The Spy Who Asked for a Brocho

At one point the Russian government began to suspect that the Sefas Emes was helping people avoid the army, and they sent a spy to find out. They chose a Jewish meshumad (apostate) of draft age for the task.

The man entered the Rebbe’s room disguised as a chassid and asked for a brocho and for guidance, since he was about to be drafted. To the astonishment of everyone present, the Rebbe shrugged and said, “Well, the Russian army needs soldiers. Without fighters, wars cannot be won.” The chassidim were stunned by such an answer. Only later did they understand, when they heard that this chassid was a spy planted by the authorities.