Helping others always important -- Final End

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Date Posted: 13:04:34 05/09/03 Fri
Author: schwabra
Subject: Helping others always important

It was with heavy hearts that a group of senior chassidim assembled in the
home of Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov. Their Rebbe had fallen ill, and it was
understood that his moments were numbered. They joined his children and
grandchildren to be with him in his final hour, and perhaps hear some final
instruction from their mentor and guide in life.

The Rebbes eyes were closed, and a medley of trepidation and ecstasy played
upon his holy face. Our master is spending his last minutes in communion with
his Maker, they all thought; how selfish of us to assume that he has
something to say to us at this time!

Suddenly, the Rebbes eyes opened and began to search the small crowd. Finally
his glance rested on one man, who was standing to one side. The chassidim
made way for this man, and gently propelled him toward the Rebbes bedside.

Reb Shmuel, the chassidim heard the Rebbe inquire, what is it that you wanted
to ask?

Rebbe, said the man, whom no one recalled ever having seen before, the wool
that I purchased... What shall I do?

Dont worry, Reb Shmuel, said Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech. Wait until next winter.
The price will rise, and you will make a handsome profit.

The Rebbes eyes closed. Soon after, his soul departed to its supernal abode.

In the days that followed, the chassidim hotly debated the significance of
their Rebbes final words. The mysterious wool merchant had disappeared as
suddenly as he had appeared; certainly, he was one of the thirty-six hidden
tzaddikim, or perhaps Elijah the Prophet? Various theories were offered on
the kabbalistic meanings of wool, summer and handsome profit.

Word of these deliberations reached the ears of Rabbi Tzvi Elimelechs son,
Rabbi Dovid. You are mistaken, he said. There is no mystery here, no hidden
meaning, only a profound expression of my saintly fathers love for every Jew.
Reb Shmuel is a simple merchant who would often come to seek fathers counsel
and blessings regarding his business affairs. Recently, he had bought a large
quantity of wool, after which its price had dropped sharply; the poor man
faced the loss of all his assets as well as huge debts for the sums he had
borrowed to make the purchase. He rushed to Dinov to seek my fathers advice.
Upon his arrival, he followed the crowd into fathers room, unaware of why we
had assembled. Father, sensing the presence of a Jew in need, considered it
his highest priority to ensure him that all would be well.

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