The notable chassid Rav Zalman Brizel zt”l, one of the esteemed elders of Karlin Chassidim in the holy Yerushalayim, owned a small bakery selling various baked goods. For many years, the residents of Yerushalayim knew that the finest pastries could be found at the Brizel family’s bakery.
One day, a Jew from Yerushalayim decided to enter the same trade and opened a bakery not far from Brizel’s. He, too, sold rugelach and other pastries.
The opening of the new bakery nearby seemed to pose direct competition and a potential threat to the livelihood of the Brizel family. Yet, Rav Zalman the tzaddik not only refrained from protesting or feeling enmity but instead greeted the newcomer warmly. He welcomed him with an open heart, blessing him generously with shalom aleichem, and wished him great success in his new venture.
More than that, Rav Zalman went a step further—he shared tips and advice, revealing secrets of the trade that Yerushalmim particularly loved about their baked goods. He explained which pastries sold better and in which seasons, all to help the new baker thrive and succeed.
In his great ahavas Yisrael, combined with his complete faith and trust in the One who sustains all, from the mighty ox to the tiniest flea, it never occurred to him that the competition could harm his livelihood. He firmly believed that no one can encroach upon what is meant for another and was genuinely delighted to assist a fellow Jew with a joyful and willing heart.
