Shimon and Yitzchok were two philanthropists living in Warsaw during the turn of the century. They saw the need to renovate the local Yeshiva building, and they selflessly undertook to shoulder the entire financial burden themselves. The cost was estimated at one hundred thousand zlota (an approximate value of six hundred-fifty thousand dollars) and they agreed to split the cost evenly.
After a few months, while they were touring the construction site, the foreman informed Shimon that the expenses ran over the projected cost, and they required an additional fifty thousand zlota to complete the project. Without hesitation, Shimon handed over the entire sum, and told him to go ahead with the plans.
A short time later, Yitzchok found out about the additional cost, and he was terribly upset about how it was handled. ‐We had a deal!‐ he told Shimon. ‐We agreed to split the cost. You had no right to cover the additional expense on your own!‐
‐We only agreed to split hundred thousand zlota,‐ Shimon countered. ‐We had no agreement on the extra fifty thousand!‐
They decided to bring their dispute to their Rav. He was unsure how to decide, but he had an idea. The Chofetz Chaim happened to be in Warsaw at the time, to intercede with government officials to nullify a harsh decree threatening the Jewish community. The Rav took the opportunity to bring Yitzchok and Shimon to the Chofetz Chaim, and he settled their issue in an amicable way.
A few days later, the news broke that their intervention was successful and Polish government had rescinded their decree.
When he heard the good news, the Chofetz Chaim commented, ‐Our victory cannot be attributed to our efforts. Rather, it was due to the actions of Yidden like Yitzchok and Shimon.‐ When we make avodas Hashem our priority, Hashem takes care of our needs, as well.
