Rabbi Menachem Eliezer Moses, gabbai of the Imrei Chaim and former MK of Agudas Yisrael, related:
On Tu BiShevat 5730, with mesirus nefesh, the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz traveled to Meron to daven. After that, he went to Teveria to conduct a tish, to which his son, the Yeshuos Moshe of Vizhnitz, came from Bnei Brak.
When they spoke, the Yeshuos Moshe related to his father that the kollel in Kiryat Vizhnitz had encountered serious financial difficulties. It was good that many avreichim were joining the kollel after their marriage, but there were large deficits — potential donors were not so aware of the tremendous value of a yungerman learning after his wedding. The general attitude was that right after he marries, he should start working to support his household.
The Imrei Chaim asked his son what the total deficit was and the Yeshuos Moshe replied, “Five thousand liras.” Fifty years ago, that was a colossal sum.
Reb Shmuel Daskal was there and overheard the conversation; he did not say anything, nor did he share his intentions with anyone. After the tish, Reb Shmuel came to the Imrei Chaim with a kvittel, and together with the pidyon nefesh, he added a check for 5,000 liras. When the Rebbe asked what the check was for, Reb Shmuel replied that he had heard the Rav [the Yeshuos Moshe] telling the Rebbe about the kollel budget shortfall, and he wanted to cover the missing funds.
Upon hearing these words, the Rebbe’s face lit up, and he showered Reb Shmuel with warm brachos. He then added:
“Today is Tu BiShevat, [and it says both] Ki ha’adam eitz hasadeh and Eitz chaim hi lamachazikim bah vesomcheha me’ushar. On this day, when a person is compared to a tree, it is an auspicious time to be one of the ‘atzei chaim,’ a supporter of lomdei Torah. ‘Vesomcheha me’ushar,’ by doing this, you will have a happy life.”
The Yeshuos Moshe of Vizhnitz dancing with Reb Shmuel after his acquittal in the Abuchatzeira trial [Chapter 33]. From the archives of Rabbi Menachem Eliezer Moses
