Some 300 years ago, there lived a wealthy man named Avigdor. He once brought a large sum of money to the Baal Shem Tov, to be distributed to the poor on his behalf. Accepting the contribution graciously, the Baal Shem Tov inquired if he would like a blessing in return. After all, the Baal Shem Tov was renowned not only as a great Torah scholar, but also as a righteous individual who had the power to give blessings.
"No thanks!" replied Avigdor arrogantly. "I am very wealthy; I own many properties, and I have servants, plenty of delicacies and everything else I want. I have more than I need"!
"You are very fortunate," replied the Baal Shem Tov. "Perhaps you would like a blessing for your family"?
"I have a large and healthy family of which I am very proud; they are a credit to me. I don’t need anything".
"Well, then perhaps you can help me," inquired the Baal Shem Tov, "Can you please deliver a letter to the head of the charity committee in Brody"?
"Certainly," responded Avigdor. "I live in Brody and would be happy to assist the Rebbi in this matter".
An artistic image of the Baal Shem Tov
The Baal Shem Tov took out a pen and paper, wrote a letter, sealed it in an envelope and gave it to Avigdor. Avigdor took the letter, placed it in his jacket pocket and returned home. But he had so many projects on his mind that by the time he arrived in Brody he had completely forgotten about the entire encounter with the Baal Shem Tov.
Sixteen years passed, and the wheel of fortune suddenly turned. All of Avigdor's assets and properties were lost or destroyed. Floods ruined his fields of crops; fires destroyed his forests. He was left penniless. Creditors took his house and everything he owned. He was forced to sell even his clothing to feed his children.
One day, while cleaning out the pockets of an old jacket he planned to sell, he found the letter that he had received from the Baal Shem Tov 16 years earlier! In a flash, he recalled his visit and his haughtiness when he thought he had everything. With tears in his eyes, he rushed to finally fulfill his mission and deliver the letter.
The envelope was addressed to a Mr. Tzaddok, chairman of the charity committee of Brody. He ran into the street and encountered one of his friends. Grabbing his arm, he said, "Where can I find Mr. Tzaddok?
