“I think I know the right girl …”
There was once a rich man who was a chasid of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (1740 –1810), one of the most popular rebbes in Chasidic history. When the man’s son reached the proper age to marry, he came to the Rebbe to ask if he knew of a suitable girl. “I am more than willing to provide her with a trousseau and to support the young couple,” he assured he Rebbe. “The only thing important to me is that she be from a chasidic family.”
The Rebbe thought for a moment and then replied, “Yes, I think I know the right girl. One of my chasidim has a daughter who, I think, will make a fine wife for your son. Like you, he does not live here in Berditchev. But he will be visiting here for the holidays and will stay most of the month, so I suggest you too come to Berditchev for the holidays. The two of you can meet and discuss the matter then.”
At the time, there lived in Berditchev a poor man who was a bookbinder by trade. His most valuable piece of merchandise was a very old book that was worth a large sum of money. Although he had been trying to sell it for some time, he was unable to find an interested buyer with enough money to purchase the volume. His friends suggested that he wait until the holidays, when one of the Rebbe’s wealthiest chasidim [the one mentioned above] would be coming to Berditchev. Perhaps he would be interested in acquiring the book.
However, when the time came to approach the rich man, the bookbinder was overcome with shyness. He decided to send his daughter with the book as his emissary.
The girl dressed in her finest Shabbat clothes and went to the inn where the wealthy chasid was staying. Her father had instructed her to show him the valuable book and tell him certain details, and then to ask if he was interested in buying it.
When the girl appeared at his door, the rich man assumed that she was the one the Rebbe intended for his son. Most certainly she had come so he could see her for himself, he thought. Her father must have sent her on this errand so she would not feel uncomfortable, not revealing to her the true reason for her visit.
The man began to question her about her family, and was delighted with her answers. He invited the girl for tea, and sent word for her father to join them.
When he arrived, the rich man told the astonished bookbinder how happy he was that the Rebbe had recommended his daughter. He was delighted to have found the perfect girl for his son.
Sometime later during his stay, the wealthy chasid came to the Rebbe to thank him for his wonderful suggestion. When Rabbi Levi Yitzchak heard the whole story, he remarked, “It appears that one cannot change anything that has already been decreed above.”
The couple wed.
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Y.T.’s conclusion:
Mishlei/Proverbs 19:21 – Rabot machshavot b’lev ish, v’eitzat Hashem he takum.
“Many are the thoughts [plans, intentions] in the hearts of man, but the advice [plan, disposition] of the Holy One Blessed Be He will stand [‘rise’, overcome]. Or, in colloquial English: “Man proposes; G-d disposes!”
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Source: Adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from the excellent rendition of Basha Majerczyk, in her translation of “Extraordinary Chassidic Tales” by Rabbi Rafael Nachman Kahn, volume 2.
Biographical note:
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak (Deberamdiger) of Berditchev of blessed memory: 5500 – 25 Tishrei 5571. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. He is best known for his love for every Jew and his active efforts to intercede for them against (seemingly) adverse heavenly decrees. Many of his teachings are contained in the posthumously published book Kedushat Levi.
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Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles is co-founder of Ascent, webmaster and managing editor of KabbalaOnline.org and ascentofsafed.com. He has hundreds of published stories to his credit.
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