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Weekly Chasidic Story #888 (s5775-11 / 11 Kislev 5775) A Helpful Detour The chasid told the tzadik, R. Yechiel-Michel of Zlotchov, about his meeting with the wealthy merchant who had entrusted him to deliver the inheritance to the relative who could not be found.. Connection: The Weekly Reading--opens with messengers who were actually angels (according to the Maggid of Mezritch).
A Helpful DetourIn years gone by, it was not unusual for Chasidim to spend extended periods of time in their Rebbe's presence, where they would fine-tune their own character traits and learn a path of spiritual service which would become the basis for their own spiritual endeavors. Once, Rebbe Michil of Zlotchov sent one of his Chasidim to another town to learn from a simple, unlearned Jew the attribute of trust in G-d. The chasid remained in that town for many weeks, observing that individual and learning from his behavior how to perfect his own trust in the Creator. Finally, when the time came to leave the chasid made his way home, pondering the lessons he had learned. He was walking down the road lost in thought, when he was shaken by the anguished screams of women and children. The chasid looked up to see two Jewish women, bound in chains, being dragged down the road by two large, muscular gentile guards. He ran after the party and asked the women, "What has happened to you?" The weeping women replied to him, "Our husbands leased the inn which belongs to the master of the village and they owe him a lot of rent. When they couldn't pay the rent, the master took us and he says he will kill us!" The chasid told the guards, "I will go to your master and I will pay the entire debt." They all went to the house of the master of the village, but instead of finding him, they found the manager of the estate. When the chasid explained his intention to repay the debt, the manager was very willing to make the deal. "Here are 150 rubles and I will sign a note for the balance," the chasid said. "You don't know my master," said the manager. "He's not the type to settle for less than the whole amount. He's waited a long time for these Jews to pay up! Either you produce the whole amount, or the deal is off!" The chasid had no choice but to comply, for the fate of two Jewish families was at stake. He laid all his money on the table, but was still short. Then he went and pawned whatever possessions he had to amass the entire sum of money. The manager took the money and released the women. The chasid continued on his journey home, giving thanks to the Creator for having given him the privilege of performing the exalted commandment of pidyon shevuyim/redeeming captives. Before dark, the chasid stopped at an inn to rest for the night. He soon fell into conversation with another Jewish traveler who, by the look of his clothing, was a wealthy merchant. The wealthy Jew asked him many questions, and so they passed some time in pleasant conversation. The next morning the chasid mentioned to his new acquaintance the names of the towns he intended to pass through on his trip home. "You know," the merchant interrupted excitedly, "I have a relative living in the town of R--, not far from the road you will be taking. For some time I have been looking for a trustworthy messenger with whom I could send him inheritance money. Perhaps you would agree to perform this favor for me?" The chasid agreed at once. He wouldn't have to go far out of his way, and he was happy to be able to do yet another favor for a fellow Jew. He took the money and carefully sewed it into the lining of his jacket. The wealthy merchant thanked him warmly and offered to compensate him for his trouble, but the chasid refused, saying, "It is really no trouble for me to make a short detour, and I'm glad to be able to help you out." But the merchant persisted, saying, "I promise you that your mitzvah will stand intact, even though you accept this small gift from me." Then the chasid agreed to take the money, for indeed, he had not even enough to pay for his night's stay at the inn. The two men shook hands and went their separate ways. The chasid finally came to the little town and asked around for the man, but no one recognized the name or the description. He was puzzled, for the merchant had entrusted him with an enormous sum of money. He certainly must have known that his relative lived in that town. Perhaps he was a recluse, or lived on the outskirts of the town. The chasid decided to spend a few days in the town in the hope that he would discover the whereabouts of the lost relative, but all his searching was in vain. It was a very downhearted man who returned to Zlotchov, to the court of Rebbe Michil. The chasid went into the room of his Rebbe and related to him all he had learned about his service to the Al-mighty; how he had learned to put his trust entirely in his Creator with a pure and simple belief. He also told the Rebbe about his encounter with the two women and how he had ransomed them from their cruel captors. Finally, he told the tzadik about his meeting with the wealthy merchant who had entrusted him to deliver the inheritance to the relative who could not be found. "Rebbe," said the man, sadly, "In this last mission which was entrusted to me I regret that I have failed, and now, I have a great sum of money which I cannot deliver to its rightful owner." Reb Michil beamed a big smile at him and replied, "Let me
explain to you what you experienced. In the merit of the great mitzvah
of redeeming the two captive Jewish women, angels were created as your advocates
in the Heavenly Court. The man you took for a wealthy merchant was really one
of those angels and the money he entrusted you is for you to make use of with
a happy and peaceful heart." Connection: The Weekly Reading--opens with messengers who were actually angels (according to the Maggid of Mezritch) Biographical note: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~
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Yerachmiel
Tilles is co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and chief editor
of this website (and of KabbalaOnline.org). He has hundreds of published stories
to his credit, and many have been translated into other languages. He tells
them live at Ascent nearly every Saturday night.