Weekly Chasidic Story #806 (s5773-35 / 26 Iyar 5773) The Washerwoman's Tale For years, she lived with the memory of the promise to her from Rabbi Shlomo of Zvil. Connection: Seasonal--68th yahrzeit of R. Shlomo of Zvil
The Washerwoman's TaleThe blessings of Rabbi Shlomo of Zivhil were always fulfilled to the last detail. In Jerusalem, the story is told of the pious and good woman who washed clothes in the Rebbe's home. One day, after she had finished her work, she stood in the doorway of his study and asked him to bless her with children. R' Shlomo regarded her for a few moments, then shook his head. "I'm sorry; I cannot help you." Then, after another few moments, he added, "However, I bless you with this: that in your merit others will be remembered and find salvation." For decades afterwards, the washerwoman lived with the memory of that promise. Then, 19 years after the death of the Rebbe, she herself died and was buried on Har Hamenuchot. On her gravestone were etched the words: "Here lies the woman Miriam, daughter of Maman, a"h ("may she rest in peace"), who passed away on the 24th of Tevet, 5724 (1964). In the year 5753 (1993), twenty-nine years after the washerwoman's death, a former neighbor of hers saw Miriam in a dream. In the dream, Miriam said, "I was a washerwoman in the house of Rebbe Shlom'ke of Zivhil. I had no children, and asked him for his blessing. The Rebbe told me that he could not help me, but blessed me that in my merit others would be remembered and saved. I ask that they come up to my grave and pray for the elevation of my soul. I promise that barren women will be remembered." From that day, many women have ascended to visit Miriam the washerwoman's grave on Har Hamenuchot and, in the merit of the sincere prayers they poured out there, many have indeed been remembered and have gone on to bear the children they so dearly craved. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Connection: 68th yahrzeit of Rabbi Shlom'ke of Zivhil/ Biographical note:
~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive the Story by e-mail every Wednesday--sign up here! A 48 page soft-covered booklet containing eleven of his most popular stories may be ordered on our store site.
|
|