A Fiery Message
A tzedakah collector once came to my home, collecting for his community. I offered him a generous donation, and he left in good spirits. My daughter, who witnessed the scene, turned to me in wonder, “Father,” she began, “why do you give so freely like that? Your institutions are also in need of funds.”
“My dear daughter,” I replied, “you must always remember that Hashem has enough for everyone. Nothing is too difficult for Him. He can easily provide for all the needy people and Torah institutions in the entire world. One never loses out by giving to others!” I did not know just how soon my words would be realized.
One night later that week, when everyone was sleeping peacefully, the refrigerator suddenly stopped working. Tongues of fire leaped out from the motor, and heavy smoke filled the entire house. Since everyone was fast asleep, we were in mortal danger. Hashem had mercy on us and awoke me. I felt a terrible headache and then realized that the house was full of smoke. I walked in the direction of the source and discovered a huge blaze where the refrigerator had been. I immediately awoke my family. We were all saved from a grisly death.
This incident taught us, in a very clear way, that tzedakah saves one from death.
