Eating Gebrokts

Some chassidim of the Sanzer Rav were once in Pressburg for Pesach and were guests at the Chasam Sofer’s table. Chassidim customarily avoid gebrokts, matzah that has touched liquid. The Chasam Sofer did not follow that custom, and kneidlach were on his table.

When the kneidlach were brought out, the guests did not know what to do. Gebrokts had never touched their lips, and they were well aware of how strict their Rebbe was about this minhag. One chassid held back. The other thought, “This is the table of the Godol HaDor, and who am I to be more stringent than he?” and he ate.

On their return, they told the Sanzer Rav about the visit. To the chassid who had eaten, he said, “You have earned Olam HaBa.” To the one who had held back, he said, “Be sure to stay close to me on Yom Kippur; I shall try to plead for your forgiveness.”