For the week ending 5 April 2008 / 29 Adar II 5768
The Collector's Share
One of the legendary tzaddikim of an earlier generation was Rabbi Nachum of Horodenka. Amongst all of his righteous deeds were the efforts he made to provide support for the poor Jews in his community, even if it meant going from door to door to collect money for them.
On one occasion a wealthy Jew whom he solicited was so upset by Rabbi Nachum's appeal for funds that gave him a slap on the face.
"That was for me," calmly responded this saintly individual. "But what are you giving for the poor?"
The message was clearly understood by the slapper and he made a substantial contribution to Rabbi Nachum's fund.