Pesach Preparations-Ostrov

The 19th of Adar is the Yartzeit of Rav Meir Yechiel HeLevi Haldshtok, founder of the court of Ostrovtze: Rabbi Meir Margolis walked along a muddy street on the Eve of Passover towards the river, carrying a large pitcher. The Maggid, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Ostrow, was likewise on his way towards the river, but he rode in a wagon. He noticed Rabbi Meir and exclaimed, “Why do you walk in the mud, O Chief Rabbi?”

The latter replied, “The mitzvah of drawing water for the baking of the matzot for the Seder comes only once a year. I do not care to share it with a horse.”

The Maggid descended from his wagon, and walked beside the Rabbi to the river. (Niflaot haYehudi, page 89)