Once, one of the guests at the Seder of the Tzemach Tzedek measured his two pieces of matzah to see which was larger.[24] The Tzemach Tzedek noticed this and commented: "When one must measure (i.e., when one needs to compare) to see that a greater one is indeed greater, it is the smaller one that is really the greater."

The Rebbe Rashab was a small boy at the time. His grandfather's words made a great impression on him, and from that time onward, he would view with displeasure any person whose greatness had to be measured [against someone or something else in order to define his greatness].

Sefer HaSichos 5702, p. 86

   

Notes:

24. (Back to text) During the part of the Seder known as Yachatz, a whole matzah is broken into two pieces, and the larger piece is put aside for the afikomen.