Rebbe Yaakov Yitzchak, the Chozeh or ‘Seer’ of Lublin zy’a was a wondrous light of righteousness and Torah scholarship, kedusha and generosity. In addition to his ability to ‘see’ into the non-physical world of souls, he was a boundless Baal Tzedakah, distributing copious amounts of charity to all those who visited his court in Lublin.
A certain poor collector once traveled to Lublin, desperate for funds to marry off his daughter. The wedding was approaching and he needed a large amount to cover the expenses. He joined the line of petitioners, and when his moment with the Tzadik arrived, he shared his difficult situation, and also lobbied for special consideration in light of their kesher, their ‘family connection’: “My maternal great-grandmother’s second husband had a nephew that is a cousin through marriage to one of the Rebbe’s uncles….”
The Chozeh was unimpressed with the man’s exaggerated ‘Kesher,’ and shook his head, saying, Veiteh K’rovim, Veiteh K’rovim — “Distant relatives.” He handed the visitor the standard donation for Hachnasas Kallah. Again, the visitor tried to play the family card, but the Chozeh did not buy it. Disappointed, and with no recourse, the man prepared to return home.
As he stepped toward the door, one of the Chozeh’s closest students, Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz, noticed him. The Ropshitzer was beloved for his frank and pithy observations, his sense of humor and holy chutzpah. He gestured and whispered to the downcast collector: “Stay a little longer. Soon we will daven the afternoon services. When the Chazan begins Chazaras Hashatz, the repetition of the Amida, when he recites the blessing of Avos and says, “…Our G-d and G-d of our Forefathers… Elokei Avraham, Elokei Yitzchak, v’Elokei Yaakov,” you should call out loudly Veiteh K’rovim! Distant relatives! Let’s see,” smiled the Ropshitzer, “how the Chozeh responds.”
As Minchah began, the man nervously made his way to stand near the Rebbe. When the Chazan started Chazaras Hashatz and said the words V’zocher Chasdei Avos, “Have mercy on us in the merit of our great forefathers,” the collector cried out,“Veiteh K’rovim! Veiteh K’rovim!”
The Chozeh turned around and shot a look of surprise at the guest, and with a sigh, placed his head down on his lectern. As soon as the mourners had completed their last Kaddish, the Chozeh beamed with love at the guest, pulled a bag of gold coins out of the shtender, and sent him on his way with a blessing and more than enough to pay for the family simcha.
Take It To Go!
Thrice daily we ask Hashem to help us in the merit of those ancestors who, though they lived thousands of years ago, are not at all “distant relatives.” Our Bubbies and Zeidies are not simply historical figures, characters in a Biblical narrative for us to study in theory. The experience of the Akeida Sacrifice has implanted within us the ability to withstand and overcome unfathomable nisyonos and spiritual tests. The generosity and loving-kindness of our Savta Sarah and Saba Avraham, their faith and dedication to Hashem, and their care and concern for others, live on in our own faith and propensity and talent for chesed.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 58.