Peace of Mind

I’ll tell you a maaseh. There once was an elderly woman who was very sick, and the doctors gave up on healing her. She was very distressed and sent a message that she wanted the Baal Shem Tov himself to come and visit her. The Baal Shem Tov was thrilled to do the mitzvah of bikur cholim, and came to her bedside. The woman requested that the Baal Shem Tov give her a brocha that she should recover from her illness and live a long, healthy life. Not only that, but the woman also insisted that he should swear by his portion in Olam Haba that she will recover and live until 120! Shockingly, the Baal Shem Tov agreed, and promised, at the risk of losing his entire portion in the World To Come, that this woman would recover! The woman was thrilled at this guarantee, and thanked him profusely for the incredible peace of mind she now had. With that, the Baal Shem Tov left. 

A few days later, the woman passed away. The chassidim came running to the Baal Shem Tov, asking for an explanation. There is no doubt that you knew she would pass away. Why did you swear by your portion in Olam Haba?! The Baal Shem Tov confirmed that he did in fact know that her time was almost up, and that, having completed her mission in this world, she would pass away in a few days.. But he also knew that if he gave her this promise along with his guarantee, she would live out her last few days with peace of mind and tranquility. Said the holy Baal Shem Tov: “It was worth it for me to give up my entire Olam Haba, just to give another Jew peace of mind, even for a few short days!” 

We have no idea what it means to help another Yid, to encourage and give strength to another Yid. For the Baal Shem Tov, it was worth his entire Olam Haba! We should never underestimate the significance and power of helping our fellow Jew!

 We’re also Yidden, and so Hashem should also help us, and encourage and strengthen us, giving us the yeshuos we need, and the peace of mind, until the coming of Moshiach with compassion. May it happen soon. Amen.