Tell Your Children
A Life-Changing Dream
Reb Pinchas began his journey to wealth as a timber merchant. At first, his business was modest in scope, but over time it expanded. Gradually, he became a man of means and eventually a very wealthy businessman.
At first, the community rejoiced in his success, for it also benefited charitable causes and the welfare of the needy. Slowly, however, Reb Pinchas became increasingly estranged from the members of his community and their needs.
Eventually, he no longer felt comfortable living among his fellow Jews and moved to the opposite end of town, to an entirely non-Jewish neighborhood. There he built himself a magnificent mansion, surrounded by high walls and guarded by gatekeepers.
His growing distance from Jewish life also led him to withdraw from acts of charity. At first, it was still possible to knock on his door and receive a small coin. But after some time, even that came to an end. The charity collectors sadly removed Reb Pinchas's name from the list of generous benefactors.
Stormy Winter Night
One stormy winter evening, fierce winds blew through the streets, and the bitter cold chilled people to the bone.
A destitute wanderer noticed the mezuzah on Reb Pinchas's front door and knocked, hoping to find a compassionate Jewish home. Fortunately for him, Reb Pinchas was away at the time. The gatekeeper, whose heart was moved by the sight of the poor man nearly frozen from the cold, took him inside.
After the traveler had warmed himself a little, however, the gatekeeper warned him, "you should quickly find another place to spend the night. The master of the house does not like guests."
Just then, the sound of a carriage was heard. Reb Pinchas entered the house, wrapped in a thick fur coat.
The moment he saw the stranger, he exploded, "what is this a soup kitchen?! Get out of here immediately!"
The next morning, the town was shocked by the news: an unknown traveler, who had arrived only the previous evening, had been found dead in the street, not far from Reb Pinchas's estate.
Reb Pinchas knew exactly who the deceased was, but he did not allow the incident to disturb his peace of mind.
The Dream
That night he had a terrifying dream.
Two powerful men burst into his house. "Come with us," they commanded, seizing him firmly.
"Where are you taking me?" he asked.
"To stand trial before the holy tzaddik, Rabbi Mordechai Shraga of Husiatyn" (the son of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin).
"For what?"
"You will find out in due time."
Suddenly, he found himself standing in a large courtyard surrounding a beautiful building. For a brief moment he admired the scene, but as he was led into a crowded hall filled with people, fear gripped his heart once again.
The Trial
"Make way for the Av Beit Din—the Rebbe of Husi-atyn," a voice rang out. The Rebbe entered and took his place between two judges who had already been waiting.
Reb Pinchas imme-diately recognized the plaintiff. It was none other than the poor traveler.
The man began recounting his story. He described his exhaustion and hunger when he had stood at Reb Pinchas's doorstep, pleading with his eyes for mercy. He vividly described the humiliation of being thrown back into the freezing street. "My last strength was gone," he testified. "After many days of wandering with an empty stomach, hunger and cold overcame me, and I died."
The presiding judge thundered, "do you have anything to say in your defense?"
For the first time, Reb Pinchas remained silent. He felt deep remorse and shame for what he had done.
After consulting with the other judges, the Rebbe pronounced the verdict:
"You must sell your possessions and divide them into two equal parts. With one half you will support the family of the dead man and provide for all their needs. With the other half you will provide for your own family. If you accept this judgment, change your ways, and open your gates to every poor and needy person, your soul will merit its rectification."
Rabbi Pinchas awoke drenched in sweat. At first, he tried to dismiss the dream, but it returned again and again over the following nights. He realized that Heaven was sending him a mes-sage. After much inner struggle, he decided to travel to Husiatyn.
As he approached the Rebbe's home, his heart began pounding. He recog-nized it. The courtyard. The building. Everything was exactly as he had seen it in his dream. His knees trembled as he entered the study hall. It was the very room in which his heavenly trial had taken place.
The Rebbe is Calling You
A large crowd of chassidim had gathered to hear the Rebbe speak. Standing among them, Reb Pinchas felt increas-ingly certain that this was the very judge from his dream. Suddenly, the crowd parted, forming a narrow path. Someone whispered, "the Rebbe is calling you."
Reb Pinchas could hardly stand. With trembling legs, he walked to the Rebbe. The tzaddik looked directly at him and said, "be careful to carry out everything that was decreed for you. Do so, and your soul will be rectified." Reb Pinchas collapsed.
When he regained consciousness, he was no longer the same man. Filled with profound remorse, he knew exact-ly what he had to do. He faithfully ful-filled the decree that had been given to him. He longed to repair his soul and return to the spiritual source from which it had come.
(With thanks to the sender of the story, Aharon Grossman, Jerusalem.)