Rav Yisroel Meir Kagen HaCohen, the Chofetz Chaim
“How delicious this food is!” exclaimed R’ Yisroel Meir again and again as he ate with apparent relish a meal prepared for him by his hostess.
“Could it be,” wondered those present, “R’ Yisroel Meir is praising something a mundane as food?”
It turned out that R” Yisroel Meir’s intention was to bring satisfaction to his hostess. Since a person who prepares something for another rejoices when his efforts are appreciated, R’ Yisroel are appreciated, R’ Yisroel Meir was expressing his appreciation.
From Sparks of Mussar by R Chaim Ephraim Zaitchik
I knew a man in Boston (R’ Tzvi) whose family used to host the Chofetz Chaim when he traveled to their town in Poland and R’ Tvzi said that the Chofetz Chaim always complemented his mother on the cake she served him.
Friend,
Thanks. This comment might be more meaningful than reading a bio of the CC.