B"H

Friday, Mar-Cheshvan 23, 5782 / October 29, 2021

In the beginning of this week’s Parsha, Chayei Sarah, after telling us that Sarah lived 127 years, the Torah adds, “These were the years of the life of Sarah.” Our sages tell us that with these words the Torah tells us that although Sarah endured years of difficulty and hardships, yet, she accepted G-d’s will and considered all her years as good. 

The Talmud tells about the sage Nachum Ish Gam Zu. This story illustrates how true belief that whatever G-d does is for the good, transformed a potentially disastrous situation into great success.

The reason Rabbi Nachum was called “Nachum Ish Gam Zu,” was because no matter what happened to him, he would say, "Gam Zu L'Tovah" - "This too is for the good".

Once, the Romans made a harsh decree against Jews in Israel.   It was decided to send Rabbi Nachum to plead with the king, because "He is used to having miracles performed for him!"  

Rabbi Nachum went to Rome with a box full of gold and precious stones as a gift to the king.  On the way, he stopped overnight at an inn.  While Rabbi Nachum was asleep, the innkeeper stole the valuables and filled the box with earth instead.  In the morning, when Rabbi Nachum opened the box and saw the earth, he was puzzled, but said, "Gam Zu L'Tovah - this is also for the good."  He took the box and continued to Rome.

Rabbi Nachum presented the king with the box. "This is a gift from the Jews," he said. The king opened the box and became very angry.  "The Jews are mocking me!  I will kill them all!" he cried.  Rabbi Nachum didn't become frightened and said, “Gam Zu L’Tovah” - "This is also for the good!"

G-d then sent Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the prophet) disguised as one of the king's advisers.   He said to the king, "The Jews wouldn't make fun of you.  This earth must be special.  When their forefather Abraham fought against the mighty army of the four kings, he threw sand at them, and G-d transformed the sand into arrows and thereby he won the war!   Maybe this earth is the same."  The king, who was at war with a neighboring country, tested it and G-d made a miracle and transformed the earth into arrows.

Not only did the king nullify his evil decree, but he also had the box filled with precious stones and sent it back with Rabbi Nachum as a gift to the Jewish people.

On the way home, Rabbi Nachum stayed at the same inn.  When the innkeeper heard what happened, he said, "I had no idea that my earth was so valuable.  I will fill a whole carriage full of earth and bring it to the king.  He will surely reward me handsomely!"  The innkeeper came to the king with his load of earth claiming that it was the same earth as the one Rabbi Nachum brought.  The king tested it, but nothing happened.  The innkeeper, naturally, was punished.

The Tzemach Tzedek, third Lubavitcher Rebbe, would advise his followers in times of stress due to illness or business; "Tracht gut vet zein gut" - "Think positive and things will be good."

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 5:27 / Shabbat ends: 6:29