למשפחתם לבית אבותם (במדבר א:ב)

The holy Ropshitzer Rav zt”l stemmed from a distinguished lineage of great tzaddikim. Once, while sitting with his chassidim, he spoke about the tremendous merit of yichus — ancestry from righteous forefathers. One of the chassidim suddenly exclaimed, “Rebbe, my yichus is greater than yours!”

The holy Ropshitzer was surprised, for the man came from a simple family, many of whom had strayed from the Torah path. The Yid explained: “Rebbe, I am the only one in my family who puts on tefillin and keeps Shabbos!”

The Ropshitzer smiled and replied: “You are right — your yichus is greater than mine!”