Story of the week

The arrogant Rosh Hakahal mellowed down at the home of the Belzer Rov

In a small Hungarian town, there was a large community of Belzer Chassidim who frequently traveled to Belz. Their Rebbe, Harav Yehoshua Rokeach, known as the “Miteler Rov” (as it is customary in Belz to refer to a Rebbe as Rov), was the son of the first Belzer Rov, the “Sar Shalom of Belz.” When the Rabbi of their town passed away, they sought a new Rabbi, understanding that they could not make a decision without consulting the Belzer Rov. A respected group was sent to ask for his guidance on a suitable candidate. He contemplated and suggested a G-d-fearing Shochet from a nearby town close to Munkatch as the right choice.

The Belzer Rov went on to say that he anticipated the Shochet would refuse their offer, so he decided to write a letter for the delegation to present to him if he declined the position. The delegation expressed their gratitude and headed to the Shochet's home. Upon arrival, they found the Shochet studying Chumash at his table. He greeted them and inquired about their visit. They informed him that they were there to propose he become their Rabbi. The Shochet responded incredulously, saying, “You must be joking. A person who studies a little Chumash, you want him to be your Rabbi?”

The delegation apologized and explained that they were sent by the Belzer Rov with a letter for him. After reading the letter, the Shochet began to weep, expressing, “I never sought fame; I always wished to remain in the background.” However, acknowledging the Belzer Rov's directive, he agreed to accept the position. They celebrated with a Lechaim and stayed for a few days to assist him in preparing his family and belongings for the move.

It was announced that the new Rabbi would deliver a Drasha that Shabbos and all were invited to participate. The people were eager to hear the Drasha, and they attended it with a standing room only in the small Shul. The Drasha which was so eloquent and rich in content that was sweet to the ears, and the entire town appreciated it. He received the town council's approval.

The following day, all the Jews in the town came together to sign a Rabbinical contract, except for one leader named R' Mordechai, who refused to sign. He was opposed to having a Shochet from a small town as their Rabbi, insisting they needed a more renowned scholar. Despite attempts by the other leaders to convince him, he remained stubborn, actively working against the Rabbi to undermine his authority in the community.

The new Rabbi visited the Belzer Rov to discuss R’ Mordechai's stubbornness, explaining how he not only refused to sign the contract but was also causing him significant distress. The Belzer Rov reassured him, saying, “Do not worry; if he does not wish to sign, he ultimately will not be able to.” At that moment, while R’ Mordechai was dining at his table, he suddenly cried out, “I cannot move my hand!” The Belzer Chassidim were aware of the Belzer Rov's stern words regarding R’ Mordechai but kept it to themselves. His family sought help from the best doctors, yet no one could explain his condition.

Months passed without any improvement in R’ Mordechai’s condition. The other leaders attempted to persuade him, suggesting that his punishment was a result of opposing the Belzer Rov. They recommended that he plead for forgiveness to regain the use of his hands. Initially, he was defiant and refused, but soon he humbled himself. He invited the Rabbi to his home, apologized, and asked to be taken to the Belzer Rov. The Rabbi forgave him and accompanied him to Belz.

Upon seeing the Belzer Rov, R’ Mordechai bowed his head in shame. He expressed his willingness to sign the Rabbinical contract. The Belzer Rov perceived the sincerity in R’ Mordechai's heart and declared that if he committed to honoring the Rabbi appropriately, he would be healed and able to sign.

R’ Mordechai broke down in tears, swearing to adhere to the Belzer Rov's wishes moving forward. Consequently, he produced the contract, and with a miraculous movement, his hand regained mobility, allowing him to sign the document. Grateful to the Belzer Rov, he returned home elated and later became a follower of the Belzer Rov. His Yahrtzeit is the 23rd of Shvat.