Rabbi Mikhal of Zlotchov was a very poor man, and he was asked whether he prayed to God for a livelihood. In response, he related a story: “There was a powerful Czar who had only one daughter, whom he married off in a grand and opulent celebration. A great feast was prepared, with designated meals for the poor. After the meals had ended, a destitute man came and begged for something to eat, claiming he was dying of hunger. But the emperor’s daughter was soundly asleep, and nobody paid attention to the man’s cries for help, even when he demanded to see the Czar, for he was dying from hunger.” Rabbi Mikhal concluded, “I am well aware that the Shekhina (divine presence) is in exile and lamenting her people, the Jews. How can I come and bother her at such a time with my foolishness—that I need a livelihood?”
Y. F.
Nachum Ber Hamburger
Boyaner hasid