- Rabbi Baruch Lederman
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman
SAN DIEGO — The Torah tells us that we cannot eat just any animal, bird, or fish. It has to be kosher. But don’t worry, even though the Torah prohibits us from many many foods, there is still plenty of kosher food to be found. Just have a little faith. Hashem (G-d) takes care of us.
A man once approached Reb Yisroel Salanter and asked, “Rebbi, is it true that if I buy a lottery ticked and I have a hundred percent bitachon (trust) in Hashem that I will win; then I will indeed win?”
“Yes,” replied the holy Rabbi.
The man proceeded to buy a ticket in the lottery, excited that he was going to win the prize which was one million rubles. The drawing was held the next morning.
Immediately after the drawing, the man dashed back to Reb Yisroel to tell him what happened.
“Rebbi, remember you told me that I would win the lottery if I had a hundred percent bitachon?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“Well I had bitachon just like you said, and guess what happened.”
“Please tell me.”
“I lost! How is that possible?”
“Let me ask you a question; suppose that five minutes before the drawing I would have offered you 900,000 rubles for the ticket, would you have sold it to me?”
“Of course, I would have to be a fool to turn down 900,000 rubles.”
“Then you didn’t have total bitachon.”
There was a debate between Reb Yisroel Salanter and the Rashash – Rabbi Shmuel Shtrashon, concerning belief in Hashem. The Rashash said, “One must believe that Hashem will provide for all his needs, but he cannot ask for anything specific. We must sincerely put our faith in Hashem and believe that He will ensure that our material needs are satisfied. On the other hand, we certainly cannot ask for a watch, jewel or any other particular item.”
Reb Yisroel, however argued as follows, “A true believer will receive anything he asks for. If I want a gold watch and I believe with all sincerity that Hashem will grant my request, then it will be granted.”
“Impossible,” answered Reb Shmuel. Reb Yisroel counseled, “Wait until tomorrow and you will see!”
The following day, a sailor knocked on the door of Reb Shmuel’s home, so Reb Shmuel asked how he can help him. The sailor responded, “I was on a ship during a raging storm. The waves went over the bow and we were in danger of sinking. I raised my eyes to Hashem and said, ‘If I am saved, I will give my gold watch to the Rav of the first town to which we arrive.’ Thanks to Hashem I have arrived safely today and I want to keep my vow. Therefore, I am giving you my gold watch.”
Reb Shmuel said, “It is not meant for me. Go give it to Reb Yisroel Salanter.”
Dedicated by Dr. & Mrs. Yehuda Trestman on the occasion of the upcoming Yahrtzeit, 6 Iyar, of his father Charles Trestman, Betzalel ben Shlomo Halevi.
* Rabbi Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah. He may be contacted at baruch.lederman@sdjewishworld.com