The Banquet on the Fifth Night of Chanukah

On Rosh Hashanah, Rav Yehuda Tzvi promised his chassidim a banquet on the fifth night of Chanukah. The chassidim looked at their master in bewilderment. What connection was there between Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah? And why a banquet only on the fifth night, and not on every night?

When the fifth night arrived, they reminded the Rebbe of his promise. His face lit up, and he at once ordered a banquet prepared for all the guests. After many l'chaims, someone stood up courageously and asked, “Rebbe, what is the occasion for this banquet?”

Rav Yehuda Tzvi spoke in hushed tones. “During the holy prayers of Rosh Hashanah I saw that one tzaddik of our generation would be appointed as a judge in the heavenly court. I knew there were three possibilities: myself, the Rebbe of Butzchatch, or the holy Rebbe, Rav Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov. I prayed with all my heart to the Creator that I should not be found worthy of being a judge there. It was not clear to me what the decision from Heaven would be until this moment. As you all know, Chanukah is the final seal of whatever was decided on Rosh Hashanah. Now I know that I was not chosen, and that is why I made this banquet.”

The chassidim were awestruck. Soon afterward the news spread that Rav Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov, the Bnei Yissaschar, had been chosen as a judge of the heavenly court. He passed away on 18 Teves.