A Story of an Exchange made by the Baal Shem Tov
In Wallachia, there lived a wealthy and prominent businessman. Though blessed with abundant success, a sudden tragedy befell as: his wife was struck with a mysterious frailty in both of her arms, rendering them completely paralyzed, unable to lift or move them. Determined to find a cure, her husband took her to the most renowned physicians and medical specialists. Yet, despite all their remedies, efforts, and expertise, the doctors were helpless, and they eventually lost all hope for her recovery. Desperate, he resolved to travel with her from city to city, hoping that perhaps a holy Miracle-Worker.
As they journeyed, rumors reached them of the heilige Rabbi Yisrael, the "Ba'al Shem Tov" -the Besht-. Inspired by hope, they redirected their course and traveled directly to Mezhibuz. Upon their arrival, they came before the Besht to seek his blessing and guidance. The Besht instructed the woman to remain in Mezhibuz. She stayed there for many days. During this time, they visited the Besht on several occasions, and each time he simply instructed them to remain a while longer.
After many days had passed, the holy Besht suddenly ordered his followers to prepare a horse-drawn wagon. Turning to the wealthy man, he commanded him to follow behind them in a second carriage, bringing his ailing wife along. As they traveled through the countryside, they arrived at a small village where one of the Besht's disciples lived as an innkeeper. Upon their arrival, the Besht asked the innkeeper if he would grant him lodging. The innkeeper was astonished by the question, for he considered it an immense privilege and merit to host the holy Master under his roof. However, the Besht placed a strict condition upon him:
"If I am to stay here, all the windows, gates, and doors must be closed and locked. They are not to be opened for any person-regardless of who they are—even if a great nobleman comes knocking. If someone insists intensely, you shall only answer them through the door: 'The holy Besht is residing here." The innkeeper promised to fulfill the Tzaddik's condition. He immediately locked up the premises, and prepared the evening meal. After dining, the guests retired to sleep, except for the Besht, who sat alone at the table immersed in learning. The paralyzed woman sat quietly in the corner of the house.
On that very day, a local nobleman's brother had arrived in the area. The two brothers had not seen each other for over twelve years. Overjoyed by their unexpected reunion, they feasted, drank heavily, and became quite drunk. During their drunken conversation, the local nobleman began to boast about a splendid and luxurious inn he had recently constructed nearby, praising its beauty and craftsmanship. His visiting brother became eager to see it and requested a horse so he could ride out to inspect the place immediately. They provided him with a fine, choice horse. Because the inn was quite close, the visitor set off wearing only a light garment.
The moment he set out, a fierce, freezing blizzard suddenly erupted. Caught unprepared, the traveler battled the harsh snowstorm and cold for several hours before finally stumbling upon the inn. Freezing to death, he knocked frantically at the door, begging to be let inside. From within, the household replied through the locked door that it was impossible to open it, as the holy Besht was residing inside. The nobleman pleaded repeatedly with deep desperation, crying out that he was freezing to death. Yet, they held firm to the master's instruction. Finally, as the man's cries grew desperate, the Besht signaled for the door to be opened.
The nobleman burst inside, pacing back and forth frantically to regain his body heat. Once his strength began to return, his relief quickly turned into anger. He demanded to know who this "Besht" was. They pointed out the holy Rabbi. Rage burned within the nobleman, and he walked back and forth, asking again angrily, "Who is this Besht on whose account I was nearly left to freeze to death outside?" For a third time, his anger flared uncontrollably. As they pointed to the Besht once more, the nobleman drew his sword from its case and raised his arm high, preparing to strike and kill the holy Rabbi.
At that moment, the Besht cried out to the paralyzed woman sitting in the corner: "Raise up both of your hands!" She immediately raised her hands. In that exact instant, a spiritual decree of exchange took place: The woman's hands were instantly restored to full strength and complete health, just as they had been originally. The nobleman's raised hand froze on the spot; he was entirely unable to lower or move his arm. Terrified and helpless, the nobleman fell to his knees and begged the Besht for mercy and healing. But the holy Besht turned to him and replied: "I cannot help you. The exchange has already been sealed in the Heavens, and it can never be undone."
