The great Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk would often lock himself in his room during the month of Elul to prepare for the Yamim Noraim. His gabbaim did not allow anyone to disturb him unless it was truly a matter of life and death.
A wealthy man who lived far from Lizhensk had a son who had suffered a severe nervous breakdown. He had tried everything to help him, but nothing worked. A nephew of Reb Elimelech, who lived in the same town, suggested that he travel to the Rebbe, who would surely be able to help.
After a long journey, the father and son stopped at an inn near Lizhensk to rest. While they were there, a poor man entered. He had a special glow on his face. The sick son suddenly pointed to him and said, “Father, please give this holy Yid a large amount of money.”
The father was stunned. These were the first normal words his son had spoken in months! He gave the pauper a gold coin. The poor man then asked where they were headed.
“We’re going to Reb Elimelech,” the father replied. “Your son is already cured,” the pauper said. “Why trouble Reb Elimelech?” The father answered, “My son has been sick for a long time. How do I know this cure will last?”
The pauper assured him that his son had been completely healed. The father then said, “I won’t ask the Rebbe about my son anymore, but since I have come all this way, I would still like to give him a kvittel.” “That’s fine,” the pauper replied, “just don’t trouble the Rebbe about your son. Right now he is deeply involved in great avodah for Klal Yisrael.”
When they finally arrived in Lizhensk, they were eventually allowed in. The father gave Reb Elimelech a kvittel without mentioning his son, along with ten gold coins. Reb Elimelech looked up and said, “To Eliyahu HaNavi you gave one gold coin, and to me you give ten?”
The man immediately understood that the mysterious pauper had been Eliyahu HaNavi.
We can learn from this story how precious the avodah of the tzadikim is on behalf of Klal Yisrael. It was worthwhile for Hashem to send Eliyahu HaNavi himself to heal the boy, so that Reb Elimelech could continue his holy work without interruption.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 95.
