Two bachurim were learning in the yeshivah of Radin. It was a very hot day, and it was Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, a fast day. They soon got a headache and decided to walk outside a little to refresh themselves.
As they walked, they started talking in learning. They became deeply involved in their discussion and wandered far into the fields around the city.
Suddenly, a non Jew walked over to them and asked in a friendly tone, “How is Yisrael Meir doing?” referring to the revered Chofetz Chaim.
The bachurim wondered how he knew their rebbe, and he happily explained.
“I once woke up early in the morning and heard crying coming from the fields. I was sure there was a wolf in my field, so I quickly ran out with a big stick in the direction of the sound.
“When I came close, I saw an amazing sight. An old man was crying. I heard him saying, ‘I, Your dear son Yisrael Meir, have come before You to thank You for giving me the zechus to write the sefer Mishnah Berurah. Please, I beg of You, that no Yid should ever misunderstand my sefer and because of this, chas v’shalom, transgress any halachah. Every Yid should clearly understand every halachah!’
“When I saw this, I was amazed at the greatness of the Jewish rabbis, who care so much about their flock!”
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 88.
