ויאמר ה’ אל משה אמור אל אהרן קח מט ונטה ידך על מימי מצרים (וארא ז:יט)

Rashi explains that since the river protected Moshe when he was placed in it as a baby, Aharon was assigned the task of striking the water with his staff to bring about the Makos — the plagues. Moshe refrained from hitting the water himself, feeling that doing so would show ingratitude toward the river. From this, we learn the middah of Hakaras HaTov — recognizing and appreciating someone who has done good for us.

The Maggid Reb Sholom Shwadron, zt’’l, related that the Gaon Reb Chaim Volozhiner, zt’’l, never agreed to sign any document opposing Chassidim. The Brisker Rav, zt’’l, explained that this was because Reb Chaim had once received a great favor from a Chassidic Rebbe. Just as Moshe Rabbeinu could not strike the river because it had done him a favor, so too Reb Chaim felt he could not cause harm to those from whom he had benefited.

Reb Sholom did not know what the favor had been until he discovered writings from Reb Chaim in which it was recorded. Reb Chaim had once been in exile and arrived in the city of Alik, a Chassidic town. Upon arriving, he went directly to the Beis Medrash to learn, without asking anyone for food. The townspeople, seeing a young man diligently learning, voluntarily provided him with food throughout his stay.

During his time there, Reb Chaim fell gravely ill. Reb Hersh of Alik, zt’’l, a talmid of the Baal Shem Tov, instructed his chassidim to care for Reb Chaim until he recovered. They remained by his bedside until he regained full health, and Reb Hersh insisted that he stay in their city until he had completely regained his strength.

Reb Sholom concluded that this was the great favor Reb Chaim had received from the Chassidim, and this explains why he never signed anything opposing them.