Noteh once wished to enter the Tzemach Tzedek’s room, but he was refused entry. He knocked at the door over and over, repeatedly saying the phrase, “He opens the door for those who knock with teshuva” (from “V’chol Maaminim” recited on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur – implying that just as Hashem opens the door for those who return sincerely, the Rebbe should similarly open the door for him).

The Tzemach Tzedek finally opened the door and said, “Reb Noteh, what do you want from me? Kol yamav biteshuva – All your days, you are constantly striving to do teshuva!”

For sources, visit TheWeeklyFarbrengen.com