B"H

Friday, Cheshvan 3, 5777 / November 4, 2016

In this week’s Parsha, Noach, the Torah tells us that after the waters of the Great Flood receded, "Noach sent forth a dove to see if the waters abated from the face of the earth.  When the dove didn’t find a resting place, it returned to the ark."  Noach waited seven days, "And he, again, sent forth the dove out of the ark.  And the dove came back at evening with an olive leaf in her mouth; Noach then knew that the waters were abated from the earth." 

Our sages say that with, "the leaf in her mouth", the dove was saying to Noach, "I prefer my food, even when bitter as the olive leaf, by the hands of G-d, and not sweet as honey through the hands of people.

In the Grace-after-Meal, we pray, "Our G-d, our father; tend us, nourish us, sustain us, feed us and provide us with plenty and speedily. L-rd our G-d, grant us relief from all our afflictions.  L-rd our G-d, please do not make us dependent upon the gifts of mortal men nor upon their loans, but only upon Your full, open, holy and generous hand that we may never be shamed or disgraced."

A Jew who didn’t have the funds to marry off his daughter, went to the Rabbi of Kotsk to ask for the Rebbe's advice and blessing.  The Rebbe sent him to a wealthy Chassid who lived in another town, along with a letter recommending that he help the poor man.

The man was sure that as soon as the wealthy Chassid would read the Rebbe's letter, he would give him all the necessary funds for the wedding.  To his great dismay, after reading the letter and hearing his dire situation, the Chassid offered him only a few rubles.  It didn't even cover the cost of the trip!  He left very disappointed and heartbroken.

A while later, as he was walking on the road, a carriage stopped next to him.  Out came the wealthy Chassid who handed the poor man an envelope full of money.  "Here, you have everything you need for the wedding.  In addition, my driver will drive you home to your village!"

The poor man was stunned.  "If you were going to give me the money, why didn't you give it to me when I was at your home?  Why did you cause me all this sorrow?"

The Chassid replied, "You see, when you came to my home, you were certain that you would get what you need because you relied on me and on the letter of the Rebbe.  Somehow, you forgot to rely on

G-d Almighty. To tell you the truth, as a result, I was not moved to give you all your expenses.

But after you left, you realized that you had no one to rely on except G-d.  I'm sure you prayed sincerely from the depth of your soul that G-d help you.  As a result, my heart was stirred and I felt thatI had to help. This is why I'm here now!"

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 5:20 / Shabbat ends: 6:21