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 openheartedness 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. 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.
