Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl often traveled to collect money for a fund for pidyan shvuyim (redeeming Jewish prisoners). While traveling through the city of Zhitomir on one occasion, local authorities imprisoned him for his “criminal” work.
One day an elderly woman wrapped in a shawl appeared near his cell and began to speak: “G‑d tested Abraham by instructing him: ‘Go forth (lech lecha) from your land, and from your birthplace, and from your father's house,’ promising that this would ultimately benefit him. But what kind of benefit can come from leaving everything one has? I don't understand.”
Rabbi Nachum, who realized that this woman wasn't an ordinary person, remained silent.
She continued, answering … Read More »