Rabbi Elimelech, the Rabbi of Lizhensk, was widely recognized as a righteous, holy Jew and an accomplished scholar.

Once a young Torah scholar visited Rabbi Elimelech.

“Rabbi Elimelech,” began the visitor, “we are both scholars, well-versed in Jewish law. Yet you have far surpassed me in your level of saintliness. What do you possess that I lack?”

Rabbi Elimelech pointed to the bowl of fruit displayed before them on the table. “When you want to eat an apple, do you make a blessing to G-d?”

“I certainly do!” the visiting rabbi answered.

“Ah – that’s the difference! You see, when you want to eat an apple, you make a blessing. When I want to make a blessing, I eat an apple.”