A Visit from the Tosafos Yom Tov

It is told that once, as Rav Simcha Bunim sat with his talmidim, an elderly talmid chacham came to greet him. He remembered Rav Bunim from his younger days in Vadislav, and because he remembered him as a youngster, he did not address him as Rav or Rebbe. The talmidim were upset and rebuked the guest for his lack of respect for their Rebbe.

"I will test your Rebbe," the elderly talmid chacham answered. "I will ask him a question on the commentary of the Tosafos Yom Tov. If he knows the answer, I will honor him with the title Rav and Rebbe."

He asked the question, and Rav Bunim closed his eyes in concentration and rested his head on his arm for several minutes. Then he lifted his head, opened his eyes, and gave an excellent explanation that answered the question. The guest was amazed. "I asked many scholars, and no one could answer my question. How did you know the answer?"

"I ascended on high," explained Rav Bunim, "and asked the neshamah of my departed rebbe, the Yid HaKadosh, who in turn went to visit the Tosafos Yom Tov himself in the heavenly academy. He told him that the printer had left out a few words, and he gave me the answer. That is how I know."