Brought Home to Nikolsburg
After the Rav was first buried near Carlsbad, Nikolsburg asked to bring him home, and the Chasam Sofer ruled on the question.
Tradition tells that after Rav Mordechai died in Carlsbad, he was buried in nearby Lichtenstadt, on the understanding that his remains might later be moved. In his lifetime he had made clear where he wished to rest, close to his family and to his own Rav in Nikolsburg, and the town where he had served for forty years did not want to leave him elsewhere.
Lichtenstadt did not want to let him go. The two communities argued the matter, and the question was brought to the Chasam Sofer, who permitted the move. With that ruling and the agreement of the authorities, the arrangements went forward.
In Adar his sons raised him from his grave. On the seventh of the month his body was lifted, and on Sunday the twelfth of Adar it was brought to Nikolsburg and laid to rest beside his relatives, amid tears and eulogies. Chassidim relate that he had told his family that if they ever needed anything, they should come and prostrate themselves at his grave. Visitors have come to Mikulov for that reason ever since, and the matzeiva still tells the story of his return.
Source: Chasam Sofer, responsa (Likutim, vol. 6, no. 37), on the transfer of his remains; the text of his matzeiva in Nikolsburg (Mikulov)
Many of us carry an old hurt we caused, a conversation that ended badly or a commitment dropped, and we tell ourselves that it is too late to mend it. This week, pick one such person and do one small thing. Send a message of apology, ask after their family, or say honestly that you regret how it went. You will not be able to undo the past, but a sincere step toward someone you hurt is still within your reach, and it costs far less than waiting.