It was a festive Shabbat. A distinguished guest had arrived to visit Rabbi Yisrael of Chortkov: the renowned Torah scholar Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin, who was then still serving as the Rabbi of Sanok. After Shacharit and the Torah reading, Rabbi Yisrael invited his guest to lead the congregation in the Blessing of the New Month and Musaf.
Besides his extraordinary Torah scholarship, Rabbi Meir Shapiro was also known as an exceptional prayer leader. He possessed a deep voice, and his melodies were filled with emotion. He accepted his host’s invitation and began the Blessing the New Month.
Within moments, Rabbi Meir’s prayers swept up the vast congregation that filled the large shul. His voice touched the hearts of the many worshippers, carrying them to spiritual heights they had never experienced.
The Story
After the prayers, Rabbi Meir approached Rabbi Yisrael, along with the other worshippers, to wish him a good Shabbos. A glow of profound delight illuminated the tzaddik’s face.
“I knew that you prayed beautifully,” he told his guest, “but I had not realized just how beautifully.”
Together, they walked to Rabbi Yisrael’s home for the Shabbat meal. During the meal, the subject of Rabbi Meir’s prayers arose once again.
“Heaven has surely blessed you with the gift of prayer,” Rabbi Yisrael remarked.
Rabbi Meir received these words with reverence. “If so, perhaps I should regularly serve as a prayer leader?” he asked. “After all, I am a descendant of Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz, before whom, as is known, all the gates of prayer stood open.”
Rabbi Yisrael grew thoughtful. After a moment, he said, “I would like to tell you something that happened to Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli.”
During the years when Rabbi Zusha wandered from country to country in self-imposed exile, he also visited Galicia. One day, he arrived in Zalkova, where the renowned scholar Rabbi Yuzpa headed a large yeshiva.
Greatly Draw to You
Rabbi Zusha wished to hear Rabbi Yuzpa teach Torah. No one noticed the anonymous traveler as he entered and squeezed into a corner. The study hall was crowded with students, listening intently to Rabbi Yuzpa’s lecture on the Talmudic principles of “rov and chazakah”.
After the lecture, Rabbi Zusha approached Rabbi Yuzpa and shook his hand. “You deserve a yasher koach for that lecture,” he said. “The fame of your lectures has spread far and wide, and I see that it is well deserved. It was truly wonderful.”
Rabbi Yuzpa studied the man before him with a penetrating gaze.
“You have heard me teach Torah, so I understand why you regard me favorably,” he said. “But I am puzzled about myself. I have heard nothing from you, and I do not even know you. Yet I feel greatly drawn to you.”
“I share your puzzlement,” Rabbi Zusha replied with sincere humility. “After all, I do not know how to learn. What could cause anyone to regard me favorably?”
Rabbi Yuzpa persisted.
“Even if you are not a great Torah scholar, I am certain that you possess treasures of wisdom and holiness. I sense this clearly, and my intuition does not usually mislead me. Please tell me what your special gift is.”
The Secrets of Prayer
Rabbi Zusha lowered his eyes.
“I know how to pray before the Master of all worlds,” he said simply. The truth shone through his words.
“Perhaps you would reveal the secrets of prayer to me?” Rabbi Yuzpa asked eagerly.
Rabbi Zusha nodded in agreement.
“Let us enter a private room, and I will open the gates of prayer for you.”
The two withdrew to a room. For a long while, Rabbi Zusha revealed some of the secrets of prayer to the Rosh Yeshiva. Rabbi Zusha’s face shone with a special light, and Rabbi Yuzpa felt an immense spiritual uplift.
At one point, Rabbi Yuzpa’s excitement became overwhelming. “Rebbe!” he exclaimed. “I long to leave my yeshiva and follow you, just as Elisha followed Eliyahu, so that I may learn from you the taste of prayer. I am willing to follow you to the ends of the earth, if only I might merit, even once in my life, to pray with pure intention, as the Men of the Great Assembly intended!”
The Message Was Clear
Rabbi Zusha chose his words carefully.
“Every person is sent into this world to fulfill his particular purpose on earth. Just as there are many people and souls whom Hashem has brought into the world, so there are many purposes and missions that He has entrusted to them. No one person’s mission encroaches on another’s.
“This is why our Sages taught, ‘A person should always study where his heart desires.’ The area of Torah to which his heart is drawn is also the portion that belongs to his soul.”
Rabbi Zusha paused briefly and continued, “You, Rabbi Yuzpa, possess great strength in studying and teaching Torah. Heaven has destined you to deliver inspiring Torah lectures with depth and sharp insight.
“Continue doing so. My soul, however, belongs to the world of prayer. You will learn, and I will pray.”
Rabbi Yisrael of Chortkov finished his story and looked directly at his distinguished guest, Rabbi Meir Shapiro.
The message was clear. No explanation was needed.