Editing The Rebbe Maharash (section)

==== The Bris ====
On the day of the bris, the Tzemach Tzedek instructed to start Shacharis prayers early. By the tenth hour, all family members had arrived, led by the uncle R' Chaim Avraham, son of the Alter Rebbe. When it was nearly two o'clock and the Tzemach Tzedek was still secluded in his room, the gathered began to worry. R' Chaim Avraham sighed and said, "He is busy with more important guests than me." After half an hour, the Rebbe emerged from his room holding a red handkerchief, with a radiant face and tearful eyes, saying "The bris will be today," and after a few moments returned to his holy chamber.

Meanwhile, the Chassidim waited anxiously. R' Chaim Avraham went to the window, rested his head on his hands, and became absorbed in thought. The other sons of the Tzemach Tzedek used the time to study Chassidus together. The Rebbetzin sent one of the Chassidim to ask her husband why they weren't proceeding with the bris, but R' Chaim Avraham stopped him. After the third hour, the Rebbe emerged again with a joyful face and repeated that the bris would be that day, telling the guests to refresh themselves. At four o'clock, he came out for the third time and said not to pray Mincha as the bris would take place very soon.

During the festive meal following the bris, his brother the Maharil asked after whom he was named, since such a name was uncommon in the Tzemach Tzedek's family. He whispered to himself, "Perhaps after Shmuel HaNavi (the Prophet Samuel)?" The Tzemach Tzedek responded: "After a water carrier in Polotsk who was called Shmuel, for a chacham (wise person) is superior to a navi (prophet)."