Rav Binyomin Mendelson was the legendary Rov of the famous religious farming settlement of Komemius. He would be Michazek the farmers to keep all the Mitzvos of agriculture in Eretz Yisroel, especially the great challenge of Shmittah. He would often visit the Belzer Rov Reb Aharon for a bracha for the settlement's Hatzlacha.

One time a baby boy was born in Komemius and the father wanted Rav Mendelson to be the Sandek. Rav Mendelson declined the honor because he had already been sandek by the man's previous son's Bris and the Rema says that one person should not be sandek twice, since it is a Segula for wealth and we want to spread it around. The father was insistent that the Rov take the Kibud and since some people are noheg to give it to the Rov more than once, Rav Mendelson was in a quandary.

He decided to travel to Bnei Brak to asked the Chazon Ish his opinion on the matter. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Rav Mendelson decided to go into the Belzer Rov with a personal Kvittel and Kvitlach from all the people of Komemius hoping to get a bracha.

When he came in to the Belzer Rov, he passed him all the kvitlech. Reb Aharon then told Rav Mendelson that he would only read Rav Mendelson's kvitel and not the rest of them, since when the Rov gets a bracha it flows to all his constituents as well, so it was unnecessary to read each individual request.

Then the Belzer Rov went on to explain himself. He said the Rema says that we don't let one person be a Sandek twice since we want to spread the wealth. However said Reb Aharon, we know that there is a Minhag to give it to the Rov more than once. We see from this minhag that when the Rov gets a bracha it goes to everyone, and therefore he can be Sandek many times without a hoarding the wealth.

When Rav Mendelson heard these prophetic words he accepted the Bracha of the Belzer Rov and headed straight back to Komemius without any more questions. And of course he gladly accepted Sandekaus at the Bris.

Reb Shalom Schwadron accounted, "Once I was on my way to the doctor with one of my children, and on the way, I met the Gaon, Rav Issac Sher, z'tl. We exchanged greetings, and he asked me where I was going, and I informed him that I was taking my child to the doctor. He then asked me, "Why are you going to the doctor?" and I responded that my child is sick. He repeated the question a few times, each time with a different emphasis, as he was waiting for me to understand what he was really asking. Finally, I stopped answering him as I understood that my answer was not the one he was seeking.

He then said, "A grown animal takes its baby to the doctor." I didn't respond, and he continued, "Every animal worries about its helpless babies - feeds them, gives them to drink, and takes care of all of their needs. If so, you are also acting like an animal when you take your child to the doctor. How can it be different? A father who takes his child to the doctor needs to be aware that he is performing chessed with a Jewish neshama which needs a refuah, who also happens to be his child. This is how each Jewish parent should act with his children, and not like an animal which feeds and takes care of the needs of its young because they belong to her. We should strive to take care of our children only because the Torah commands us to do chessed!"

On the same day that I spoke with Rav Issac, I had the opportunity to see one of the greatest talmidei chachamim in Yerushalayim, Rav Chaim Todros Hershler, z'tl. I noticed him as he was on his way to his house, as he spotted his wife drawing water from the well, who was struggling with difficulty to lift the bucket. As he hurried to help her, I heard him say quietly, "Behold, I am ready and prepared to fulfill the mitzvah of chessed." He didn't say this because it happened to be his wife, but because she was also his wife. Later, I heard that even when he feeds his small children, he would say, "Behold, I am fulfilling the mitzvah of gemilus chasadim." (Shaal Avicha Veyegadcha)

Reb Shlomo Friefeld, the Rosh Yeshivah of Sh'or Yoshuv was a unique individual with an exceptional ability to affect others through his incredible Ahavas Yisrael and simchas hachaim. His belief in each person's importance and spiritual potential endowed others with the ability to believe in themselves as well. His simchas hachaim was a spiritual inheritance from his rebbe, Reb Yitzchak Hutner, who told him shortly before his death that the key to acquiring light is remaining joyous. Rav Friefeld's simchas hachaim was accompanied by an indomitable optimism.

On one occasion, a friend of Rav Friefeld's received a call from him one morning. His jalopy had died in middle of traffic and he needed help. His friend recruited others and they rushed to the nearby neighborhood where he was stranded in middle of traffic, and helped him push the car to the side out of the way of traffic. His friends, who were fully expecting him to park the car on the side of the street, were shocked to see him floor the gas pedal and reenter the line of traffic. "I need to go to Williamsburg," Rav Friefeld explained. His friends were open-mouthed. "How do you expect to get there when your battery just died?" Rav Friefeld smiled and said, "It didn't die, it just fainted."

Rav Friefeld's friend always remembered that phrase, "It just fainted" as summing up Rav Friefeld's approach to life, his belief that there was always hope and possibility. This was the belief that he was able to exude to others, thereby changing many lives.       (Wings With Which to Fly)

Rav Dovid Mintzberg was thirty-two years old when he was chosen to fulfill the position of the mashgiach of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. This position was formerly filled by the renowned R' Meir Shapiro, who passed away in his prime. R' Mintzberg was known for his genius and tziddkus, and was gifted in public speaking and education.

When the Germans arrived, R' Mintzberg and his family moved to Rutki-Kossaki, a town that was still under Russian control. For the time being, they were out of physical danger, but life under the Communists posed a new spiritual danger. The Communists' official policy was atheism, and practicing or learning about religion was strictly forbidden by law. The Russians insisted that all refugees had to become Russian citizens. R' Mintzberg was wary of the spiritual danger this would pose, and decided to refuse this ultimatum, despite his awareness of the possible ramifications.

One Friday night, while R' Mintzberg was learning in shul, Russian soldiers banged on the door and threatened the family with immediate exile to Siberia if they continued to refuse Russian citizenship. Exile to Siberia was often the equivalent of a death sentence; many people who were sent there did not survive. Rebbitzen Mintzberg sent someone to consult her husband; included in her question was also a warning. Rebbitzen Mintzberg wanted to make sure that her husband did not return home; at least he would be spared from being exiled. She made this decision despite its frightening implication for her; she would endure this ordeal alone. In addition, she carried the weighty responsibility of caring for her seven daughters, the oldest of who was only twelve, in a foreign and hostile land.

Rav Mintzberg wanted to join his family, but a good friend refused to allow him to leave the shul and fall in the hands of the Communists. However, he did manage to send a message to his wife that they should agree to be exiled to Siberia, even on Shabbos. Rebbitzen Mintzberg and her daughters were exiled to Siberia, bereft of their husband and father, and all of their worldly possessions.

R' Mintzberg remained alone in Poland. Eventually he sent for his son, who had been studying in Vilna. The Haskalah movement had been influencing many youngsters and R' Minzberg was afraid of his son's spiritual safety in Vilna. He preferred that his son join him in Poland, despite the physical danger, where he could protect him from negative spiritual influences.

When the fate of the Jews became clear, R' Mintzberg passed up an opportunity to try to save his life when partisans in the surrounding forest requested that he join them. R' Mintzberg preferred to remain with his community, and help prepare them for their death. During Elul, the Jews were forced to dig a mass grave. R' Mintzberg and his son's lasts words were "Shema Yisrael" as they were shot into the pit.

Rebbitzen Mintzberg and her daughters survived their ordeal in Siberia, and were able to leave Russia after the war was over. R' Mintzberg's decision had saved their lives.

R' Shneur Kotler, the Rosh Yeshivah of Lakewood, escaped Europe and managed to survived the Holocaust after experiencing great miracles. Eventually, he arrived in Eretz Yisrael, joining his grandfather R' Isser Zalman Meltzer with whom he shared a very close relationship. Once he was in Eretz Yisrael, news reached him that his kallah who he was engaged to before the war was still alive. However, she was unable to join him in Eretz Yisrael so R' Shneur made plans to travel to her to finally get married.

On the day of his departure R' Shneur went to his grandfather's house to part from him. R' Isser Zalman expressed his great joy on his grandson's upcoming marriage and began accompanying him down the stairs. Surprisingly, after descending only two steps from his second floor apartment he turned around and went home. Everybody present was shocked and puzzled by his behavior. Was this a fitting way for R' Isser Zalman to part from his dear grandson who he would probably never see again?

One of his students dared to ask him why he had not accompanied his grandson all the way down the stairs. R' Isser Zalman said, "As I was walking down the steps, I saw a vision of the thousands of Yidden who did not merit living long enough to marry. I returned home to join in their pain." (Source: Stories My Grandfather Told Me)

"Although it is customary to ask forgiveness from one who has died," R' Shlomo Zalman Auerbach said at his wife's funeral, "I shall not do so. Throughout our entire marriage we never offended or hurt one another. We conducted our lives according to the Shulchan Aruch, and I have no reason to ask her forgiveness."

The following is an example of R' Auerbach's exquisite sensitivity towards his wife combined with his exactitude in fulfilling the Shulchan Aruch. R' Yitzchak Yerucham Borodiansky told this story in one of the eulogies during the shivah week.

Once, R' Shlomo Zalman's sister came to his house to ask about a certain bachur who was suggested as prospective match for her daughter. When she first entered the house, there were a few people waiting to speak to R' Shlomo Zalman. She waited until they left, and finally she was alone with R' Shlomo Zalman and his Rebbitzen. She asked him about the bachur, and he answered, "He's a fine boy."

When R' Shlomo Zalman' sister was about to leave, he asked her if she was planning on visiting their sister in Sharei Chessed before she went home and she answered in the affirmative. Later, when she left the house of their sister, she found R' Shlomo Zalman waiting outside. He approached her and said, |"Regarding the bachur, you should know that you should only ask about others in privacy." "But who was there?" she said. "The Rebbitzen was there," he said, "and she doesn't need to hear loshon hara." Then he told her, "Don't follow through with this shidduch. He's not for your daughter."

R' Shlomo Zalman felt responsible to convey the proper information to his sister, but he was so sensitive to his rebbitzen's feelings that he didn't even want to ask her to leave the room. Instead, he used his precious time to meet his sister in another location, saving his wife from hearing loshon hara and from being insulted! (Source: The Man of Truth and Peace)

Reb Chaim Gelb was a unique individual - a tzaddik and gaon in chessed who spent his entire life strengthening Yiddishkeit and performing chessed for others. He was a resident of Williamsburg, Brooklyn at a time when most Jews there were not frum, and he worked tirelessly to strengthen Shemiras Shabbos and all aspects of Jewish observance. At a young age, he quit his job so he could devote all his time to performing acts of chessed and tzedaka. His wife, who was a full partner in Rav Chaim's lifetime of chessed, willingly supported the family.

In the mid-twentieth century, modern American values were already slowly seeping in the frum community. Rav Chaim was not pleased with the increase in broken marriages, and was concerned with its negative affects on the future of Klal Yisrael.

As a man of action, he was not one to remain silent. At every wedding that he attended, Rav Chaim would stand on a chair after the chuppah was over, and announce in a loud voice, "A contract for 120 years!" The guests would shout "Amen!" and Rav Chaim would step down from the chair, satisfied that he had taken action to uphold the value of shalom bayis and a lasting marriage. (Reb Chaim Gelb: A Life of Chessed)

A Rav in England had a friend who was a lawyer, and who knew very little about Yiddishkeit. Once, this lawyer approached the Rav with a very serious dilemma. He was currently defending a non-Jew who had become involved in criminal activities. This man was extremely cunning and deceitful, and the judge who saw right through his lies, decided to prosecute his lawyer as well, since he was a partner to the criminal's deceit. It is common practice in England that the judges can implicate the lawyers, to ensure that they do not become tainted by their clients' wrongdoings. This lawyer was in great danger of not only of losing his right to practice his profession, but of also of receiving a heavy punishment and fine. The lawyer was anguished and worried, and at a loss of what to do.

The Rav said to him, "Listen, my friend, the best advice I can give you is to do what all of Klal Yisrael does. Simply daven to the Ribbono shel Olom, and He'll save you from this tzara." The lawyer replied, "What! I should ask Hashem? It's not possible, and I'll tell you why. Once I already asked for help from Him, and I promised that I wouldn't ask for anything else."

The lawyer explained that few years prior, he traveled to Australia for work, and stayed there for six months. While in Australia, his only daughter, who was then seven years old, suddenly became critically ill. After many tests, it was determined that it was cancer, and she began treatment. Unfortunately, she did not respond well, and she grew sicker. One day, which happened to be Shabbos, the doctor told the lawyer that her situation is critical, and she has only a few hours to live.

The distraught father decided immediately to find a shul. Despite his ignorance of Yiddishkeit, he remembered that when he became Bar Mitzvah, his father took him to shul. He searched for a shul, and eventually found one, which was unlocked. It was the middle of the day, and the shul was empty. He burst out crying and continued crying without a stop for two hours. Amidst his tears he said, "Hashem, I need to ask You something, and I promise You that I'll never ask for anything else. I ask of You that my beloved daughter remain alive." Eventually, the lawyer felt a sense of relief, and returned to the hospital.

He was greeted at the hospital with miraculous news - his daughter had opened her eyes. She began improving little by little, and eventually fully recovered. In fact, her new X-rays showed no sign of a cancerous growth at all, and even the doctors admitted that it was a complete miracle.

The lawyer finished speaking, "So, didn't you hear that I promised Hashem never to ask for anything else? How can I break my promise?"

The Rav said, "Your promise is not valid! Hashem is not a person. You can continue to request whatever you need from Him."

The lawyer followed his advice, and was declared innocent. (Shaal Avicha Veyegadcha)

One day Rav Yehonoson Eibshitz was walking to Shul when the powerful ruler of the region, with whom he had often conversed, met him in the street. The ruler had great respect for the brilliant mind of Rav Yehonasan. Upon seeing Rav Yehonasan the ruler asked him where he was going. Rav Yehonasan replied that he didn't know. Assuming he didn't hear the simple question, the ruler asked again. Once again Rav Yehonasan answered that he didn't know.

The ruler, thinking he was joking around, got very angry with Rav Yehonasan and threatened to throw him in jail if he continued to play games with him. Rav Yehonasan apologized deeply for the ruler's impression that he was making fun of him, but nevertheless told the ruler that he didn't know. Incensed, the ruler immediately summoned his guards and had Rav Yehonasan taken to jail.

The next morning the ruler came to visit Rav Yehonasan in jail and said to him, "Rav Yehonasan, I don't understand you. You are an intelligent, upstanding, and honest person and I am certain you were not on the way to any illegal activity. Why would you make a laughing stock out of me and have yourself sent to jail rather than tell me where you were going??"

Rav Yehonasan replied "My presence in this jail is precisely the reason why I couldn't tell you where I was going. I set out for morning services in the local synagogue, but, I ended up in jail. I can only tell you where I am intending to go but as to where I am really going, only Hashem knows and apparently he had other plans for me."

As the Yiddish expression says "Ah mensh tracht un Gut lacht" loosely translated to "If you want Hashem to laugh share your plans with him."  Do You Know Where You're Going????

Rebbi Akiva Eiger was renowned for his modesty.  His totally unassuming character is the subject of many stories.  One time Rebbi Akiva Eiger And Rebbi Yaakov MiLissa, the author of the Chavas Da'as and Nesivos HaMishpat, traveled together to Warsaw for a gathering of Rabbonim.  Eagerly awaiting the arrival of these two great gedolim whom they had never seen, the people of Warsaw waited for them at the outskirts of the city. 

When they arrived, the horses were immediately unhitched from the wagon so that the people could have the honor of pulling the chariot of these twogedolim by hand.  Upon seeing this, Rebbi Akiva Eiger jumped out of the wagon and joined the crowd pulling assuming that this great honor was done for the great Rav of Lissa.  Unbeknownst to him the Chavas Da'as assumed that this great honor was for Rebbi Akiva Eiger and had jumped out of the wagon from his side.

Reb Refoel Levine, the son of the renowned tzaddik, R' Aryeh Levine, was a remarkable tzaddik in his own right. Like his father, his tziddkus was most evident in his tremendous concern and love for his fellow Jews, especially those who were in need of support and encouragement.

One Motzei Shabbos, Reb Refoel was walking to the Kosel with a talmid when a man approached him to say hello. Reb Refoel answered him and asked him how his wife and children were doing. Apparently the man's family life was a difficult one because he spent the next few hours pouring his heart out. R' Refoel listened intently the entire time, and offered the man words of comfort. He sent him off with heartfelt brachos, and sent regards to his family. He reassured the man that he was davening for him as he said goodbye.

Reb Refoel's talmid was curious about who this man was, after seeing how much time R' Refoel had devoted to him. "Who was that man?" he asked.

R' Refoel responded, "I don't know. This is something I learned from my father. If someone greets you as if he recognizes you, you should respond to him in the same way." (Moshe Schapiro)

Rav Avigdor Miller was known for his emphasis on appreciating the wonder and beauty of nature and the vast wisdom of the world that Hashem created among a multitude of other qualities from which we can learn so much. This classic story epitomizes his constant focus on appreciation for Hashem.

Once, a grandchild visited Rav Miller at home and was puzzled to see his grandfather with his face in the sink. After a few minutes, Rav Miller stood up, and breathed deeply. "The air is so wonderful," he said.

His grandchild said, "Why was your face in the water for so long that you couldn't even breathe properly?" Rav Miller said, "On my way home, someone started talking to me and commented that lately, the air has been polluted. I didn't want my appreciation of Hashem's air to lessen, so I decided to deepen my appreciation of air. After depriving myself of air for just a short while, I now am even more thankful to Hashem for providing us with such wonderful air. (Rabbi Shmuel Brog)

The Chasidim were stunned when the Holy Defender of the Jews, Reb Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev announced just a few moments before starting Kiddush on Lel Ha'Seder that he would not begin the Seder until they gather together fifty Persian scarves, 10 pounds of Turkish tobacco, and one loaf of bread.

"But Rebbe they cried where are we supposed to get these items? The scarves and tobacco are all contraband and no one has any. Besides that you know it is Pesach. Where can we find a loaf of bread in Berditchev". The Rebbe said "as you wish but I will not start the Seder".

After going from house to house throughout the Jewish community explaining their strange request, the Chasidim met with little success. After two hours of searching they came up with only 5 scarves and no tobacco or Chametz. They laid their findings out before the Rebbe and pleaded with him to start the Seder but he insisted they meet the full quota without excuses.

This time the Chasidim were even more vigorous and pleaded with the members of the community to please be forthright for the sake of the Rebbe and the entire Kehilla and hand over any of these items in their possession.

After a short while they returned to the Rebbe hoping that this time he would agree to start the Seder with what they found. They emptied out one bag with over 100 scarves and another bag with four times the quota of tobacco. "Very nice" said the Rebbe "but where is the Chametz". With tears in their eyes the Chasidim pleaded with the Rebbe "please Rebbe this is ridiculous where should we find Chametz in Berditchev"???

The Rebbe then lifted his eyes to the Heavens and said "Dear Father in Heaven. The Russian have made owning a Persian scarf punishable with 25 years of hard labor and have policeman deployed throughout the city but nevertheless the Jews of Berditchev own at least 100 scarves. Furthermore there is a death penalty for anyone caught with Turkish Tobacco and the borders of Russia are guarded by hundreds of thousands of soldiers nevertheless there is plenty of Turkish tobacco to be found in Berditchev".

"You have Hashem have no visible army or police force, nor is there any physical signs of your heavenly court and your command of not possessing any Chametz was declared over 3000 years ago yet there is not one speck of Chametz to be found in the entire city". "U'Mi K'Amcha Yisroel" he shouted as he began his Seder.

Pesach was fast approaching in Post World War II Romania and the Skulener Rebbe zy"a was fortunate to have someone illegally obtain for him some wheat and a mill on the black market.  Since there were very few matzos to go around the Rebbe decided he would allot 1 matza to all the Rebbes in the surrounding area.

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe zy"a hearing about the availability of matzos sent his son to the Skulener Rebbe.  Upon his arrival the Skulener Rebbe gladly handed the Vizhnitzer Rebbe's son the matza he put aside for him.  After receiving the matza his son said that his father requested 2 matzos.  The Skulener Rebbe explained that their was a limit of one in order to allow as many of the Rebbes as possible to all be mikayem the miztva of eating matza.

 The Vizhnitzer Rebbe's son explained that he had strict instructions from his father to bring back two matzos and made it clear that he would not leave back to his father until he had two matzos for him.  Seeing that he had no choice the Skulener Rebbe relented and gave him two matzos.

 A few weeks later on Erev Pesach the Vizhnitzer Rebbe's son knocked on the Skulener Rebbe's door and asked to speak to the Rebbe.  When he was brought in to the Rebbe he pulled out a single matza and handed it back to the Skulener Rebbe.  Befuddled the Rebbe asked him why he was so insistent on taking two matzos when he first came and why did he make the long trip, on Erev Pesach of all days, to come and bring it back.

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe's son explained that when his father heard that the Skulener Rebbe had only a small quantity of matzos and was giving them out, he was sure that at the end the Skulener Rebbe would inevitably give out ALL the matzos leaving nothing for himself for Pesach.  Therefore the Vizhniter Rebbe schemed to take an extra matza for safekeeping so that he can return it to the Skulener Rebbe Erev Pesach so that he himself would enjoy a seder that included the prized matzos.

Reb Yechezkel Levenstein, a Kelmer and a student of the Chofetz Chaim, was the Mashgiach of the Mirrer Yeshivah during their flight from the Nazis through Siberia to Shanghai. Shortly before the war began, the Jews were apprehensive and uncertain about the times ahead. Furthermore, there was great uncertainty about which enemy was the worse of two evils, the Germans or the Russians. A palpable sense of doom was felt everywhere. The yeshivah students had already heard ominous rumors about the vicious behavior of the Russians, and their hatred of everything religious.

R' Levenstein gave a shmues shortly before Rosh Hashanah of 1939, which was also shortly before the official beginning of World War II. R' Chatzkel was aware that he was facing a beis hamedrash filled with bnei Torah with great fear in their hearts, but he was not pleased with the source of the fear. He said, "It is not because of the Russians that you need to fear. It is only the Yom HaDin that you need to fear." The absolute conviction in R' Chatzkel's voice helped instill emunah and bitachon in the heart of each person present, and fortified them for the difficult times ahead. (Reb Chatzkel)

On one of R' Nachman Bulman's trips from his home in Eretz Yisrael to New York, his close friend, Rav Yechiel Perr, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Derech Ayson, came to see him. He noticed how exhausted R' Bulman appeared and asked him why he was so tired. R' Bulman answered that he was up the night before the trip. R' Perr expressed surprise that R' Bulman didn't make sure to rest before his long flight. R' Bulman sighed and told him a story which aptly illustrated his devotion to helping and inspiring people.

A young girl from the States had traveled to Paris to study art, and she became involved with a non-Jewish artist there, who eventually proposed marriage. She called her parents and told them she was thinking of marrying this artist, and wanted to know if they had any objections to the fact that he wasn't Jewish. Her parents reassured there that they had no problem with it whatsoever, and if she loved him, she should marry him.

The girl was surprised by her parents' reaction since she had expected them to be opposed. Her own doubts about marrying a non-Jew led her to inquire about Yiddishkeit. Eventually, she decided that she should travel to Israel, where she had never visited, before she made a decision to marry him or not. She impulsively set out for Israel, without any concrete plans of what she would do when she stepped off the plane. Once she was off the plane and standing in line, she started chatting with the person next to her. She admitted to the woman that she wasn't sure why she had come to Israel, but she had simply felt she had to come, and she had no idea where she would go. The person she was talking to said, "There's someone in Jerusalem, R' Nachman Bulman; you must go talk to him."

The woman gave her the phone number, and the girl called from the airport. "Rabbi Bulman, I was told I must see you." R' Bulman apologized that he was unable to meet with her as he was leaving to America the next day. She said, "Please, I think I came to Israel just to see you. Please don't say no." Rav Bulman agreed, and the girl came that night. After speaking to him for a few hours, she enrolled in a seminary for ba'alos teshuvah, and Rav Bulman lost his night's sleep.    (Rabbi Yechiel Perr)

Last we published an article about being asking people to leave our seat in Shul (Help! Someone Is Sitting In My Makom Kavua).  In response we received the following story from a reader that we wanted to share with you.

A young teenager whose parents were killed by the Nazis escaped to Switzerland. He went into an Orthodox synagogue. No-one welcomed him, but he was told he cannot sit in the seat. All others were booked.  He walked out of the shul depressed. He then married out. Only years later he tried to return to Judaism. His wife and kids converted. All this trouble because they wouldn't let him sit in their shul seat.   That guy is now my father-in-law.

A Russian Jew once struck up a conversation with his seatmate on a bus in Eretz Yisrael, and in the course of the conversation, described himself as a Yom Kippur Jew. His seatmate immediately thought that he meant that he went to shul only once a year on Yom Kippur. However, the Russian Jew explained to his new friend that he was referring to something else.

He was a soldier in the Russian army following WWII. In order to avoid serving on Yom Kippur, every year he would feign illness. Each Yom Kippur, he would show up at the army doctor and moan over his "toothache" and beg to have his tooth pulled. After his tooth was pulled, he was freed from his duties for the rest of the day. The Russian Jew flashed a toothless smile to his seatmate, and said, "I was in the army for six years and I lost six teeth this way, but at least I never worked on Yom Kippur." (Meoros Daf Yomi)

One year, more visitors arrived than usual, and even the huge amount of fruit which had been prepared was not enough to be distributed to everyone surrounding the table. 

The Rebbe looked up and discerned what had happened.  He then said, “Is it fruit that you want?  Come close and I’ll tell you where you can find them.  ‘These are the precepts whose fruits a person enjoys in this world, but whose principal remains intact for him in Olam Haba…and Talmud Torah is equal to all of them.’ Go and occupy yourselves with Torah, and you will find numerous fruits without any crowding, besides for the principal which will remain for you in Olam Haba.      (Chayim Sheyash Bahem)

One day, a fire began on the street where the home of the Chofetz Chaim was located. The fire was spreading quickly, and all the houses in its path were in danger of being burned down. All of the houses' residents began frantically gathering their most valuable possessions, and prepared to vacate their houses. The Chofetz Chaim, who was already an elderly man, sat in his chair amidst the turmoil, deep in thought. His family was puzzled by his behavior, but the Chofetz Chaim continued to sit and think with an anxious expression on his face, ignoring the tumult around him.

Fifteen minutes passed, and the Chofetz Chaim suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly arose from his chair, and walked toward the corner of his house, where a high shelf was situated. He stood on a chair to reach it, and took down a small watch. He then gathered his other possessions, and joined his family in vacating the house.

When his family questioned him, he clarified the reason for his mysterious behavior. "A yeshivah bochur had asked me to keep his watch in my house. Baruch Hashem, I found it; there's a specific mitzvah to guard anything given to one for safekeeping."

His family and students were astounded at his answer. During a time of crisis, when most people react with fear and panic, the Chofetz Chaim's first instinct was to save a yeshivah bochur's watch! (Stories My Grandfather Told Me)

After the wedding, Rav Shlomo Zalman informed the family that he wished to spend the night in Tel Aviv.  All the relatives were shocked since they were sure that Rav Shlomo Zalman would return directly to his house in Yerushalayaim after the wedding. Whoever was familiar with Reb Shlomo Zalman's tight schedule of learning and davening, knew that it was very rare that he spent a night away from his home, if at all.         

For many years, Rav Shlomo Zalman's nephew was unaware of the reason his uncle decided to stay the night in Tel Aviv.  He eventually discovered the reason when he merited to also tend to the needs of an orphan, including accompanying him to the chupah.  Rav Shlomo Zalman called him before the wedding and said, "I hope that you do for the orphaned chassan what I did for you."  His nephew didn't understand what Rav Shlomo Zalman was referring to, until he reminded about the night after his wedding when he stayed the night in Tel Aviv.

Rav Shlomo Zalman explained, "Every chassan and kallah receives many gifts on the day of their wedding.  One of the happiest moments after the chasunah is when the young couple opens their presents, and afterwards they show them off to their parents.  You had no parents, and I knew you wouldn't be able to enjoy these happy moments.  Therefore, despite the difficulties it involved for me, I stayed in Tel Aviv the night after the wedding so that you could show me your presents the next day."      (Aleinu Leshabeach) 

A couple that had been married for fifteen years without being blessed by children, decided to divorce, despite their harmonious marriage. Shortly after the get was completed, the woman discovered she was pregnant. The joyous news had a very sad side; the husband was a Kohen and was forbidden to remarry his former wife. Their pain and heartbreak knew no bounds.

The husband poured out his pain to Rav Chaim Kanievesky, who told him that he couldn't see any way that he could remarry his former wife, but he suggested that he should consult with his father in-law, Hagaon, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv.

The man went to R' Elyashiv and repeated his tale of woe. R' Elyashiv told him with great pain that it's definitely forbidden for a kohain to remarry his former wife. "The only thing I can tell you is that you should go to the Kosel Hamaravi, and daven to Hashem that he should save you."

The kohain regarded R' Elyashiv's words as a direct instruction, and immediately upon leaving R' Elyashiv's house, went straight to the Kosel. When he reached the Kosel, he approached the stones and poured out his heart without restraint. After davening for a lengthy period of time, the kohein felt a hand on his back. He turned around and saw an avreich talmid chacham, who inquired what had happened to him. The kohen repeated his painful story, and the stranger asked him, "Do you have a father?" The kohen didn't understand the point of the question, but he answered that of course he had a father. His father was very old and was living in a nursing home in America, and barely communicated with those around him.

"In my opinion, you should fly to America, and tell your father what happened to you," said the man and he turned to leave. The kohein tried to explain to him again that his father's condition made it almost impossible to communicate with him at all. There was no reason that he should make such a great effort to fly to the States to tell his elderly father the story. However, the stranger brushed off his words and turned to go.

The kohein eventually decided to heed this man's words. He reasoned that if Rav Elyashiv told him to go to the Kosel to daven, and if this stranger approached him while he was davening and advised him to fly to America, maybe it was worthwhile for him to go. He arranged a flight, and a day and half later, he was already at his father's side, in the nursing home.

The medical staff had informed the son when he first arrived that his father had not uttered a word for many months, and that he shouldn't expect his father to speak to him. The kohein began his story, and his father didn't respond, but he seemed to be listening to what his son was saying. As the son continued his story, he began crying, and couldn't stop. The unbelievable then occurred; his father began speaking and said clearly that he was not his biological son, but was adopted after the Holocaust; he did not have the status of a kohen, and there was no reason that he couldn't remarry his former wife. (Barchi Nafshi)

The tailor answered, “Forgive me, Kavod HaRav, but I have not yet lit the Chanukah candles.  If you wish, you can wait until I light, and after a half an hour, I’ll sew your suit.”

While Rav Chaim Ozer waited, he noticed how this simple tailor prepared himself for the mitzvah.  He removed his weekday clothing, and donned Shabbos clothing.  He washed his hands and joyously prepared to light the candles.

Rav Chaim Ozer was astounded by the temimus of this man and he said, “Now I understand how the city Cracow produces such Gedolai Torah and giants of spirits, if this is what the simple tailors are like!”   (Chaim Sheyash Bahem)

One day, a man who appeared obviously distraught and worn down, knocked at the door of the Chazon Ish. He told the Chazon Ish that he had felt ill for a few days, and eventually he had felt so ill that he was hospitalized. The doctors performed a battery of tests, and they found a virulent infection which had invaded his body. They sadly informed the man that he had only fours day to live; they did not have any medication that would be effective for this infection.

The man broke down sobbing as he finished his story, and the Chazon Ish soothed him and calmed him down. The Chazon Ish opened a Chumash Bereishis, and turned to the first pages of the parsha. He said to the man, "Look what Hashem created on the first day," and the Chazon Ish began to recite all the things which Hashem created on the first day of creation. "Look what Hashem created on the second day," and again the Chazon Ish read the pasukim, and listed one by one the things which were created on the second day. He continued with the third day, and the fourth day. "So, if the Creator of the World was able to create so many things in four days, don't you believe that in four days He can create a medicine for you which will heal you completely?" The Chazon Ish encouraged the man not to give up hope, but rather he should daven for himself, and plead with Hashem that He heal him from his infection. He reminded him that the gates of Tefila are never locked, especially before the tefila of a sick person, which is tefila at a time of tzara.

The eyes of the man lit up at the Chazon Ish's words. He began to daven fervently for himself, and since he was following the instructions of a holy man, a unbelievable miracle occurred. A new medicine was imported to Eretz Yisroel from America in the following days. This sick man was one of the first people that the medicine was tested on, and it became clear that the medicine was effective for the infection which was ravaging his body. Within a short time, the man was healed completely. (Barchi Nafshi)

Rav Chaim Soloveitchik made a Seudas Mitzva in his house. The table was set with his finest glass and china in honor of the occasion. One of the the participants got up from the table and accidentally took the tablecloth with him as he got caught on it. The tablecloth crashed to the floor with all its expensive and delicate contents falling to the ground.

Everyone was horrified and turned to look at Rav Chaim, waiting for his reaction. Rav Chaim told everyone not to worry and assured them that nothing broke. They slowly approached the wreckage and unraveled the tablecloth. Sure enough every single piece was intact and nothing was damaged.

All eyes turned to Rav Chaim for an explanation. Rav Chaim explained that he is not a Navi or a miracle worker. He only knows the kabala that he had from Rav Chaim Volozhin. Rav Chaim Volozhin said that no harm will ever come to something bought from money earned honestly and fairly. Rav Chaim said that since all his money was earned fairly he was sure that nothing could have broken. And so it was.

When they asked the Brisker Rov, he answered, "Retzon Yerie'av Yaaseh".   Rav Aharon explained these words, saying that apparently the Chofetz Chaim davened to Hashem, begging him to keep his Gadlus BaTorah hidden from the world.  "If so" asked the grandson, "then why was his tzidkus not hidden?"  To that Rav Aharon had a very simple answer.  The Chofetz Chaim clearly understood his breadth and depth of Torah were astounding and far beyond the rest of the generation.  However when it came to tzidkus, the Chofetz Chaim did not see himself as any more special than any Jew trying to serve his creator to the best of his abilities.  Therefore he didn't think he had any notoriety in this area, and had no need to daven!

When the family of R' Elyahsiv was sitting shiva for Rebbitzen Elyashiv, a Canadian Jew came to be menachem avel. He told them he came especially to be menachem avel as a sign of gratitude to Rebbetzin Elyashiv for helping his family during a painful and distressing period.

The man related that one of his daughters had veered from the path of Yiddishkeit, and abandoned every vestige of Jewish life. Eventually, she did the worst possible thing, and actually married a non-Jew. "Every effort we made to convince her that she shouldn't do this horrible thing fell on deaf ears," said the father. He added that he felt responsible for her descent, since it happened after he decided to leave Eretz Yisrael and move to Canada because of his difficulty in earning a living.

His daughter left Canada, and moved with her husband to Switzerland. Eventually, their marriage soured, and she and her husband separated. This took place at the beginning of Chodesh Elul. Immediately after Yom Kippur, the daughter suddenly died. The Rabbanim in Switzerland refused to bury his daughter in a Jewish cemetery since for years she had lived as a non-Jew in all respects.

The father continued his story in a broken voice, "I called Rebbetzin Elyashiv and requested that she ask R' Elyahsiv his opinion on the matter. R' Elyashiv asked what my daughter did on the last Yom Kippur of her life. I asked around the community in Switzerland, and I found out that she spent a half hour in shul that Yom Kippur. When R' Elyashiv heard this, he paskened that she could be brought to kever Yisrael. The fact that she was in shul on Yom Kippur proved that her neshama was connected to the Jewish nation, and identified with the yearning for teshuva which Yom Kippur represents. (Aleinu Leshabeach)

Mazal Tov! Shmuel was finally a chassan. His friends and relatives were joyous and relieved at the same time. Shmuel had been dating for years and he was well over thirty. However, his story was not the typical story of an older single. Biting words that were uttered many years before still lingered in his memory. In fact, he felt goose bumps every time he thought of them. He was sure that these words, so carelessly said, had something to do with his years of suffering and waiting.

Many years before, Shmuel had been a young yeshivah bochur. He was a very serious and orderly person. He seldom participated in the socializing and good-natured bantering that took place in the dorm until the wee hours of the night. He made sure to be in bed every night by 10:00 P.M. so he would be well rested for his learning the next day. This wasn't easy in a dorm full of boisterous yeshivah bochurim. One night, the fifth night of Chanukah, the dorm was particularly noisy. Shmuel tried to fall asleep, but a group of boys had gathered right outside his door and were talking loudly. Shmuel got up and asked the group to relocate themselves, but they laughed and ignored him. Shmuel resignedly returned to bed and lay there, becoming more and more frustrated as time passed. Finally, his anger propelled him to the door once again, where he heard the boys discussing the engagement of one bochur's sister to another bochur who learned in the yeshivah. "My parents were thrilled to hear that not only is he excellent in learning, but he shines in his midos as well," said the brother of the kallah. "And what about your middos? Maybe if you would have better middos, you wouldn't be disturbing my sleep," Shmuel blurted out.

Shmuel was normally even-tempered, but his frustration had caused him to lash out. He calmed down and was about to enter his room and close the door when he heard Leibel's voice. Leibel was known as the class clown and frequently made sarcastic comments. "What about you? Who would ever want you as a son-in-law with your strict rules and orders? Why, you won't get engaged until the Twin Towers fall!

The boys laughed a little, but realized that this comment had been uncalled for. They felt badly and they moved away from Shmuel's room. Shmuel himself felt embarrassed and hurt. He finally had quiet but the price he paid had been too high.

Years later, Shmuel got engaged on September 13, 2001, two days after the Twin Towers collapsed. (Making a Difference)

On one occasion, Rav Lopian came to visit R’ Kook, and the Rebbitzen answered the door and apologized that Rav Kook was not at home.  Despite this, Rav Lopian entered the house and engaged the Rebbetzin in a lengthy conversation about the Asara Harugei Malchus.  The Rebbetzin was quite surprised that Rav Lopian was sitting and talking with her, and could not understand why he was specifically discussing the Asara Harugei Malchus. 

A short time later, her husband, Rav Rafael passed away, and the Rebbitzen became an almanah.  Sadly, her mourning was compounded shortly later when her son and his family were involved in a terrible car accident.  Her son, Rav Shlomo, his wife, and three of their children were killed in this horrible tragedy.

During the shiva, the Rebbitzen suddenly remembered the conversation with Rav Lopian on the Asara Harugei Malchus.  Unfortunately, she now understood the reason for this topic, but she also gleaned strength from Rav Lopian’s words  to overcome her great sorrow.  She sadly murmured, “You have comforted me, Rav Eliyahu, you have comforted me.”    (Shaal Avicha Veyegadcha)

Rav Nota Fraind heard this story from Rav Eliyahu Solomon who heard it from Rav Moshe Yalis who was the gabbai of Rav Yehoshua Leib Diskin.

Rav Yehoshua Leib told his gabbai Rav Moshe that he wants to pay him for his services.  Rav Moshe said he did not want monetary compensation.  Instead his only request is that whenever he asks Rav Yehoshua Leib the reason for something he will answer him.  Rav Yehoshua Leib agreed.

One morning Rav Moshe saw that Rav Yehoshua Leib was particularly happy, and he asked him why.  Rav Yehoshua Leib said since I promised to answer you I am forced to keep my promise.

"I was learning Zohar", said Rav Yehoshua Leib, "and I came across a very difficult sections that I could not understand.  I began to cry.  I then saw my deceased father before me and another man with him.  My father asked me why am I crying?  I told him that I do not understand a passage in the Zohar.  My father turned to the man with him and said that he is Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai and he will tell you the pshat, and he did so."  This, said Rav Yehoshua Leib is the reason why I look so happy.  (Chayei Olam Nota)

Years ago, there was a boy learning in a Talmud Torah whose behavior was wild and undisciplined; not a day passed without another infraction. Eventually the staff of the Talmud Torah was close to expelling him; they were worried about his negative influence on the boys in his class, and on the entire cheder. The melamdim were complaining that they were unable to continue dealing with his behavior, and the principal had also lost his patience.

One day, one of the melamdim entered the shul, which was in the building of the cheder, and to his astonishment, heard strange noise coming from the Aron Kodesh. He opened the doors, and was shocked to find a goat inside. It was obvious who the culprit was. The boy was brought to the principal and he confessed, and the principal decided to finally expel him.

However, the boy refused to leave the building. When they asked him what he wanted to do, he answered, "Bring me to the Rav and Av Beis Din of the city." The staff was aware of how stubborn this boy was, and decided they had no choice but to fulfill his request. They brought him to the Rav, and the boy said to him, "Expelling me from the cheder is not only going to affect me. It will also affect the children that will be born to me in several years when I marry and set up a home. Did you consult with my children before you decided to expel me from the cheder?"

The staff of was shocked into silence. They had never heard such a question from anybody, much less from a young boy, and they actually did not have an answer to his question. In light of this, the Av Beis Din ruled that the boy should remain in cheder.

The above story was retold a few years ago at the engagement of an outstanding Ben Torah. His father, who was a known Talmid Chacham and mechanech, stood up to speak before the crowd, and told this story. He then continued, "I am the grandson of that wild boy who was spared from being expelled at the last minute! Look what came of him! (Aleinu Leshabeach)

The father began to speak and said to Rav Moshe that the gemara says there are 3 partners that help create every child and therefore those three should decide the child's fate. Those three being the father, the mother, and Hashem. "I am the father here is the mother" said the father "and you as the boy's Rosh Yeshiva can act as the representative of Hashem." With that being said the father began to make his argument. "I and the mother both vote for the boy to leave the yeshiva. Therefore even if you vote that he remain you are outvoted 2 against 1 and the boy must leave."

Then with a big smile on his face the father turned to Rav Moshe and asked if he has any objections to his argument. Rav Moshe in his infinite wisdom replied that while that being the case, each one of them, the father, the mother, and Rav Moshe are also the product of three partners. Their two parents and Hashem. Therefore since Rav Moshe's three partners as well as 1/3 of each of the two parents three partners vote that the boy should stay in yeshiva that would make it 5 to 4 in favor of him staying....and stay he did!

In Teves 1923, there was a meeting of the Central Council of the World Agudas Israel in Breslau, Germany. Important rabbanim and community leaders of many countries attended the meeting. Among those present was R' Elchonon Wasserman, a talmid muvhak of the Chofetz Chaim and the Rosh Yeshivah of Baranovich, who was famed for his purity and tzidkus. Crowds of people surrounded the rabbanim, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous Gedolim. R' Elchonon, whose countenance radiated kedusha was particularly sought out by the crowd.

In the course of the conference, a highly secret matter was brought up for discussion. The chairman of the conference, Rabbi Jacob Rosenheim, requested that anyone present who had not been specifically invited to the meeting should leave the room for a short while. Almost everybody complied with the request, but a few remained. The chairman stood up again and announced that he is ready to call in ushers to forcible remove those who were not invited.

Silence reigned in the hall, but no one moved. The chairman repeated his request for a third time. Suddenly, R' Elchonon stood up and quietly began leaving the room. Others followed, and soon only the invited participants remained. R' Elchonon then returned to his seat. Those present at the meeting could not hide their awe of R' Elchonon's humility.

A yeshivah bochur in Bnei Brak was once found with inappropriate reading material. His Roshei Yeshivah wanted to expel him, but before taking this drastic step, they decided to consult with Rav Shach, the Gadol Hador and Rosh Yeshivah of Ponevezh. Rav Shach requested to meet the bachur before he offered his opinion. Rav Shach met with the bachur and realized that the bachur was having doubts in emunah. Rav Shach spoke with him at length, and tried to strengthen his emunah. This meeting took place at the end of the winter zeman. Rav Shach asked the bachur, who lived in Tel Aviv, to meet with him again over the Pesach break.

After Pesach, the boy's Rebbi asked Rav Shach if the boy had actually made the effort to travel to Bnei Brak to see him. Rav Shach said that they boy did not have to come to him because he himself traveled to Tel Aviv twice to see him over the Pesach break.

At the beginning of the new zeman, the bochur returned to yeshivah and reported to his rebbe that his emnuah was now strong and steadfast. He said, "If Klal Yisrael includes a person who is so caring that he traveled twice to Tel Aviv to see me, I have no more questions in emunah."

One day, Rav Ezra Attia, the Great Rosh Yeshivah of Porat Yosef (1885-1970), was giving over his daily shiur in Gemara to a group of talmidei chachamim and balabattim. The shiur that day was on Masectas Chulin, and the discussion was on the mitzvah of shiluach haken -sending the mother bird away before taking her eggs. Rav Ezra quoted the Gemara in Chulin which questions what procedure to use if one finds a nest on the head of a person. One of the participants commented in a scornful voice, "What kind of Gemara is this? Why does the Gemara discuss such an implausible scenario?"

R' Ezra answered firmly, "Whatever is written in the Gemara is kodesh, and we are forbidden to doubt any of it, chalila." The man remained silent, but it was apparent to the others that he was not satisfied and was skeptical of the relevance of this Gemara.

Suddenly, one of the rav's talmidim, who had been absent for an extended time, entered the room. Rav Ezra greeted him warmly, "Sholom Aleichem! Where have you been? We missed you!" The talmid answered, "I was traveling for business reasons. Actually, I was in India - which is quite an interesting country."

Rav Ezra queried, "What's so interesting about it?" The talmid replied, "I saw strange things there that I've never seen anywhere else. Once, I actually saw a man sitting completely still under a tree with his arms folded. He sat in that position for three days, and on the third day, a bird landed on his head and started to construct a nest in his hair."

"He didn't send the bird away?"

"No. He continued sitting in the same position without moving."

Rav Ezra smiled broadly. "That is quite interesting. We can clearly see that the Gemara does not ask about "implausible scenarios" and that ‘Moshe emes v'soraso emes.'"