Was this shidduch made in heaven?

By Rabbi Baruch Lederman

SAN DIEGO– Yitzchak, son of Rav Shlomo, Rabbi of Vienna, was once walking in a forest park on the outskirts of Vienna. He was immersed in thought, mentally reviewing his Talmud studies. He enjoyed these walks so that he could concentrate and clarify the finer points of his lessons.

On this particular day, Princess Wilhelmina, the king’s only daughter, happened to be sitting in the park. She set her gaze upon him and was taken by his handsomeness and earnest appearance. Indeed he gave off an aura of purity and holiness. She went back to the palace and told her father that she saw the man whom she was going to marry.

The king was not happy about his daughter the princess, marrying a Jew. However, even though he was a king, he like most fathers couldn’t say no to his only daughter. She was adamant. Of course the boy would have to be converted to Christianity before the royal wedding.

One of the king’s ministers, Dietrich of Zisheim, was friendly with the Rabbi and sent him a message warning him of what was brewing.

When R’ Shlomo got the message, his blood froze. Very soon, a royal servant would arrive, commanding him to bring Yitzchak to the palace. Refusal would mean death. In fact retribution would be taken on the entire Jewish community if the Rabbi disobeyed the king’s edict. But how could he sacrifice his only son?

The Rabbi spoke to the head of the Jewish community who came up with a bold yet simple plan. “Let Yitzchak get married before the official royal messenger arrives. I suggest the wedding be held today.”

Crazy as this seemed, it was their only hope – and it felt good to finally have hope.

Since Yitzchak was continually besieged by shadchanim (matchmakers) with prospective matches, all they needed to do was pick one and get married fast. After all, Yitzchak possessed many desirable personal attributes, in addition to being the Rabbi’s son.

Indeed shadchanim were continually showing up representing any number of girls – fine young ladies from prominent families with beauty, charm, wealth and education.

As it turned out, on that day, the well was dry. All the eligible young ladies were gone. Time was of the essence and it was running out.

Finally Yitzhak’s mother exclaimed, “I know! Yitzchak can marry our maid Bluma. She’s single.”

Bluma was an orphan. She did not possess lineage, beauty, education or wealth; but, she was single and Jewish and they were desperate. Bluma agreed, and the Rabbi quickly performed the chupa (wedding) ceremony. The next day, a royal messenger arrived with a letter for Rav Shlomo. After reading through the letter, he responded with mock surprise, “This is a great honor, but it must be some mistake. My son Yitzchak is a married man.”

The palace investigated the matter and it was concluded that Yizchak was indeed lawfully wed. The royal wedding plans were officially dropped. A few weeks later, after they were out of danger, Yitzchak’s mother went to Bluma and told her that since this marriage was contrived because of dire circumstances, she expected her to divorce her son so that they could all get on with their lives. Bluma would not hear of this.

The Rebbetzin then went to her son and said, “Yitzchak, you must put an end to this madness and give Bluma a divorce.”

“No mother,” declared Yitzchak, “She is meant for me. There is no way under natural circumstances that an orphan girl and the Rabbi’s son would ever marry. It must be that Hashem (G-d) orchestrated this whole affair so that we would be joined together. Just as it was obvious that Chava (Eve) was the only woman for Adam, it is obvious that she is the only woman for me.”

“Yitzchak, are you mad? The greatest in the land are nothing compared to you, and you will stay tied to a homely maid?!”

“Yes,” Yitzchak answered, “I prefer to be tied to a maidservant who is beautiful in my eyes, rather than to humiliate a Jewish woman.”

It is said: At that moment, the Heavenly Tribunal judged that Yitzchak should be granted a great gift. Bluma bore Yitzchak several pairs of twins – all beautiful, kind and successful. From these twins came the famous Teomim (twins) family, one of the most prominent in recent Jewish history. To this day, descendants of this esteemed family are spread throughout the entire world.
*

Dedicated by Herb & Bette Shatoff for a Refuah Shelaimah L’Bracha bat Raquel. May Hashem extend His helping hand.

Rabbi Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah.  He may be contacted at baruch.lederman@sdjewishworld.com