A friend of mine frequently travels abroad, knocking on the doors of generous donors to raise funds for the institution he runs. He shared the following story with me:
“I flew overseas to raise funds from benevolent donors, and on the plane, I was fortunate to sit next to a great Torah scholar. He inquired about my well-being and the purpose of my trip. I told him that I have an institution and that I raise funds to give Jews the merit of partnering in this mitzvah.
The great man said to me: ‘If you listen to me, you will see a special blessing in your fundraising efforts.’ He then instructed me: ‘When you approach a wealthy person to ask for his support, do not speak to him until you first envision in your mind that you are standing before the holy Shechina. Ask HaKadosh Baruch Hu to help you. The wealthy person will hear what you need, but in your heart and thoughts, you should be speaking to the Creator Yisbarach with the same words you use when addressing the person before you!’ I listened attentively and thanked him for the advice.
At the first address I visited, I followed the Rav’s guidance, and indeed, I saw success beyond the natural order. I was overjoyed and continued using this method. Within just a few meetings, I raised far more than I had expected from the entire trip combined, and I thanked Hashem for the great salvation brought about by this advice.
After much travel and effort, I arrived at the home of a dear friend who always hosts me, a close companion with whom I share a deep bond. After enjoying his hospitality, as I did every year, I turned to him with my usual request for a donation. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a five-dollar bill, handed it to me, and casually bid me farewell. At first, I thought he was joking, but I soon realized that this was his entire donation for the year.
Immediately, I grasped my head in realization—unlike with the other donors, when speaking to my friend, I had felt comfortable enough to address him directly, as if I no longer needed the Creator’s assistance. I had relied on my own ability rather than seeking divine help!
I rejoiced in this profound lesson and learned an essential principle for life! In His divine providence, HaKadosh Baruch Hu arranged for my salvation through the esteemed Rav who sat beside me on the plane and reinforced the message with my friend’s five-dollar donation. This experience taught me that even when I speak to someone with whom I feel at ease, I must always remember to truly turn to the Creator Yisbarach alone for help!”
ל.ז.
