Reb Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl, the founder of Chernobeler Chasidus, was a student of Reb Ber the Maggid/preacher of Mezritch, and author of Sefer Meor Enayim and he is known by his sefer. The Maggid told Reb Nachum to become a Maggid himself and travel to communities to provide inspiration to simple Jews.
During one of his travels, Reb Nachum happened upon a small town. As was his custom, he would go to the town square, and announce himself. "I am a traveling salesman. I sell items for uplifting the soul." He would then tell the townspeople to assemble in the shul at a particular time so that he could preach inspirational words. Next to this particular community stood a mountain. The townspeople informed Reb Nachum that there was a small community of Jews up on top, but it wasn’t easy getting up the mountain. They were a community of woodcutters and lumberjacks. There was also an elderly wealthy man who lived on the mountain, because he had a lung disease, and the mountain air was good for his health.
Reb Nachum resolved to make his way up the fairly steep hill. Atop the mountain, he found the local shul, pulled out a Sefer, and waited until the people assembled for mincha. Nobody came for mincha or maariv. He decided to go for a walk, met a Jew, and inquired as to why nobody came to daven mincha or maariv. He was told, "You know, a Jew has to make a living, and nobody has the time to daven daily. Besides, we do daven at the old man's house. He has trouble making his way to the shul, so we assemble in his house on particular days of the week." Reb Nachum, frustrated, began to walk around. Word got out to the community that this was Reb Nachum of Chernobyl who was visiting their town. After some debate, a host was chosen for Reb Nachum.
It was arranged that Reb Nachum would daven with the minyan in the old man's house in the morning. He awoke early and asked his host to direct him to the mikvah. "The mikvah. "we don't have a mikvah. You see, at one point we wanted to build a mikvah, so we got craftsmen from the next town to give us an estimate. It came out to 300 gold coins, since he would have to dig very deep being that we're on top of a mountain, and we can't afford anything near that price. Reb Nachum was shocked. After shacharis at the old man's house, he stood up and announced that the entire community men, women, and children should meet at the shul at such and such a time.
When everyone was assembled later that day, Reb Nachum took the podium. A few minutes into his speech the small crowd was in dismay. The Rebbe delved into each period of his life; how when he was a child his father taught him how to daven, how he cultivated his avodah (worship) to celestial heights over the years; how he began learning at a very young age, and how people were amazed at his development; how well he excelled... Why would the Rebbe talk about himself with pride, they wondered! When he was finished speaking, he said, "All of the merits that I have amassed up until this point, I am willing to sell right now to the highest bidder. This means an actual sale, with a written contract. Somebody make me an offer." The old man stood up. "I am willing to give 100 gold coins." Reb Nachum said, "That's not good enough, he would not sell his zechusim for under 300 gold coins.” The old man stood up, once again. "Rebbe, as you know I am an affluent man. But I don't have 300 gold coins." Reb Nachum stayed firm.
The old man knew what this acquisition would mean: A life of mediocrity replaced with a free pass on the Day of Judgment. And so he raised his head high. "OK Rebbe, I will pay 300 gold coins." The crowd assembled around the old man to wish him mazel tov. The two wrote up a contract and counted out the gold coins. Reb Nachum left with the money and went over to the community leaders. "Here, go call the craftsmen from the next town, and build yourself a mikvah. No Jewish community should be without a mikvah."
Later, some of the men came up to Reb Nachum and stated "Rebbe, you lost everything you've worked for up until now. You've lost all of your zechus. And you're still besimcha." Reb Nachum answered, "Up until this point in my life I've always suspected that I've had an ulterior motive when performing a mitzvah. I've never been quite comfortable with myself. But now, for the first time, I know for sure that I did a mitzvah for the sake of doing the mitzvah. The community was lacking a mikvah, and I am helping them get one. And aside from performing this mitzvah, now I get to start over with a clean slate."
The Chassidim used to say that shortly after this incident took place he heard a voice: "Don't worry Nachum. You didn't lose anything." Not that the old man didn't get his share, but rather they both got Reb Nachum's complete share!
