The Meor Einayim, the tzadik Rebbe Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl, zy’a, was one of the leading disciples of the Baal Shem Tov and later, of the Maggid of Mezritch. In addition to his mystical scholarship, the holy Chernobler was particularly active in the mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim, redeeming captives. His days and nights were spent collecting funds, lobbying and engaging in activism on behalf of Jews who had fallen prey to the local squires, landlords and corrupt officers of the Ukraine. He would spare no effort or expense in working on behalf of Jewish prisoners.
One day, while going door to door collecting money to ransom a Jewish debtor in Zhitomir, the Chernobler was arrested and jailed for jaywalking. Lacking the appropriate identification papers, the tzadik was thrown into jail. Even as he suffered the indignities and humiliation of prison, the Chernobler maintained his faith. He was also plagued with the nagging feeling of frustration and unfairness… having devoted his entire life to this specific mitzvah pidyon shevuyim, how could Hashem allow this turn of events? That night, his rebbe, the holy Baal Shem Tov, appeared to him in a dream. Smiling, the tzadik shared the following message:
“There was none among our forefathers who more exemplified the trait of chesed and excelled in hachnasas orchim, welcoming and honoring guests, more than Avraham Avinu. The tent of Avraham and Sarah was open on all four sides, and they provided food, shelter and encouragement to any passing wayfarer, stranger or traveller. In his infinite wisdom, Hashem instructed Avraham to hit the road: Lech lecha m’artzecha, “Go from your land,” and become a traveller as well. Avraham became a stranger in a strange land, so that the experience of being a guest would teach him how to be a host and to more effectively provide for the needs of others.
“You, my dear Reb Nachum,” continued the Baal Shem Tov, “you who have spent your life redeeming prisoners and rescuing captives, will now more fully appreciate how crucial the Mitzvah is and you will redouble your holy efforts on their behalf with even more sacrifice and sensitivity.”
Parshas Vayeira is an opportunity for us to reflect on the extraordinary way our Zeidy Avraham used his real life experiences, travails and journeys as means to connect with, better understand and meet the needs of others. More importantly, it is a time for us to consider how our own ups and downs, our challenges and opportunities, are meant to help us make space within our schedules, homes and lives, for others. We are always being taught deeper levels of empathy and lovingkindness.
May we merit to learn from Avraham Avinu, and practice empathy and hachnasas orchim in good health and amid revealed good.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 57.
