The Icy Mikveh

The first time Rav Yaakov Yitzchok came to Rovna to see Rav Dov Ber, later known as the Maggid of Mezritch and the successor of the Baal Shem Tov as leader of the Chassidic movement, the Maggid was bedridden with a life-threatening illness.

Rav Yaakov Yitzchok wasted no time. He went straight to the mikveh and immersed in the freezing water, as an act of self-sacrifice to add merit and heal the sick tzaddik. The water was so icy that he fainted.

At that very moment the Maggid opened his eyes. His fever had broken. He called those gathered around his bed and urged, "Quick. Run to the mikveh and save a Jewish life. He certainly deserves it." And so the Chozeh saved the life of the Maggid.