The Garlic on Motza'ei Shabbos

One of the most remarkable customs in Reb Itzikel's court was the giving out of knubbel (garlic) on Motza'ei Shabbos. At the Melaveh Malkah the Rebbe passed cloves around from a bowl, and wondrous tales and segulos were told about them. To some people he gave a single clove and to others many. Every clove was counted with intent, and usually the recipient understood why he had received that number.

Visitors tossed coins into the bowl, and the Rebbe stirred them in among the cloves. It was known to be an eis ratzon (a time of favor), and people asked for yeshuos and berachos while he stirred the money and the cloves together.

On a day when Reb Itzikel was feeling weak, the gabbaim closed his door to let him rest. When he noticed that the room was locked, he insisted that they open the door to the crowd. As the people filed in, he told them, "Fools, if you knew what I know about the garlic cloves, you would break down my windows and doors to get in and take them."