Story of the week (By Yehuda Z. Klitnick)
Delivered a letter from Baal Shem Tov 16 years later to get a Yeshua
Harav Hakadosh Reb Yisrael ben Eliezer known as the Baal Shem Tov was the founder of Chasiddus. Baal Shem Tov is a "Master of the Good Name." He lived in Mezibuz, but constantly traveled to spread Chassidus and raise money for the needy.
Once the Besh’t was in need for a large sum of money for a cause, when an affluent man named Avigdor brought a large sum of money, to be distributed to the poor on his behalf. Accepting the contribution graciously, the Baal Shem Tov inquired if perhaps Avigdor would like a blessing in return.
“No thanks!” replied Avigdor. “I am very wealthy; I own many properties, and I have servants, and everything else I want. I have more than I need!” “You are very fortunate,” replied the Baal Shem Tov. “Perhaps you would like a blessing for your family?” “I B”H have a large and healthy family of which I am very proud; I don’t need—or want—anything.” I am glad that I can do the Mitzvah!
“Well, then perhaps you can help me. May I request one thing of you?” inquired the Bash’t. “Can you please deliver a letter to the head of the charity committee in Brody?” “Certainly,” responded Avigdor. “I live in Brody and would be happy to assist you in this matter.” The Baal Shem Tov took out a pen and paper, wrote a letter, sealed it in an envelope, and gave it to Avigdor. Avigdor took the letter, placed it in his jacket pocket, and returned home. But he had so many projects on his mind that by the time he arrived in Brody he had completely forgotten about the entire encounter with the Bash’t.
Sixteen years passed, and the wheel of fortune suddenly turned. All of Avigdor’s assets and properties were lost or destroyed. Floods ruined his fields of crops; fires destroyed his forests. Calamity after calamity. He was left penniless. Creditors took his house and everything he owned. He was forced to sell even his clothing to feed his children. One day, while cleaning out the pockets of an old jacket he planned to sell, he found a letter—the letter that he had received from the Baal Shem Tov 16 years earlier! In a blink of an eye, he recalled his visit with the Bash’t, when he thought he had everything. With tears in his eyes, he rushed to finally fulfill his mission and deliver the letter. The envelope was addressed to Mr. Tzaddok, chairman of the charity committee of Brody.
He ran into the street and encountered one of his friends. Grabbing his arm, he said, “Where can I find Mr. Tzaddok the chairman of the charity committee?” “He is in the synagogue,” said Avigdor’s friend. “I was there only a few minutes ago. Mr. Tzaddok is indeed a lucky man. Just this morning he was elected chairman of the charity committee.”
“Tell me more about Mr. Tzaddok,” insisted Avigdor. Avigdor’s friend said, “Mr. Tzaddok was born and raised here in Brody. A tailor by profession, he was always down on his luck, never able to make a decent living. He was hardly able to support his family, and they always lived in miserable poverty. He sat in the back of the synagogue, and no one ever noticed him. Despite working many hours, he never earned much; it was hard for him to scrape together enough money for even a loaf of bread for his family.
“Recently, however, his situation changed. Mr. Tzaddok was introduced to a local nobleman who needed to make new uniforms for all his servants. The nobleman was very satisfied with Mr. Tzaddok’s craftsmanship, and his business started to pick up. He even received an order for 5,000 uniforms for the army. He became a rich man and gained respect in the eyes of the community. He did not forget his former poverty, and gave generously to many, taking an active role in communal affairs. Just this morning, he was unanimously elected chairman of the charity committee.”
Hearing this story, Avigdor hurried to the synagogue and found Mr. Tzaddok busy reading carefully the many requests for financial assistance. He handed Mr. Tzaddok the letter. Together they read the words of the Baal Shem Tov, penned 16 years earlier:
Dear Mr. Tzaddok,
The man who brought this letter is named Avigdor. He was once very wealthy but is now very poor. He has paid for his haughtiness. Since just this morning you were elected chairman of the charity committee, I request that you do all you can to assist him, as he has a large family to support. He will once again become successful, and this time he will be more suited to success. In case you doubt my words, I give you the following sign: Your wife is expecting a baby, and today she will give birth to a boy.
They concluded reading the letter when someone burst into the synagogue and exclaimed, “Mazel tov, Mr. Tzaddok! Your wife just had a baby boy!” Both gentleman were shocked at what unfolded. They saw how the Baal Shem Tov foresaw all and prepared a Yeshua for Avigdor. Mr. Tzaddok agreed to help Avigdor get back on his feet, and in a short time Avigdor became very affluent. Thanks to the Baal Shem Tov’s foresight. But he learned a lesson to accept a blessing even when you think you’re on top of the world.
