Arent You Worried About How You Will Die

It is related that when the Alter of Novardhok, Rav Yoizel Horowitz zt”l, was a young man, he once met Rav Itzele Blazer of Petersburg zt”l. This occurred after the Alter’s father-in-law stopped supporting him and he was forced to spend a lot of time engaged in business. Rav Itzele asked him, “Why did you leave your studies and enter the world of commerce?”

The Alter replied, “I have a big family. If I don’t work, how will I live.”

Rav Itzele said, “And aren’t you worried about how you will die?”

This question found its mark in the Alter’s heart, and led him to return to his learning and to his ascension to greatness.