By Simcha Abramowitz
Yeruchem was a dedicated Chasid of Reb Dov Ber Shneuri, the second Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, also known as the Mittler Rebbe. This Chasid enjoyed an abundance of wealth. Each season, the Chasid's muddy brown soil reaped hundreds of kilos of fresh produce. The workers of the wealthy farmer were paid well and fed well. Huge heaping sacks of rust-colored, brown potatoes stocked the shelves of the chasid's cellar.
The produce was used to feed the poor of the town of Lubavitch. Over time, the skinny peasant workers grew into healthy strong laborers. Sixty percent of all profits on Yeruchem's farm went to charity. The farmer had enough out of his 40% to live quite comfortably. He'd stroll through the fields reciting Psalms each day. Each month, Yeruchem held a big Chasidic gathering, which the Mittler Rebbe would often attend. The songs and melodies made a profound effect on all present.
One winter, Yeruchem took ill. He felt it was time for him to pass on. Yeruchem transferred all his wealth to his only son, Moshe. A large group of peasants assembled at Yeruchem's funeral.
Moshe, the next link in the chain, accepted the inheritance. His father's farm, his father' private cellar, and all of his father's businesses, transferred to Moshe's responsibility. Moshe, the incumbent benefactor of his father's wealth, went to the Mittler Rebbe for a blessing.
Upon arrival at the village, Moshe went directly to the Rebbe. The Rebbe said: "I wish you, Reb Moshe, much success in your financial endeavors. Money is given to us by G-d, not because of our efforts to obtain it. G-d has a special mission in mind for each of us. Your mission in having this money is to support people or institutions in need of money. Remember, you can lose this money as easily as you got it..."
Reb Moshe listened intently to the Rebbe. This was a hard mission, due to his miserly nature. But initially Reb Moshe gave charity generously. Pretty soon, though, Reb Moshe started to cut back on his charitable contributions. He was afraid of overspending. In a short while, he totally gave in to his miserly inclination, giving very little charity. He invested most of his money in businesses which he operated. He spent a little on himself. The rest of his money was stored in is cellar in a huge chest. The soft wads of paper bills sat snugly inside of their wrappers. The heaving wooden chest stood formidably in back of the rickety wooden staircase. No one would every take it away...
The Rebbe sensed what was happening to Reb Moshe and sent a messenger to his chasid.
The messenger arrived and told Reb Moshe that his fortunes would dwindle, unless he would take the Rebbe's advice. Reb Moshe's face instantly flushed with embarrassment. The men talked. By the time the messenger left, Reb Moshe was convinced. Reb Moshe checked his storage cellar that morning. He fished out three sacks of potatoes, and several stacks of bills. He ordered his son to send it to a needy family. Days went by. Weeks went by. Reb Moshe felt regret over the potatoes and money he had given away. He slowed down his tzedaka donations.
Again the Rebbe sent a messenger to warn Reb Moshe and again Reb Moshe started giving charity once more, but this time halfheartedly. Soon, he slowed down his charitable donations and even cut down his farmhands' salaries.
Weeks passed. Reb Moshe cut his workers' salaries once more and totally stopped giving charity.
Over the next few weeks, Moshe suffered major financial setbacks. One by one, his businesses went bankrupt. Then Reb Moshe's plantation was swamped by torrents of heavy rains. By the end of the three-day deluge, Reb Moshe's plantations lay in desolation. Reb Moshe had only one hope left: his money chest.
The worried Chasid lowered his shaking body down the cellar's stairwell. Moshe bent down slowly to inspect he chest. His fingers trembled. He held his breath. Then he looked.
The money was so soaked that it crumbled into paper flakes. Such an extreme and unexpected calamity can only be from heaven, he realized. The sobbing Chasid had lost all his crops, all his money, all his businesses, and he still owed money to his creditors. This time, Reb Moshe traveled to the Mittler Rebbe. He cried bitter tears of regret, admitting his wrongdoing, and begging for help.
The Rebbe gave Reb Moshe a blessing to rebuild all his businesses and to replant his crops. But in order for G-d to grant the blessing Reb Moshe would have to fulfill his pledge to share his profits by giving charity generously.
Through a contrite heart, Reb Moshe cured himself of his obsession with money. With the Rebbe's blessings he became wealthy again and now gave charity abundantly.
