RABBI BEN ZION SNEH
Elul is the Roshei Teivos, the acronym Lilmod, Ladaas, Emunah U’Bitachon.
This teaches us an important life lesson. When the end of the year comes around, we must internalize that everything that has happened so far this year is for the good. We must let go of all our “complaints and disappointments” because everything that Hashem sends is indeed good.
A dejected and poor Jew made the trip to Tosh for a bracha from the Rebbe.
He had seen so much social injustice this year. The world was polarized as never before between the haves and the have-nots. The situation in our community was getting much more pronounced with every passing day. Money was everything- and he had none. How was he going to marry off his engaged daughter without a penny to his name?
He knew that in Tosh the Rebbe would sympathize with the plight of the downtrodden. The Rebbe’s of Tosh have given chizuk and sympathy before to so many. Here is one place where the poor person was treated like a king. Arriving late at night, he seated himself in the crowded waiting room, patiently waiting his turn. After a long while, it was finally his time to go in.
But alas, through the side doors, a rich man was let in before him. This was it. A breaking point. Here too? Where will I be recognized as a human being of importance, even though I don’t have money? He felt so ill at ease. He must have been sorely mistaken. After waiting a while he was led into the Rebbe’s chambers, more broken, bitter, and downtrodden than you can ever imagine.
Voicing his complaint to the Rebbe he cried bitter tears. “Am I not important too? Why did that man jump ahead of me as though I was worthless?! I thought that at least in Tosh, where truth reigns, I would be able to retain my dignity.”
The Rebbe asked him softly what he was here for and through tears, the man told him of the progression of events that had led to his poverty. “How will I pay for my daughter’s upcoming wedding?” he asked. The Rebbe handed him a thick envelope full of cash, and blessed him with success and nachas.
Out in the waiting room, it became clear that the rich man and the poor man hailed from the same location. Upon invitation the poor man was invited to share a ride with the well to do gentleman. The very same man who had jumped ahead of him in line.
Written by R’ Avrohom Hillel Reich based on a lesson and story by Harav Ben Tziyon Sneh Shlita
During the care ride, the well-to-do man noticed the other fellow discretely pulling out an unopened envelope to examine its contents. It was the very same envelope he had given the Rebbe earlier! The next time he was in Tosh, well-to-do man asked the Rebbe what happened.
“I knew that you were on your way here, and I instructed the gabbai to let you in ahead of the fellow who needed money.”
“Did you look at the amount of my donation before giving it to him?” he asked the Rebbe.
“No, I did not. I know you and knew it would be a considerable amount. You should know that the heavens opened up and the angels danced when the poor man received your gift. I am sure that you also received what you requested from me that night.”
The wealthy man nodded knowingly.
As the long year with its many questions and so few answers, comes to an end, we all must redouble our emunah and bitachon. Everything that happens is for the good. May we always merit to feel and see this good!
