This article first appeared on Meaningfulminute.org Hundreds of people from all over Poland and Russia would gather to see the great Rav Dovid’l of Tolna light the Menorah. It was a dangerous and exhausting journey, but Chanukah was a special time for the Tolna Chasidim, with a serious dedication to Avodas Hashem and beautiful singing and dancing. To see the Maggid of Tolna light the giant silver Menorah of his saintly grandfather was a sight to behold. Bleachers were set up in the small Shul so the massive throngs of people could see the Maggid’s Avodah. Those who came were inspired for the duration of the long, cold, and dark winter ahead. It was well worth the trek. One year Rav Dovid’l was standing by the Menorah with the shamash in his hand, but he did not light the Menorah. Five minutes went by, and then ten. The Tolna Maggid stood silently while the masses waited for the Maggid to begin making the brachos. Finally, after twenty minutes, the Maggid turned around and asked, “Where is Shaya the Hoiche (the tall one)?” In that town, there were many Shayas. This particular Shaya was known for his exceptional height. Shaya was a simple Jew who never had a Jewish education because his parents were killed when he was younger. He did not know Masechtas of Gemara or even Pesukim in Chumash. But, he was a Yaarei Shomayim of the highest caliber. Shaya could not believe that the Maggid was calling for him, especially during this auspicious occasion. Still, the Maggid insisted that
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