With his kindness, the Viznitzer Rebbe reinstated a Yid to Torah.
Harav Yisrael Hager, the Rebbe of Viznitz, the Ahavas Yisrael, is the subject of an interesting story. He was born 2 days in Elul 5620. He was the firstborn son of Rabbi Boruch Hager, the Imrei Baruch. He married the daughter of Rabbi Meir Horowitz the Rebbe of Dzikov. In 1875 he moved to his father-in-law's house and studied at great length with his brother-in-law Rabbi Yehoshua of Dzikov the Ateres Yehoshua. Harav Yisrael passed away two days in Sivon 5696. After surviving World War II and immigrating to Israel, Harav Chaim Mayer Hager, also known as the Imrei Chaim, succeeded his father Harav Yisrael. Eight days of Nisson 5732, the Imrei Chaim passed away in Bnei Brak.
The Viznitzer Rebbe, Harav Yisrael, used to frequent the town of Karlsbad, Germany, a spa and vacation destination known for its hot springs. Mr. Morris, a secular Jew, visited the baths at that time as well for his own health. He was informed one day via certified mail that he was facing charges for a crime he accused of, and that he needed to show up in court on a specific day. Mr. Morris was terrified and afraid because he knew he would have to serve a lengthy jail sentence if found guilty. He was a diligent worker with a small income who couldn't afford to hire a strong defense attorney.
He was condemned and looked tortured and despondent. Noticing the anguish on his friend's face, Mr. Hansberg asked him, "What occurred to you?" I recognize you as a truly cheerful individual who is always smiling. Mr. Morris revealed his story and became increasingly open with his friend Mr. Hansberg. To reassure Mr. Morris, Mr. Hansberg clarified that the famous Rebbe of Viznitz was at the resort and was known for performing miracles, so he needn't be concerned. He can certainly assist you in your dire predicament.
Mr. Morris held a strong aversion to Rebbes; in truth, he loathed them and was firmly opposed to meeting one. After initiating a dialogue, Mr. Hansberg straightforwardly asked, "What does he have to lose by meeting the Rebbe?" Except if there's an alternative method. Mr. Morris ultimately agreed to meet the Viznitzer Rebbe as he recognized his situation and was in urgent need of salvation.
Mr. Morris felt a little calmer standing in front of the Rebbe, who smiled warmly and welcomed him. What was upsetting him, the Rebbe asked him? The Rebbe listened to him tell his story. "Is there anything I can help you with?" inquired the Rebbe. "I need to hire a good lawyer to defend me, but I have no money for a lawyer," the Jew replied. "How much money do you need for a lawyer?" inquired the Rebbe. Mr. Morris responded with the number he required. "You need not worry; here is the entire amount of money you require," the Rebbe remarked. You will get back to me with the good news once you have been acquitted in the case. You should worry about paying me back after that!
Mr. Morris was taken aback by this: here is a Rebbe who has never met him and doesn't even know him, yet he trusts me with this much money! His attitude toward the Rebbe had changed, and he thanked him and requested his blessing to succeed in court. After delivering his bracha, the Rebbe bid him farewell. After expressing gratitude to the Rebbe, Mr. Morris sought the advice of a renowned attorney who examined the court documents and expressed confidence in his ability to win the case, albeit at a significant cost. In response, Mr. Morris said he had the necessary funds and that a contract had been created. The attorney got to work on the matter, and he made his defense in court. Mr. Morris was cleared of all charges.
Mr. Morris compensated the attorney after expressing his gratitude. He began to take loans to repay the Rebbe. It was not an easy task, yet he managed to gather the complete amount and departed to visit the Rebbe after investing significant effort. He approached the Rebbe, conveyed the positive update, and asserted he had the money to repay the loan. He was stunned to discover, however, that the rebbe had refused the money, stating that Hashem had already rewarded him with other resources and that hence the money could not be accepted.
Mr. Morris, who had never experienced such kindness and dedication from another Jew, was genuinely moved by this and started to cry, telling the Rebbe: I wish to repent and become a God-fearing Jew. He implored the Rebbe to guide him toward genuine repentance. Once Mr. Morris accepted the Rebbe's invitation to learn with him, he swiftly adopted the Torah lifestyle and Judaism, becoming a devout Yid. A Yid rediscovered his Torah roots thanks to the Rebbe's kindness and Kiruv efforts.
Mr. Morris went to thank his friend Mr. Hansberg, to whom he owed a great deal. They studied Torah together and developed a close relationship! This is a great illustration of the advantages of showing kindness to another Yid.
