Where Are You?

This story happened during the last years of the life of the great rabbi and scholar, Rashi, when the Crusaders had begun an effort to liberate the Holy Land from the Turks.

A powerful captain, Duke of Lorraine, was about to set out with a large army on his way to Jerusalem. Having heard a great deal of the wisdom of Rashi, he decided to see him and ask his advice. When the Duke came to Worms, where Rashi lived, he sent for the great Jewish scholar. But his messengers came back saying that Rashi refused to come. The Duke became very angry and decided to call upon Rashi himself.

Bursting into Rashi's house, the Duke could see many books on a table, but no one was present. He called, "Solomon, Solomon, where are you?"

Rashi replied, "Here I am. What is your wish, your lordship?"

"But I cannot see you! Where are you?" the Duke called again.

"I am right here, my lord. What is it you wish?" came back the reply.

The Duke rubbed his eyes, but still could not see anyone. Then he said, "I swear to you, O Rabbi Solomon, that I shall not do you any harm. Let me see you."

The next moment the Duke beheld a very saintly looking man bent over his books.

The Duke humbly addressed him. "I have heard of your scholarship and of your wisdom. Jews and non-Jews alike say you are a prophet. I have come to ask your advice. I have gathered a large army of infantry and cavalry and am on my way to recapture Jerusalem. Shall I be successful? Tell me truthfully, and I promise you that if your words come true I shall not harm you."

"My lord, I have no encouraging reply for you, but since you press me to answer, I will do so. You will be there for three days. On the fourth day, however, you will be driven out and will have to flee. Most of your army will be diseased or killed, and many will die on their way home. You, my lord, will come back to this city with but three men and three horses."

The Duke paled on hearing the sad prophecy. Then he said, "I will keep my word, and if your prophecy comes true, no harm shall befall you. But if I shall return with four men, I will give your flesh to the dogs and will kill all the Jews in my country!"

Soon the Duke learned that Rashi's prophecy was slowly becoming true. At least that part which concerned his military campaign in the Holy Land certainly was fulfilled. The Duke started on his way back with a small army, but one after another his exhausted soldiers died or deserted him. When he approached the city of Worms, he had four riders with him. Remembering that Rashi had foretold that he would come back with three men only, he determined to put Rashi to death as he had warned him. But as the Duke was about to enter the gates of the city, a beam with iron spikes suddenly fell from the city gates on the head of one of the horses, killing it. The rider had to remain outside the city and the Duke entered Worms with three men only, just as Rashi had foretold!

Now the Duke became very frightened and saw that Rashi was indeed a very saintly man. He decided to visit him and pay him his respects.

Approaching Rashi's house he saw a great multitude of bearded people surrounding the house many of them in tears. He learned that Rashi had died and was about to be buried. The Duke and his entourage waited for the funeral and paid their last respects to the great and famous Rashi.