A brilliant and renowned scholar, exceptionally gifted and remarkably profound in his studies, came to Liozna and threw himself into the study of Chassidus. With his powerful intellectual propensity, he amassed, within a short time, a great and broad knowledge in Chassidus.

At his first yechidus with the Alter Rebbe, he asked: "Rebbe, what do I lack?" The Rebbe replied: "You lack nothing, for you are G-d-fearing and a scholar. You do need, however, to rid yourself of the chametz[27] - awareness of self and arrogance - and to bring in matzah, which is bittul, renunciation of self."

HaYom Yom, entry for 27 Tammuz

   

Notes:

27. (Back to text) Chametz is the term used for all leavened products forbidden for use on Passover. The ability of leaven to "puff up" bread is likened to "puffing oneself up" with arrogance. Since matzah does not contain any leavening agents, it is often used as a metaphor for humility.