The Power of Simple Faith
The Rosh Yeshiva of a famous yeshiva once bemoaned his institution’s difficult financial state. Their debts were staggering, and there was a real danger that they would be forced to close the yeshiva completely. He added that were that to be the case, hundreds of students would be forced to seek other places of learning.
- At the tombstone of the Tanna, Yonatan ben Uziel, in Amuka
Upon hearing his words, I answered with complete faith, “Be strong of heart and firm of faith in Hashem. He will never forsake the yeshiva students. With the power of your faith, you will yet see your institution thrive, in spite of the difficult situation it presently faces.”
I added, as an afterthought, “Another Rosh Yeshiva consulted me some time ago. He, too, told me he has staggering debts. I suggested he visit the graves of the tzaddikim, thereby arousing Heavenly mercy for his institution.
“The Rosh Yeshiva did as I advised. He went to pray at the burial sites of various tzaddikim, with complete faith that Hashem can easily resolve all problems, and the tzaddikim could arouse His mercy.
“Afterward,” I continued, “the Rosh Yeshiva traveled to chutz la’aretz, with the intention of soliciting from wealthy philanthropists there. On the plane ride, he entered into a conversation with his seat-mate. The Rosh Yeshiva related his objective of his trip. He explained what dire straits his yeshiva had fallen into, and how he desperately needed a sizeable amount to keep it afloat.
“His listener was quite a well-to-do man. When he heard about the grave financial state of the yeshiva, he immediately offered his help. He told the Rav that he would be more than happy to settle all of the yeshiva’s debts out of his own pocket. Moreover, he promised to support the entire yeshiva. He had just one stipulation: The yeshiva’s name should be changed. It should be called by his father’s name, z”l. Needless to say, the Rosh Yeshiva was only too happy to comply. As soon as they landed, the two made their way to the philanthropist’s office. The magnate handed the Rosh Yeshiva a generous check, which was enough to pay off all of the yeshiva’s debts and would support the student body for a long time to come.” This was my narrative to the Rosh Yeshiva who sat before me.
“See how tremendous is the power of simple faith in Hashem,” I added. “By the power of this faith, your yeshiva, too, will be saved. You will yet see it flourishing, producing talmidei chachamim of note.”
