R. Yitzchak Meir used to visit Mezhibuzh. One of the Jewish residents of Mezhibuzh was a very simple Jew – an uncouth individual, lacking in intelligence – who used to collect donations. R. Yitzchak Meir would also give him a donation.
Near Mezhibuzh there were deep clay pits where bricks were manufactured. Once R. Yitzchak Meir asked this fellow: “What would you do if you were to fall into one of these deep pits?” The Jew answered: “What do you mean? I will go to my wife Tsharne and get the ladder and crawl out of the pit.”
Hasidim wondered why R. Yitzchak Meir was spending so much time with this simpleton. R. Yitzchak Meir responded to them: “It says, that when Mashiach will come, all the kings will present gifts to King Mashiach. Let’s understand this: what kind of gifts will they bring? Gold and silver? Why would King Mashiach need this? What is precious in the eyes of King Mashiach? A Jew. But what kind of Jew will wait until he is brought before Mashiach? Certainly, every Jew will run hurriedly as soon as he hears that Mashiach has arrived. Who will remain? Only such an individual. And it states that Mashiach will be pleased with the gift. Nu, if King Mashiach will enjoy [the company of] such a Jew, it is worthwhile to exchange some words with him.”
I.F.
Elazar Zohn
