There is story that took place a long time ago in the city of Vilna. There was a poor shoemaker named Zelig. He was a simple person who was always happy with the little he had, even though at times it was very difficult for him. He never complained.
One day, Zelig inherited a small fortune from a distant uncle, and overnight, he was able to start living more comfortably. Zelig became a tremendous Baal Tzedakah, and shared his new wealth with those who were less fortunate than he was. Within a short time, he became a leader in the community.
Zelig’s son was an excellent young Talmid Chacham, and now, due to his family’s wealth, he had many new opportunities in the area of Shidduchim, and the Rav of the town was honored to take Zelig’s son as a husband for his daughter. To be chosen by the Rav of the community to be his son-in-law was a great honor, both for Zelig’s son and for Zelig.
Both families greatly anticipated the big day of the Chasunah, and when the day arrived, and the entire community showed up for the event. It was a beautiful and impressive Simchah. It was a very emotional moment when, following the Chupah, the guests lined up to wish a Mazel Tov to the parents of the Chosson and Kallah.
There was one person who had terrible Middos, and he could not find it in him to be happy for Zelig and his new wealth. He remembered not so long ago when he would bring his torn shoes to Zelig to have them repaired. This unpleasant, sad person walked up to Zelig, and in front of everyone, held up a torn shoe. He asked, “Tell me, Zelig, is it worth fixing this shoe? And how much will the repair cost me?”
Everyone stood there in shock. No one said a word. Suddenly, Zelig turned white, and he passed out. Doctors were called and emergency resuscitation was started, but it was too late. Zelig had passed away. The beautiful Simchah was turned into tremendous grief and mourning.
Rav Yisroel Salanter, zt”l
When Rav Yisroel Salanter, zt”l, heard about this terrible story, he was very disturbed. He did not calm down until he established a Bais HaMussar, a Bais Medrash specifically for the study of Middos, where one can work on and refine his character traits. Rav Yisroel said that unless one studies and focuses on perfecting his Middos, he could fall so low that he could commit murder, R”L, as they saw by what had happened in Vilna.
What Was the Cause for the Creation of the Bais HaMussar
The Sefer Chaim She’yeish Bahem quotes Rav Nota Tzeinvirt, zt”l, who wondered what actually caused the creation of the Bais HaMussar. It certainly couldn’t be because of the wicked individual who had insulted a fellow Jew, and hurt him so dreadfully that he died as a result of the embarrassment. This is a rare level of evil that was found in this person, and without a doubt, the vast majority of people would not behave in this manner. It can’t be that Rav Yisroel opened the Bais HaMussar for this type of uniquely cruel individual. There must have been another reason. Rav Nota therefore suggests that the Bais HaMussar was not because of the attacker, but rather, it was because of Zelig, the man who died as a result of the insult.
How Could One Forget How Beautiful His Life Was
It bothered Rav Yisroel Salanter so much that a person can die from being humiliated. Why was Zelig so disturbed by the embarrassment that he suffered? He was a wealthy and successful leader of the community. His son had just married the daughter of the Rav. His life was beautiful! Why did he care so much about what people might think, or because of the outrageous way someone acted towards him? Why faint because an evil person acted outrageously? Why was he so bothered and fragile about being embarrassed to the point of death?
The Crucial Need for a Bais HaMussar
Many people endure difficulties in their lives. Yet, they live full and happy lives, choosing to experience their suffering quietly, without seeking attention. If a person can become so affected by an insult that he is unable to see past it and look at all the positive things that are currently going on in his life, then there is a crucial need for a Bais HaMussar, where people can learn that events occur and things happen because Hashem runs the world. Overreacting to occurrences in life is a sign of a lack of Emunah!
Reprinted from the Parshas Kedoshim 5784 email of Rabbi Yehuda Winzelberg’s Torah U’Tefilah.
