The Dubner Maggid was once asked by the Vilna Gaon for words of "mussar" (ethics).
"What can I say to you?" replied the Maggid.
"You, who are the pride and light of our people and who studies and prays all night...."
But the Vilna Gaon was not satisfied and pressed the Maggid for "mussar" on the eve of Yom Kippur.
"You are learned an pious," he began, "but how long would you last in the marketplace? There are thieves about, ruthless competitors are everywhere and price fixing is common. You who have never had the chance to sully your cloak, how long would you remain holy in a place like that?"
The Vilna Gaon accepted his chastisement. -Harold Shulweis
"What can I say to you?" replied the Maggid.
"You, who are the pride and light of our people and who studies and prays all night...."
But the Vilna Gaon was not satisfied and pressed the Maggid for "mussar" on the eve of Yom Kippur.
"You are learned an pious," he began, "but how long would you last in the marketplace? There are thieves about, ruthless competitors are everywhere and price fixing is common. You who have never had the chance to sully your cloak, how long would you remain holy in a place like that?"
The Vilna Gaon accepted his chastisement. -Harold Shulweis
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