Hashem has many interesting ways how a Shidduch can happen
Harav Ephraim Zalman Margolis (5522–5584) was born in Brod and later was appointed the Rav of Brod. He was a renowned possek, wrote many classic Seforim including, Bais Ephraim, Yad Ephraim, Mateh Ephraim, and many more.
R’ Nachman from Krakow, was a wealthy man, and was blessed him with one daughter, who was very bright. R' Nachman wanted the perfect boy for his daughter. He offered a very nice reward for whoever would find one.
R’ Moshe lived in Krakow and heard about the hefty reward that was offered. He needed money to support his large family, and thought of a grand plan. He came to R’ Nachman and introduced himself as a shadchan. Moshe told R’ Nachman that the Rav of Brod, has a very fine son that would be a nice match for his daughter. However, R’ Nachman was hesitant, as he wanted a mechuten that should be as wealthy as him. It was obvious that R’ Nachman had not heard of Rav Ephraim Zalmen, since after he inquired, and heard who the Rav of Brod was, he told R’ Moshe that he would be interested to do the shidduch, but said “I don’t believe that such a renowned Rav would agree to do a shidduch with someone who is not a Talmid Chacham!” He told R’ Moshe, “I must see a letter in writing from the Rav that he agrees to do this shidduch, as I would definitely want to do the shidduch.”
R’ Moshe answered, “It won’t be a problem to get a letter from the Rav, but I need 100 Rendlach for my travel expenses from Krakow to Brod.
R’ Nachman immediately handed money to R’ Moshe who promised to deliver a letter from the Rav in a few weeks. Meanwhile Moshe danced for joy that he had some money to support his family for a few weeks. After the money almost depleted, he went to a scribe who wrote a beautiful letter signed by the Rav: “I, Rav Ephraim Zalmen the Rav of Brod, is sending this letter with R’ Moshe. If the daughter of R’ Nachman is worthy and the circumstances are right, then with the help of Hashem, I fully agree that my son becomes engaged to the daughter of R’ Nachman, who must pay 10,000 Rendlach as dowry. However, even though it is the custom that the boy travels to the girl, I am tied down by my many obligations to the Kehilla. Therefore I request that R’ Nachman bring his daughter to a certain hotel near Brod at this and this time and we will discuss the engagement there.
R’ Moshe brought the letter to R' Nachman. R' Nachman was estatic and thrilled that the Rav of Brod was willing to become his mechuten. R' Nachman’s family immediately began all the preparations for the long journey to Brod. They cooked and baked a huge feast to take along. R’ Moshe advised R’ Nachman to bring along two Talmidei Chachamim to converse with the Rav in learning.
R’ Nachman and his entourage arrived at the hotel and unpacked their belongings. They patiently waited for the Rav to greet them. However the Rav didn’t show up. R' Nacham thought maybe the Rav forgot, so he sent the two scholars to the home of the Rav. The scholars introduced themselves to the Rav, and they began to speak in learning. They immersed themselves in a very deep topic. When it got late the Rav asked them what was the purpose of their visit? They told the Rav about the letter he had sent agreeing to a shidduch with the daughter of R’ Nachman of Krakow! The Rav was shocked, but never got upset. He said “I never sent a letter and will not meet R’ Nachman!” The scholars pleaded with the Rav to meet R’ Nachman, and find a reason why the shidduch would not work. They explained that R’ Nachman was a huge supporter of Torah in Krakow, and they didn’t want to hurt his feelings. They also explained that he has a very special daughter. The Rav thought for a few minutes, and asked the scholars to tell him more in detail about R’ Nachman and his family. The Rav was satisfied and agreed to meet R’ Nachman. He told the scholars that R’ Nachman should expect him the first thing in the morning at the hotel. At the meeting, the Rav began to speak in learning with the scholars. When the Rav asked R’ Nachman if he understood the conversation, R’ Nachman answered that he didn’t. The Rav then explained that he really wanted a mechuten who is a Talmid Chacham, but continued very calmly “Hashem does interesting things to make a shidduch happen!”
The Rav discussed it with his wife who met with the girl. The Rebetzin said the girl was really special, and felt it would be a perfect shidduch for their son. The Rav told R’ Nachman that he agrees to the shidduch. R’ Nachman was so excited, he told the Rav that he is willing to give 40,000 Rendlach as dowry! That night the daughter of R’ Nachman became engaged to the son of Rav Ephraim Zalmen. R’ Moshe received his payment, but also a scolding from the Rav for forging the original letter. The Rav said that when Hashem wants a shidduch to happen, Hashem can make it happen truthfully.
