Written by Daniel Shasha
After the passing of Miriam HaNeviah, the miraculous well that sustained the Jewish people throughout their travels in the desert dried up. Why did the well, which had been such a steady source of life-giving water, disappear at that moment? The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 20:2) explains that it was because Klal Yisrael did not give Miriam a proper hesped, a proper expression of appreciation for all she had done. Despite her incredible righteousness and the many blessings she brought to the nation—including this wellspring in the wilderness—her greatness was taken for granted.
This teaches us a vital lesson: we must appreciate the tzaddikim and Torah leaders of our generation. Their merit upholds the world.
The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 68:6) tells us that just living in the same city as a tzaddik brings a special influence. The Gemara (Moed Katan 25b) teaches that their presence brings protection to the world. In the daily blessing of Al HaTzaddikim, we ask, “vesim chelkeinu imahem”— “place our portion with them”—because being connected to Torah leaders gives us spiritual strength and guidance. They help navigate the challenges of the generation, respond to halachic questions, and illuminate the path forward with wisdom.
One meaningful expression of gratitude to our Torah leaders is to daven for their well-being. There is a well-known story of a leading Rosh Yeshiva who, in his later years, experienced declining health. One of his grandchildren approached another prominent Gadol—Rav Shach—and asked if he would daven for him. Rav Shach not only agreed, but immediately recited the name, without hesitation, using both the father's and mother’s name correctly. The grandson was surprised and asked how he remembered it so clearly.
Rav Shach explained that years earlier, when he had first met this Gadol, he was deeply moved by his greatness in Torah and by the leadership he provided for the Jewish people. From that moment on, Rav Shach included him in his tefillos daily, even though they lived far apart and had only met briefly. His appreciation had left such an impression that it translated into years of heartfelt tefillah. That is the power of recognizing greatness—and acting on it.
