With his kindness, the Viznitzer Rebbe reinstated a Yid to Torah.
Harav Yisrael Hager, the Rebbe of Viznitz and the Holy Ahavas Yisrael, is the subject of an interesting story. He was born on August 20, 1860. He was the firstborn son of Rabbi Boruch Hager, the Imrei Baruch. He married the daughter of Rabbi Meir Horowitz the Rebbe of Dzikov. In 1875 he moved to his father-in-law's house and studied at great length with his brother-in-law Rabbi Yehoshua of Dzikov the Ateres Yehoshua. Harav Yisrael passed away two days in Sivon 5696. After surviving World War II and immigrating to Israel, Harav Chaim Mayer Hager, also known as the Imrei Chaim, succeeded his father Harav Yisrael. Eight days of Nisson 5732, the Imrei Chaim passed away in Bnei Brak.
The Viznitzer Rebbe, Harav Yisrael, used to frequent the town of Karlsbad, Germany, a spa and vacation destination known for its hot springs. Mr. Morris, a secular Jew, visited the baths at that time as well for his own health. He was informed one day via certified mail that he was facing charges for a crime he accused of, and that he needed to show up in court on a specific day. Mr. Morris was terrified and afraid because he knew he would have to serve a lengthy jail sentence if found guilty. He was a diligent worker with a small income who couldn't afford to hire a strong defense attorney.
He was doomed and appeared anguished and depressed. Seeing the misery on his face, his friend Mr. Hansberg questioned him, "What happened to you?" I know you to be a really joyful person who is constantly grinning. Mr. Morris shared his story and became more forthcoming with his friend Mr. Hansberg. In an attempt to calm Mr. Morris, Mr. Hansberg explained that the well-known Rebbe of Viznitz was present at the resort and was a miracle worker, so he shouldn't worry. He can undoubtedly aid you in your terrible situation.
Mr. Morris was not fond of Rebbes; in fact, he detested them and was adamantly against seeing one. After striking up a conversation, Mr. Hansberg bluntly questioned, "What does he stand to lose by seeing the Rebbe?" Unless there's another way. Mr. Morris finally consented to see the Viznitzer Rebbe because he saw his predicament and was in dire need of redemption.
Mr. Morris felt a little calmer standing in front of the Rebbe, who smiled warmly and welcomed him. What was upsetting him, the Rebbe asked him? The Rebbe listened to him tell his story. "Is there anything I can help you with?" inquired the Rebbe. "I need to hire a good lawyer to defend me, but I have no money for a lawyer," the Jew replied. "How much money do you need for a lawyer?" inquired the Rebbe. Mr. Morris responded with the number he required. "You need not worry; here is the entire amount of money you require," the Rebbe remarked. You will get back to me with the good news once you have been acquitted in the case. You should worry about paying me back after that!
Mr. Morris was taken aback by this: here is a Rebbe who has never met him and doesn't even know him, yet he trusts me with this much money! His attitude toward the Rebbe had changed, and he thanked him and requested his blessing to succeed in court. After delivering his bracha, the Rebbe bid him farewell. After expressing gratitude to the Rebbe, Mr. Morris sought the advice of a renowned attorney who examined the court documents and expressed confidence in his ability to win the case, albeit at a significant cost. In response, Mr. Morris said he had the necessary funds and that a contract had been created. The attorney got to work on the matter, and he made his defense in court. Mr. Morris was cleared of all charges.
After thanking the attorney, Mr. Morris paid him. He now started to borrow the funds to pay the Rebbe back. It wasn't a simple endeavor, but he raised the entire sum and left to see the Rebbe after putting in a lot of work. He came to the Rebbe, shared the good news with him, and claimed he had the funds to return the loan. He was shocked to learn, however, that the rebbe had declined to take the money, claiming that Hashem had already compensated him with other funds and that therefore the money could not be accepted.
Mr. Morris, who had never known such kindness and devotion from another Jew, was truly touched by this and began crying and said to the Rebbe: I want to repent and become a God fearing Jew. He begged the Rebbe to show him the way to true repentance. After accepting the Rebbe's offer to study with him, Mr. Morris quickly embraced to Torah life and Judaism and became a God fearing Yid. A Yid was reunited with his Torah origins by the Rebbe through his kindness and Kiruv.
Mr. Morris went to thank his friend Mr. Hansberg, to whom he owed a great deal. They studied Torah together and developed a close relationship! This is a great illustration of the advantages of showing kindness to another Yid.
