Mazal tov, a boy! We had a grandson! We thanked Hashem with tremendous joy for His great chessed toward us and for the zechus of being able to see grandsons, and we began to prepare a shalom zachor, which would take place in our home, the home of the grandparents.
Once again, I saw that going up in rank would cost money. Every stage in life brings with it more expenses and more bitachon, more money and more emunah. I know it sounds strange – to take care of expenses for a shalom zachor? What’s the big deal? Chickpeas, crackers, candies and nuts. Not some sort of meal with three courses and a hall and waiters. All we needed was some kibbud for the crowd that would come to wish a heartfelt mazal tov.
I wasn’t worried, but I was curious: Where would the money come from? We live with a very strict accounting of expenses, and we try as much as possible to refrain from taking loans. I also knew that He Who gives life would also give parnassah, and with the continuation of our generations, Hashem would send the necessary means for his father and mother, and also his grandfather and grandmother, to raise this child.
On Thursday night I went out of beis midrash after learning during the later hours. The street was empty. The way to Meah Shearim was quiet and winding. From the windows, lights shone from homes where preparations for Shabbos were underway, and from the calm street arose the sound of a car. The car stopped near me, and someone from within cried out, “Rabbi!” I turned around and saw an American Yid with kind eyes. He probably wants a donation from me, I thought to myself. But he surprised me: “Could you use a few dollars?” he asked. I nodded my head.
He took out a few bills and gave them to me. They added up to 1,000 shekels, more than enough to pay for the expenses of the shalom zachor.
That’s how the money came to me, Heaven-sent.
