How a father’s support of Torah study healed his son and changed his life. *
The secret of doing the commandments with joy and love, and how it brings G-d’s blessing. * On today's entry from the Hayom Yom for 9 Tammuz.
by Bing AI
"The greatest guaranteed assurance (of Divine assistance) for all Jewish parents in need of special help and deliverance for their children is through their support of those who study Torah."
The Torah is the source of life and blessing for the Jewish people. It is our connection to G-d and His will. When we study Torah, we draw down divine light and energy into ourselves and the world. When we support those who study Torah, we share in their merit and reward. We also enable them to continue their holy work of spreading G-d's wisdom and love.
The Rebbe teaches us that supporting Torah study is not only a great mitzvah, but also a powerful way to invoke G-d's compassion and help for our children. Sometimes we may face challenges or difficulties with our children, such as health issues, educational struggles, or behavioral problems. We may feel helpless or hopeless in these situations. We may wonder what we can do to improve their condition and ensure their happiness and success.
The Rebbe tells us that one of the best things we can do is to support Torah study. By doing so, we show G-d that we value His gift of Torah, and that we want our children to be part of it. We also create a spiritual bond between our children and the Torah scholars, who pray for them and bless them. We demonstrate our trust in G-d, that He knows what is best for our children, and that He can provide them with everything they need.
This idea can be illustrated by a Chassidic tale:
There was once a wealthy Jew who had a son who was very sick. He tried every possible remedy, but nothing helped. He consulted many doctors, but none could cure him. He was desperate and distraught.
He heard that there was a great tzaddik (righteous person) who lived in a nearby town, who had miraculous powers of healing. He decided to go visit him and ask for his blessing.
He took his son with him and traveled to the town where the tzaddik lived. He found his house and knocked on the door. A young boy opened the door and greeted him.
"Shalom aleichem," he said. "Who are you looking for?"
"I'm looking for the tzaddik," the wealthy Jew said. "I heard he lives here."
The boy smiled and said, "That's my father. He's not home right now. He went to the synagogue to study Torah with his friends."
"When will he be back?" the wealthy Jew asked.
"I don't know," the boy said. "He usually stays there for a long time."
"Can I wait for him here?" the wealthy Jew asked.
"Sure," the boy said. "Come in, make yourself comfortable."
The wealthy Jew entered the house with his son. He looked around and saw that it was very simple and modest. There was hardly any furniture or decoration. There was only a table, some chairs, some books, and some candles.
He sat down on a chair and waited for the tzaddik to return. His son lay down on another chair and fell asleep.
The boy went to his room and brought out a book. He sat down next to the wealthy Jew and started reading.
"What are you reading?" the wealthy Jew asked.
"I'm reading a book of Torah," the boy said.
"Can you read it?" the wealthy Jew asked.
"Yes," the boy said. "My father taught me how to read Hebrew and Aramaic."
"Can you understand it?" the wealthy Jew asked.
"Yes," the boy said. "My father explained it to me."
"Can you tell me what it says?" the wealthy Jew asked.
"Sure," the boy said. "It's a book of Midrash. It tells stories and lessons based on verses from the Torah."
"Can you tell me one?" the wealthy Jew asked.
"Sure," the boy said. "Here's one:"
He read aloud from the book:
It is written (Deuteronomy 11:13): "And it will be, if you hearken to My commandments that I command you this day." The Midrash says: Why does it say "this day"? To teach you that every day you should regard the commandments as if they were given to you today. For if you say, "They were given a long time ago," you will not perform them with enthusiasm. But if you say, "They were given today," you will perform them with joy and love.
The boy looked at the wealthy Jew and said, "Do you understand what this means?"
The wealthy Jew nodded and said, "Yes, I think so. It means that we should always be excited and passionate about doing G-d's will, and not take it for granted or do it out of habit."
"Exactly," the boy said. "And do you know why this is important?"
The wealthy Jew shook his head and said, "No, why?"
The boy said, "Because when we do the commandments with joy and love, we make G-d happy. And when we make G-d happy, He blesses us with everything we need. He gives us health, wealth, peace, and happiness. He protects us from all harm and danger. He fulfills all our wishes and desires."
The wealthy Jew was amazed by the boy's words. He felt a warmth and a light in his heart. He looked at his son and saw that he was sleeping peacefully. He felt a hope and a faith that he had never felt before.
He said to the boy, "You are very wise and very kind. You have taught me a great lesson. Thank you."
The boy smiled and said, "You're welcome. I'm glad I could help."
They continued talking and learning until the tzaddik returned.
When the tzaddik came home, he saw the wealthy Jew and his son in his house. He recognized them and greeted them warmly.
"Shalom aleichem," he said. "What brings you here?"
The wealthy Jew told him the whole story of his son's illness and his search for a cure. He told him how he came to his house and how his son fell asleep on the chair. He told him how his son taught him from the book of Midrash and how he felt a change in his heart.
The tzaddik listened attentively and smiled. He said, "Blessed be G-d who sent you here. You have come to the right place."
He went over to the son and placed his hand on his forehead. He whispered a prayer and blessed him.
He then turned to the father and said, "Your son is healed. G-d has heard your prayers and accepted your deeds. You have supported Torah study by coming here and learning with my son. You have shown G-d that you love Him and His Torah. You have made Him happy, and He has made you happy."
The wealthy Jew was overjoyed. He hugged his son and thanked the tzaddik profusely.
He then took out a large sum of money and offered it to the tzaddik as a donation for his Torah study.
The tzaddik refused to take it. He said, "I don't need your money. I have everything I need from G-d. But if you want to do something good with it, give it to those who study Torah in other places. Support them and help them continue their holy work. By doing so, you will ensure your own blessing and your son's blessing for all time."
The wealthy Jew agreed to do so. He thanked the tzaddik again and left with his son.
They returned home safely and happily.
From that day on, the wealthy Jew became a generous supporter of Torah study. He gave money to yeshivas, synagogues, schools, libraries, and individuals who devoted themselves to learning G-d's word.
He also became a diligent student of Torah himself. He studied every day with joy and love.
He saw his son grow up healthy, wise, righteous, and successful.
He lived a long and happy life, filled with G-d's grace and goodness.
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