You’re In Good Hands! You’re In G-D’s Hands!

Chovot Halevavot

“A person who trusts in G-d chooses those means of sustenance for himself that entail greater rest for his body, give him a good name, and leave his heart free from worry. He also chooses those occupations that are more helpful for his Torah observances.

All this is due to his strong belief that the means of sustenance will not add to his amount of sustenance nor will it cause him to lack anything. His amount of sustenance will only be increased or decreased by the decree of G-d, may He be blessed “

— Introduction, 8th benefit

The Story: 

It was a cold winter night. A young man sat in a wagon, shivering. He couldn't feel his fingers or toes. He looked forward to sitting by a fireplace, reviewing the teachings of his Rabbi. Finally, he heard the voice of the wagon driver announcing that they had arrived at an inn. The young lad tried to stand up, but couldn't. He was too cold to move. The wagon driver picked him up and brought him to the inn. A kind man opened the door. "Hello, Come in quickly! It's so cold out there!" The wagon driver brought the young lad over to the fireplace and the kind innkeeper quickly went to get some snow. He came back and began rubbing the young man’s feet with the snow. The innkeeper knew it would help the young man warm up.

"What is your name?" The innkeeper asked the distinguished looking young man.

"Shneur Zalman. And what is your name?" The young man asked.

"My name is Yitzchak. Where are you headed?" the innkeeper inquired.

"I am on my way home from Mezeritch, where I was studying with my Rebbe, Reb Dovber, the Maggid of Mezritch," answered Reb Shneur Zalman.

 "You are a student of the Holy Maggid? It is such a pleasure to be your host!" Yitzchak exclaimed.

Yitzchak then looked at Reb Shneur Zalman pleadingly. "Please share something you learned by the Holy Maggid," he begged.

An otherworldly glow seemed to light up Reb Shneur Zalman’s face as he enthusiastically shared what he learned. He tried to keep it simple, so that even a simple Jew can understand.

After sharing some of the lessons he learned, Reb Shneur Zalman steered the conversation towards the innkeeper's life.

"Tell me, Reb Yitzchak,"  Reb Shneur Zalman asked, "how many Jews live in this town?"

Yitzchak sighed, "Not many. We don't even have enough Jews for a Minyan."

Reb Shneur Zalman couldn't understand. "So you never Pray with a Minyan? There are no towns close by with enough Jews?"

"There are about 100 Jewish families in the big city. It takes a couple of days to reach the synagogue, so we only go for the Jewish Festivals," Yitzchak answered sadly.

Reb Shneur Zalman was shocked. "How can you live like that? A day, a week, without a minyan?! Without a Rabbi and without a Torah scroll?!"

Yitzchak looked at him sadly, and responded, "This is my job. I need the business. I don't have a choice. What can I do in the city already? I'm sure there is no need for another inn."

Reb Shneur Zalman thought for a moment about the teachings he learned by His Rabbi. His brilliant mind came up with the right thing to say.

"You said there were 100 Jewish families in the city, right?" Reb Shneur Zalman asked him.

"Yes," Yitzchak answered.

"How do they all have work to do?" Reb Shneur Zalman asked.

Yitzchak got confused. "I-"

"G-d found work for them, of course! If G-d can find work for 100 families, He can for sure find work for you!" Reb Shneur Zalman declared confidently.

Yitzchak thought about it. "That's true..."

Reb Shneur Zalman was finally warmed up. He got up and took out a small Prayer book from his pocket. "I am going to go to sleep now. Have a good night, Reb Yitzchak."

Yitzchak showed Reb Shneur Zalman to his room. He opened his Prayer book to say the evening prayers. When he finished, he went straight into bed, and fell asleep.

Reb Shneur Zalman was soon awakened by the sounds of children's voices, and objects being moved around. He heard Yitzchak giving instructions and the sounds of horses neighing. Reb Shneur Zalman got out of bed and ran down the stairs to investigate. He saw children grabbing things from the kitchen and counters, packing them, and bringing them to the wagons outside. Reb Shneur Zalman rubbed his eyes in wonder, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. He spotted the innkeeper and went over to him.

"What's happening? Why are you packing things so late at night? Where are you going?"

Yitzchak looked at him with a big smile on his face. "It's all thanks to you!"

"Me?" Reb Shneur Zalman said in surprise.

"Of course!" Yitzchak answered, "You told me 'if G-d can find work for 100 families, He can definitely find work for you!' I realized you were right. That's why I woke up my family and we are leaving right now to the city! G-d will figure out how I can earn a living. My concern should be to ascertain that I have a minyan to Pray with."

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