A Pinch of Snuff
The Tzaddik, Reb Avraham Mordechai of Pinchov, related the following tale:
It was Rosh HaShana, and all the Chassidim of the Baal Shem Tov were engrossed in fervent prayer together in the Beis Medresh of their Holy Rebbe. In the midst of the services, a snuffbox fell to the ground. Reb Reuven bent down to pick it up, and helped himself to a pinch of its contents. Reb Shimon noticed this and rebuked his fellow Chassid for this distraction from his prayers.
The Baal Shem Tov, with his head enwrapped in his Tallis, was praying at the front of the room. With his holy vision, the Baal Shem suddenly became aware that Reb Shimon's rebuke had been translated into a heavenly decree that Reb Reuven was to die that coming year.
The Baal Shen Tov sent his soul soaring to Shamayim to intercede on his Talmid's behalf, but to no avail. He continued to plead for his student's life until the eve of Hoshana Rabah, when he was informed that Reb Reuven still had a chance. If the rebuking Reb Shimon were to discover, of his own accord, a favorable interpretation of the snuffbox incident, then the death sentence would be repealed.
Upon entering the Beis Medresh, the Baal Shem Tov found Reb Shimon reviewing the Tikkin, the service for Hoshana Rabah night. With his amazing power, the Baal Shem was able to rob his Talmid of his power of concentration. Reb Shimon began pacing the floor, trying to arouse himself to lofty thought of G-d's imperial greatness. Suddenly, a thought entered his mind:
"Why has this generation adopted the practice of taking snuff?" he wondered, "It must be that there are certain precious souls that require the ephemeral aid of aroma to envelope themselves in holiness, like it says, "A sacrifice of sweet smelling fragrance to Hashem." It must be this fragrance that assists them in transcending their mortal bonds."
Upon arriving at this conclusion, the Chassid was immediately struck with remorse for having rebuked Reb Reuven. It now occurred to him that it was very possible that Reb Reuven's whiff of snuff had helped to elevate a precious prayer.
It was the Baal Shem Tov's custom on the day of Hoshana Rabah to answer any difficult questions that his Talmidim might have, since at that perticular time, his mind was exceptionally lucid, and capable of seeing from one end of the world to the other. Every student prepared some question to ask his Rebbe.
When Reb Shimon's turn came, he asked the Baal Shem Tov about the purpose of snuff.
"You tell me..." countered the Baal Shem.
The Talmid proceeded to relate the thought that had occurred to him the previous night.
"Continue; what further thoughts struck you in this regard?" Urged the Rebbe.
Reb Shimon went on to say that he felt it was to Reb Reuven's merit that he helped himself to a pinch of snuff in the midst of the Rosh HaShana prayers.
At that moment, the death sentence on Reb Reuven was lifted. The Baal Shem Tov then revealed to the man before him what he had caused by his initial rebuke. He then warned him to carefully consider in the future whatever he says, and to judge others favorably.