A Remarkable Memory

It is told that the Rav was walking past a big tree when he named the exact number of leaves growing on it. His companion objected that nobody could ever check such a claim. The Rav answered that the man should snap off a branch while the Rav's back was turned, and count the leaves in his hand. Then the Rav would state how many were left on the tree. The man did as he was told, and the Rav gave a new figure, which was precisely the earlier total less the leaves the man held.

Chassidim also relate that a shaila about a piece of cloth once reached him, and he gave his psak immediately. The questioner suspected that the Rav had decided too hastily without looking carefully, so on the following day he sent a friend with the very same cloth, presenting it as a fresh question. The Rav glanced at it and said that it was the cloth from the day before. He recognized it by the weave, and he stated how many threads ran across and how many ran lengthwise. It is also said that when he walked by an Arab restaurant, he took in at a glance how many diners were seated inside and mentioned the number in passing.