Torah Supports Its Adherents
I was once asked to admit two additional avrechim to a kollel under my auspices. This would demand providing their monthly stipends, as well. After agreeing, I suddenly remembered that I had pledged a considerably large donation to a kollel in Netanya.
I found myself in a predicament. How could I contribute to the kollel while supporting two new members of my kollel? I thought that maybe it would be sensible to revoke my agreement of accepting these new avrechim.
I cleared a window of time from my obligations and sat down with my thoughts. I finally came to the conclusion that the one who was trying to oust the new kollel members was none other than the Yetzer Hara. In order to ward off his wily words, I kept repeating to myself the following mantra: These avrechim are not coming to learn here for my personal honor, but for the sake of Heaven. Certainly, Hashem will take care of their monthly stipends. For good measure, I lifted my eyes heavenward, and asked for siyata di’Shemaya to help me support the Torah study of these avrechim.
Later in the day, I received a call from a Jew in Marseille, who had a certain problem. After I offered my advice, I added that he should consider how much he would like to pay Hashem as a token of his thanks when the matter was resolved, with His help. The man heard me out, but did not reply.
After some time, he called me again. He informed me that, Baruch Hashem, his problem had been settled in the best possible manner. I reminded him of his pledge to Heaven. He said that he intended to honor it to the last penny. When I inquired how, he answered that he wished to support these two new avrechim in my kollel for an entire year.
How great is the power of Torah! The merit of the Torah study of these fine young men stood by them, convincing Hashem, as it were, that it paid to support them honorably.
