Reb Leib Kushmark was a wealthy Chosid of the Rebbe of Zichlin in Poland, where it was founded by Harav Shmuel Abba Zychlinski (1809–1879), author of Sefer Lahav Eish.
Reb Leib was offered to buy a large forest, but he would have to invest most of his money to purchase it. His potential was to double his money. The Rebbe gave his OK and a bracha. Reb Leib hired one of his acquaintances, Reb David Vartsky, as the manager of the forest. He was an honest person who would be responsible for running the business aspect of the forest.
Reb David knew a wealthy count who dealt in wood and seemed to be an honest person. The count inspected the forest and was very satisfied with the wood. He offered to buy off half of the forest for an astronomical price. Reb David was excited and agreed to the deal. They made up the idea that at a certain date, the wood would be delivered to the warehouse of the count. A date was also set for when the balance would be paid. The count gave a small deposit towards the deal. However, Reb David, in his excitement and elation at making such a great profit for Reb Leib, agreed to the deal, which was done without any witnesses or writing at all. Reb David hired workers to cut the trees and had the wood delivered to the count.
When the date of payment arrived, Reb David traveled to the count for payment of the wood, but the count argued that he had paid in full for the goods when they made the deal!
Reb David thought that the count was joking and asked him again politely to please pay the balance agreed upon. The count became upset with the accusation and demanded payment twice, shouted at him loudly and fiercely, and immediately ordered his servants to throw Reb David out. Reb David came home in great sorrow and grief and wasn’t able to console his soul. In particular because he knew that Rabbi Leib would demand payment from him justly and truly because he was responsible as he acted irresponsibly.
Reb David went to Zichlin to pour out his heart to the Rebbe, and admitted that he was at fault how he dealt with the count. He was in a crisis; how to repay Reb Leib for what he justly deserves? The Rebbe stared at Reb David and said softly, “Don’t worry about anything; the count will pay that debt in a just manner." The Rebbe said in Yiddish “Er Vet Veinen un tzalen”. He will cry and pay! Reb David had faith in Rebbe’s words and went home calm and confident that Hashem would help him very soon.
Reb Leib, however, was very angry in his heart at Reb David for being so naive, but he was a chasid and didn’t want to hurt his friend. Reb Leib, who realized that a chunk of his wealth was tied up in the forest, decided to visit the count himself and work it out with him, as they were both acquainted. However, the same scenario that occurred with Reb David was repeated with Reb Leib, and the count ordered his servants to escort Reb Leib out of the house.
Reb Leib was very hurt now, and he told Reb David that it seems that the count will not pay, and since it was your responsibility, you will have to come up with the money somehow! Reb David went back to the Rebbe and told him what Reb Leib said. The Rebbe again stated, “Don't worry! The count will cry and count”. Reb David told Reb Leib what the Rebbe said, and he answered that he was willing to wait a while to see how things turned out.
It was after Shavuos that Reb Leib had to be in the vicinity of the home of the count when he heard someone shouting, “Kushmark, Kushmark”. He turned around, and he saw that the count was calling him. Reb Leib stopped and went to the count, who asked him to come into his office. Reb Leib had no choice and followed the count into his office. The count told Reb Leib to sit down. He began to say that I regret having caused you grief and began to cry. After I ordered my servants to throw you out, my wife and son were upset at my behavior, and they deserted me. Afterwards, I became sick. I know it is a punishment for my sin. Wait here, and I will count the money to repay you for the wood. The count cried as he counted the money, just as the Rebbe said.
Reb Leib thanked the count and confessed to him that the Rebbe of Zichlin foresaw that the count would cry and count. The count said he would like to meet the Rebbe. Maybe he can help me in my dire situation! The count went along with Reb Leib to the Rebbe and told the Rebbe that the count paid the balance for the wood. Then the count pleaded with the Rebbe to help him. The Rebbe blessed him, and the count promised never to harm any Jews.
[Some say that the count’s wife and son returned, and the count became well.] Reb Leib related the good news to Reb David, who learned a difficult lesson in business.
