In the King's Service

It happened once that the Apter, the Rymanover and the Chozeh of Lublin were staying in Lanzut, the Chozeh's residence before he moved to Lublin. Evil people denounced them to the government, and the three Rebbes were arrested and imprisoned. They decided that Rav Menachem Mendel, who had a good command of the German language, would be their spokesman at the hearing.

The judge asked, "What is your occupation?" "I am in the service of the king," the Rymanover replied. "What king?" "The King of kings."

"And what brings you two strangers [the Apter and the Rymanover] to Lanzut?" "We came to learn from this man [the Chozeh] how to serve the King more zealously." "And why are you wearing white garments?" "That is the color of our professional attire."

The judge pronounced his verdict. "We will have nothing to do with such people. Case dismissed."