Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv
Working on our Middos Rav Dovid Nakash shared a story. When Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, the Gadol HaDor, had a heart attack, one of the first men at the scene was able to revive him, and with Hashem’s help, Rav Elyashiv went on to recuperate, and live for many more years.
Imagine the Zechus, the special merit of saving the Gadol HaDor. The greatness of Rav Elyashiv, whose Torah learning held up the world, and whose guidance was sought the world over, cannot be measured. The value is incomprehensible.
A Philanthropist Considers the Idea of Buying the Zechus of Saving Rav Elyashiv
Hearing how this one individual was the first to be at Rav Elyashiv’s side and helped resuscitate him, a certain philanthropist considered an idea. Could he possibly purchase this man’s Zechus? Perhaps, for a hefty sum, he would be willing to sell his share of the reward in Olam Haba.
This philanthropist sent a letter and a check for $180 million to this man. He explained that if he were to cash the check, it is on the understanding that the S’char for saving Rav Elyashiv would be purchased by this philanthropist, and would forever be his. It was a seemingly exorbitant sum to pay for a Mitzvah, for something that cannot be touched or held.
Seemingly a Simple Question with a Simple Answer
Many people may actually jump at the opportunity to sell their Mitzvah for $180 million. It would seem to be a simple question with a simple answer. One could reason that if they sell a Mitzvah, more Mitzvos could be done in the future, and many good deeds could result from earning $180 million! Imagine how much Tzedakah could be donated to Shuls, how many people’s lives could be saved, and how many other Mitzvos could be performed from those funds!
Faced with this question, the man went to none other than Rav Elyashiv himself. Laying out the details of the scenario, Rav Elyashiv responded, “We do not sell Mitzvos.” Rav Elyashiv continued to repeat this line over and over. We do not sell Mitzvos.
The Temporary Verses the Permanent
But what about the $180 million? We may look at a Mitzvah as simply something good to do, yet, such a perspective lacks a true appreciation for what is real and what is fake. Money, no matter the amount, even $180 million, is temporary. A Mitzvah, no matter how big or small, is permanent. Why would one ever sell something that is permanent for something that is temporary? Never underestimate the value of any Mitzvah!
Reprinted from the Parshas Korach 5785 email of Rabbi Yehuda Winzelberg’s Torah U’Tefilah.
