Reb Yehudah Neishloss related that he was once walking with Reb Chaim Brim zt”l through the streets of Yerushalayim when a woman approached them. Her haggard appearance made it obvious she was going through difficult times. She announced to Reb Chaim with excitement, “Perele is engaged!”
Reb Chaim Brim replied with immense joy, “Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov! How I was waiting for this day! Thank you for telling me! I’m so happy to hear that. Who is the fortunate bachur?”
She told him the name of the bachur. Reb Chaim thought for a moment and said, “Do you know whom you are getting for a son-in-law? Your daughter will be marrying one of the top bachurim of Yerushalayim!” The woman’s face beamed with joy.
“Have you heard of the Chazon Ish?” he then asked. “Of course!” she responded.
“In my opinion, your chassan is the Chazon Ish of our generation. Did you hear of the gaon, Reb Akiva Eiger?”
Tears filled her eyes and began falling, one after another. In a choked voice, she said, “Of course I’ve heard of Reb Akiva Eiger. Everyone heard of the holy tzaddik and gaon, Reb Akiva Eiger.”
Reb Chaim told her, “I think your chassan will be the Reb Akiva Eiger of our generation.”
The woman cried and said, “How did I merit this? It must be in the merit of my parents’ and grandparents’ tefillos and good deeds.”
“I don’t think so,” replied Reb Chaim. “In my opinion, it is in your own merits and your tefillos’ merit.” She left extremely happy, and they parted ways.
Reb Yehudah Neishloss asked Reb Chaim Brim, “Who is this woman? A relative?”
“I have no idea,” Reb Chaim replied. “But I can tell that she is a broken woman, and if Hashem has planned for her to come my way, it is definitely my opportunity to help her. So I gave her some chizuk.”
Let’s learn two lessons from this story. The first is to take advantage of opportunities. Everything is bashert. If you meet someone, there is a reason. Try to do something good. Two: chizuk, a kind word, goes a long way. Give chizuk to people. Let them feel important. It is one of the greatest ways of showing kindness. All you must do is try, and Hashem will put the right words in your mouth.
