Savoring the Davening

The Ropshitzer Rav used to daven quite fast, while the Chozeh of Lublin, who was also one of his rebbes, davened slowly. Once the Ropshitzer led the Chozeh's minyan, and despite his best efforts to keep to a slower pace to suit his rebbe, he finished quickly as usual.

"Why do you daven so fast?" asked the Chozeh. As usual the Ropshitzer answered with wit. "When a person likes the food, he gobbles it up quickly," he said, alluding to his love for every word of davening.

"Ah, I see," said the Chozeh. "I too like the fare, but I prefer to savor each morsel and draw out the flavor in every mouthful."

The Ropshitzer would not be outdone, and he answered with another jest. "Rebbe, your food is piping hot, and so you must eat it slowly, whereas my own . . ."