The Lev Simcha and the Pnei Menachem
In the twilight years of the Gerrer Rebbe, the Lev Simcha, R’ Simcha Bunim Alter zt”l, a devoted chasid found himself at a crossroads. He had a son in shidduchim and when a girl from a fine family was put forth, he sent a shaliach to the Lev Simcha to inquire about the potential match for his son, hoping for a clear and favorable response.
But the answer that came back was not what he had hoped for - in fact, it was negative. Doubt crept into his heart. Was this truly the Rebbe’s answer? Had it been conveyed accurately? Wrestling with uncertainty, he turned to a renowned Mekubal and asked him the same question, hoping for a different perspective.
The Kabbalist, with conviction and mystical insight, strongly encouraged the match. Now the chasid was torn. On one hand, the Rebbe’s answer seemed to close the door on this match. On the other, he had the enthusiastic endorsement of a Mekubal, someone revered for his spiritual vision. Unsure of how to proceed, he went to the home of the Pnei Menachem, R’ Pinchos Menachem Alter zt”l, another figure of Gerrer leadership, to seek clarity.
