The mechaber of Sefer Be’er Shimon on Shas, Reb Shimon Schreiber, shared with me an extraordinary story that recently occurred:
A philanthropist paid a visit to Reb Leibish of P’shvorsk, the revered P’shvorsk Rebbe of Antwerp. After their conversation concluded, the visitor placed before the Rebbe a signed check for one million dollars. (Given the number of individuals and institutions the Rebbe supports, this was a generous yet not unimaginable gesture.)
Eager to express his gratitude, the Rebbe went to retrieve his becher—the very cup from which he had made Kiddush for over forty years—and presented it to the donor. This was not merely a gift; it was a deeply personal statement of appreciation. But the philanthropist, after recognizing its profound significance, respectfully declined the offer.
“What, then, can I offer you to express my deep hakaras ha’tov?” the Rebbe asked.
“If you’re offering,” the philanthropist replied, “I would gladly accept a brachah for simchas ha’chaim. That is something I truly lack—and if you could grant me that, it would be the greatest reciprocation.”
The Rebbe’s eyes closed, and the room fell silent. Moments passed—though they felt much longer—before he finally opened his eyes and said softly, “I’m afraid I cannot assist with that request. You know I would do anything to help. I even offered you my personal becher. But that—that lies beyond my reach.”
The philanthropist was taken aback. “Out of reach? Your brachos are renowned in Shamayim! People travel from all over the world to seek your brachos, and they witness miraculous salvation. How can you say you cannot offer a blessing for something so simple?!”
The Rebbe gently explained, “Simchah is found within the Torah. Through learning and reviewing, one acquires true joy. There are no shortcuts. Beyond guiding you to the path, there is nothing more I can do. The rest is in your hands.”
The donor left deeply moved—surprised, yet grateful—for he had been given the true key to happiness.
True joy is cultivated through the pursuit of Torah learning.
