Adar Joy-Slonim-My Own Accomplishments

The 28th of Adar is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Mordechai Kastelanitz of Lecovitz, the father of the Slonim Chassidic dynasty: Once on Purim the Kobriner in his youth visited the house of Rabbi Mordechai of Lecovitz. The latter said to him, “The Talmud teaches us that today anyone who stretches forth his hand for something, must have his request granted (Yerushalmi, Megillah 1:4). What shall I give to you?”

The Kobriner replied, “I wish nothing whatsoever as a gift. I desire merely to be like the common soldier who elevates himself from the ranks by virtue of his loyal service, and not through undeserved influence, exerted by others in his behalf.” (Ohr Yesharim, page 55)