In his later years, Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz zt”l, dean of the Mirer Yeshivah, once had a hectic day. In addition to delivering a major shiur klali in the yeshivah‘s main hall before many eminent talmidei chachamim, he also served as sandak at a bris milah, participated in the pidyon haben of a close student, and delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy at a funeral.
After returning home from such an arduous day, which was challenging even for a young person, the elderly rosh yeshivah was weak and exhausted. Late in the evening, while resting in utter fatigue, he suddenly remembered that he had been invited to a bar mitzvah celebration for the son of one of his talmidim. Summoning his remaining strength, he rose, leaning on his cane, and set out, slowly, step by step, to attend the celebration.
When he arrived, his presence brought great joy to the hosts. But seeing his evident exhaustion, his talmidim asked him: “Rebbi, why did you feel compelled to exert yourself in such a state to attend this bar mitzvah? Surely the father, one of your close talmidim, would have understood if you couldn‘t attend due to your weakness. Moreover, it is not his first bar mitzvah, and he and his son could have come to your home to receive your blessing. Why did you go through so much trouble?”
The rosh yeshivah, known for his exceptional middos, replied: “There was no way I could forgo attending this celebration. The bar mitzvah boy‘s father is one of the most dedicated participants in my shiurim. I owe him hakaras hatov! Without talmidim, there is no rosh yeshivah; without listeners to shiurim, there is no maggid shiur. How could I not exert myself to show appreciation to someone who so faithfully attends my shiurim?”
This story teaches us the importance of gratitude, even in difficult circumstances. Feeling an obligation of gratitude to a fellow Jew, the tzaddik made an effort, despite his exhaustion, to acknowledge the support he had received.
