A Visit from the Tosafos Yom Tov

Once Reb Bunim of Peshischa was sitting with his chassidim when an elderly talmid chacham came to greet him. The visitor remembered Reb Bunim from his younger days in Vadislav, and because he remembered him as a youth he did not greet him with the title Rav or Rebbe. The chassidim were upset and rebuked the old man for failing to honor their rebbe. "I will test your rebbe," the guest replied. "I will ask him a question on the Tosafos Yom Tov, and if he knows the answer, I will honor him with the title Rav and Rebbe."

He asked his question, and Reb Bunim closed his eyes and rested his head on his arm for several minutes. At last he lifted his head, opened his eyes, and gave a very good explanation of the Tosafos Yom Tov that answered the question. The visitor was amazed. "I have asked many scholars and no one could answer me. How did you know?"

"I went up on High," said Reb Bunim, "and asked the neshamah of my departed rebbi, the Yid HaKadosh. He went to visit the Tosafos Yom Tov himself in the Heavenly Yeshiva, and the Tosafos Yom Tov explained that the printer had left out a few words. The Yid HaKadosh gave me the answer, and that is how I know it."