Gunned up for Torah

When I was visiting the grave of the Ba’al Shem Tov in Europe, one of my sons phoned me and told me the following narrative. A student of his, who always attends his daily shiur, is making great strides in spirituality. He also supports Torah scholars. This man was now in dire straits. In a moment of jest, he threatened to shoot his wife. She instantly called the police, who arrested him. Upon a house search, they found a loaded gun in his possession. All his assertions that he didn’t mean it fell on deaf ears. He was slated to spend a long stint in prison.

This was my son’s story. He asked me to pray that this man should merit immediate release.

I turned to Hashem, and said, “Ribbono shel Olam, You know that if this Jew remains in prison, he will suffer spiritual setbacks. Rubbing shoulders with hardened criminals will surely affect him adversely. He will miss so many Torah lessons, which he was always scrupulous in attending. What will be with his neshamah? Please, for the sake of Your Torah, release him from jail!”

35. In Yeshivat Ponevezh, together with the Roshei Hayeshiva

I offered this prayer before Hashem at the graves of the Ba’al Shem Tov, as well as other tzaddikim.

Some time later, my son notified me that for no logical reason, and without prior notification, the Chief of Police told this man, “Leave immediately. But make sure never to repeat your foolishness.”

The man phoned my son as soon as he was freed. He told him that throughout his incarceration, he had fervently prayed for Hashem to extricate him, so that he could return to his regular Torah shiur. It was oxygen for him, he said. Without his shiur, his life was not worth living.

Neither his business nor his young children were what interested him at that time. It was only the Torah lectures that stood primary in his mind, during his long hours of imprisonment. Therefore, Hashem allowed him to be freed and return home.

With siyata di’Shemaya, we succeeded in restoring marital harmony between this man and his wife. It is stronger than ever before. The Torah that he learns allows him to be a fitting vessel for Hashem’s blessings in his home.