The Human Side of the Story

For the week ending 4 September 2004 / 18 Elul 5764

Who is Listening?

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
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"Oh Merciful G-d, I am an orphan without any means and I hope to soon get married. Please help me."

This was a part of the impassioned plea made years ago by a poor yeshiva student at the Kotel.

Although he had directed his prayer to Heaven alone, the passion with which he said his words caused his voice to rise enough for them to be heard by a Jew standing near him. When both had concluded their prayers and were about to leave the area, the young man was approached by the man who had overheard his prayers, the owner of a thriving food store in Jerusalem.

"I heard you describing your desperate situation," he informed him, "and I am prepared to personally provide you with the funds you need to arrange a wedding and purchase a home."

A touching story but, even more than that, another reminder that when G-d answers the prayers which He has heard, He makes sure that the right party hears as well and answers those prayers on His behalf.

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