A Torah scholar and G-d fearing man came to the righteous tzaddik Rabbi Meir of Premishlan and expressed his strong desire to ascend to the Land of Israel. The tzaddik asked him:
“And where will you get the money for such a long journey?”
The man replied that he intended to turn to his relatives and friends and ask for their help. “With G-d’s help, I will surely succeed in raising from them the necessary sum—four hundred silver dinars,” he said.
The tzaddik thought for a moment and said: “And what about the loss of Torah study? Isn’t that a waste of precious time?!”
The man responded: “But what can I do?”
The tzaddik said to him: “It would be better for you to stay here, engage in Torah and service of G-d, and I will obtain the money for you.”
The man was surprised, but he agreed to remain and study Torah in the tzaddik’s study hall. As soon as he left the room, Rabbi Meir instructed his attendant not to admit anyone to him for about a month. “Even if it is a man of high stature or a very wealthy person, under no circumstances should you let him in,” he commanded.
Meir Does Not Worry
At the end of the month, the scholar returned to the tzaddik, who received him as though he had not seen him for many years. The tzaddik asked about his situation, and the man answered he was still waiting to ascend to the Land of Israel. The tzaddik looked at him and said: “But I promised you I would obtain the money. And if you ask, from where will Meir get the money? Meir does not worry, for trust in G-d has no limits. Wait a moment, and I will bring you four hundred silver dinars.”
The tzaddik then called for his attendant and asked him to open the door for those waiting to enter. Immediately, a distinguished-looking man entered, clearly a wealthy magnate. When he noticed another person in the room, he stepped back, wishing not to intrude. But the tzaddik signaled him to remain, and turning to the Torah scholar he said:
“I will tell you a story from which you can learn much about human ways.” Then, glancing at the wealthy man who had entered, he added: “Perhaps it will benefit him as well.”
Once There Was A Rich Jew...
The tzaddik began his tale: Once there was a rich Jew named Reb Moshe. He was blessed with a large home, many possessions, land, and great abundance. But he had one bad trait—he was a miser. Never did he allow a poor man or wandering guest to set foot in his house. All the needy who came to his door, he sent to his neighbor, Mattityahu.
“There you will receive food and lodging,” he would say. Indeed, Mattityahu the neighbor welcomed all the poor with kindness, exerting himself with his body and money, and hosting them with generosity. He was not wealthy, but his and his wife’s open-heartedness was well known, and thus G-d helped them with sustenance sufficient for their household. In the Heavenly Court, a great accusation arose: How could it be that the wealthy man enjoyed riches, yet gave nothing from his bread to the poor, while Mattityahu, who was not wealthy, extended himself wholeheartedly in acts of kindness? It was decided Reb Moshe’s wealth would be transferred to Mattityahu.
Before the Final Judgment
Then Elijah the Prophet said: “Before the judgment is final, I request permission to test him. Surely he has a spark of compassion.”
The Test Elijah dressed as a poor wayfarer and came to the wealthy man’s home in the bitter cold of winter, shivering as he knocked. The servant pleaded with him to leave. “My master is cruel, and he may drive us both away if you stay,” he said.
At that moment, the rich man entered, cast a scornful glance at the pauper, and rebuked the servant: “How did you allow a stranger to enter my house?” The pauper turned to him and begged for a cup of hot drink to warm his freezing body. But the wealthy man’s face remained hard. “My house is not an inn. Soon you will ask for a meal and a room as well,” he retorted angrily, and ordered his servant to drive the pauper out at once.
Elijah the Prophet returned in shame, and unwillingly had to affirm the harsh judgment pronounced on the rich man.
Rabbi Meir of Premishlan Intervenes
“But then,” Rabbi Meir of Premishlan continued his story, “I myself stood before the Heavenly Court and said: Is it not a fundamental rule that one is not punished unless first warned? Give me the mission, and I will warn the man.
“Here before me is a Jew who wishes to ascend to the Land of Israel and needs four hundred silver dinars. If Reb Moshe the rich man agrees to give the full sum for this Jew, and begins from now on to give charity generously to all who ask, then the decree will be annulled. But if he does not repent even after my warning, then the judgment will be carried out.”
A deep silence filled the room. Then the tzaddik turned to the Torah scholar, looking also at the wealthy man standing there, and said: “Here is Reb Moshe himself. Let us hear what he has to say about this...”
Before the tzaddik even finished speaking, the wealthy man collapsed to the floor in a faint. When they revived him, he burst into bitter tears and cried out: “I am that man! Everything the Rabbi has told is absolutely true. Please, I have sinned, I have transgressed, I have acted wickedly. I repent with all my heart, and from this day forth I will abandon my evil ways.”
They Parted in Peace
Immediately, the wealthy man took out four hundred silver dinars and handed them to the Torah scholar, who stood astonished at what he had seen and heard. With deep emotion, the two of them left the tzaddik’s room. Warmly, the scholar promised the rich man that he would mention his name at the Western Wall. They parted in peace.
The scholar went straight to bring his wife and children, and set out on his way to the Holy Land. As for the wealthy man—he completely transformed his life. His home was open, and he gave charity generously to all who stretched out a hand. It was not long before he became renowned as the great benefactor of the region.
Reprinted from the Parshat Ki Tavo 5785 email of Living Jewish.
