Building up Merits
A wealthy individual bought a number of buildings, but unfortunately suffered great losses as a result. Additionally, he was summoned to court on charges, which, if proven true, would force him to relinquish other buildings in his possession.
With a broken heart, he related his problems to me, asking for my assurance that he would be found innocent. I was wondering how to respond. This man was not even a believer, yet asked for my blessing! How in the world could I bless him with Hashem’s approval?
There are some things which do not come gratis. When one requests deliverance from Hashem, he must give Hashem something in return. I asked this man what he intended to offer as payment to Hashem for His salvation. “I have no idea,” was the man’s response.
At that time, I was in dire need of a substantial amount of funds in order to pay up debts which the yeshiva had accrued. I told the man, “Let’s make a deal. You will help my yeshiva by paying off some of its debts, and Hashem will prove your innocence in court.”
The man agreed. The amount of the debts was staggering, but if he were to lose the case, his losses would be manifold times greater.
But I was not finished. “There is something else that I demand of you. I understand that you live with a gentile woman. You must leave her and marry a kosher Jewish woman. And in one month, you are invited to join in the hilula of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, in Morocco.”
The man promised to do everything I asked. Then he extracted a check from his pocket and penned in the amount of the debts.
Approximately two weeks later, the man entered the yeshiva, all smiles. Upon my asking if everything worked out, he replied, “Yes. And I even experienced a miracle. I received a letter stating that the businessmen who were at odds with me are interested in reaching an agreement with me. Additionally, they wish to sign on a new deal with me, because they, too, are suffering financially. Moreover, they ask that I forgive them and said that they forgive me. We will take an oath never to inform on one another to the authorities.
“Of course, I agreed to the proposition. A few hours ago, we signed on a new deal, which already reaped great dividends.”
“And what about the gentile woman?” I pressed.
“She left of her own accord,” he replied. “In a short while, I am scheduled to marry a fine, Jewish woman, according to halachah.”
I was very happy at these tidings. I said to him, “All that is left for you to do is participate in the hilula of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a. There, you will personally thank Hashem for all the wonders He performed on your behalf.” He did exactly as I said.
