The high holidays were approaching. Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev and Reb Yisrael of Koznitz were planning their service in the upcoming days. Among the topics they discussed was who would blow the shofar first. They agreed that Reb Yisrael would be given that distinction since he would customarily begin his prayers early.
The morning of Rosh Hashana had just begun, and the Rebbe of Koznitz ascended the bima to blow the shofar. Concealed by his talit, he sensed a disturbing, negative response from preventing him from blowing the shofar. It was as if the gates of Heaven were impregnable. Try as he did, he could not breach the wall.
Suddenly, the gates swung wide open. All the obstacles disappeared and the heavens were prepared to receive the Jews' prayers.
"What brought about this change?" he inquired. It was revealed that the heavens were penetrated by the holy service of Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev who was preparing to immerse in the mikva before blowing the shofar.
Reb Yisrael of Koznitz turned to his followers. "If the mere preparation of Reb Levi Yitzchak have such a pronounced effect, we must wait until he blows the shofar, and only afterwards will we proceed with our service."
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