On Condition

"Bnei Yisrael p'ru vishrezo," And the Children of Israel were fruitful, and increased greatly…

A man living in Eretz Yisrael with eleven children was faced with a dilemma. It was time for his daughter to get married but he had no means of paying for the affair.

Flying to America, he immediately headed to a number of shuls in search of financial assistance. Finding little success, one day, he broke down in tears while saying T'hilim. Another man noticed him crying in the corner of the shul asked, “Why are you crying? Can I help you?” Looking up teary-eyed, the man sighed and began to detail his woeful story. “Look,” the other man said, “There is one wealthy individual in the community who is very generous. If you go to him, he will surely help you.”

Realizing that this was his last resort, the man began to feel hopeful, saying, “Really?” “Yes, he is very kind. But I must tell you, he can easily change his moods. If you catch him at a time when he is in a good mood, he will be more than gracious. But, if he is not in the best of moods, don’t expect him to be too forthcoming.”

At the home of the philanthropist, the collector was immediately welcomed inside, “How can I help you?” “Well,” the man began, “My daughter is getting married soon and I don’t have the wherewithal to afford a wedding.” Hearing of the man’s plight, the gentleman said, “If I may ask, how many children do you have?” “Eleven,” replied the Israeli with a straight face. “Eleven children? How can you have so many kids when you cannot afford to support them?" Adding, "I have one child and I am able to give him everything he needs. How could you be so foolish?”

Sitting there realizing that the wealthy gentleman was in a sour mood, he fell silent grappling with the knowledge that no money would be coming his way. What could he say? And then it hit him.

“The Talmud relates that there are three partners in the creation of a child: the mother, father, and Hashem. That means that I have been a partner with Hashem eleven times. I have a contract with Him with each of my children and I am fully confident that He will support me and my family somehow. My children are His children and I know He will never abandon his precious creations.”

Hearing these words, the wealthy man was taken aback. “I never heard such a thought before.” Taking out his pen, the philanthropist wrote out the full amount to cover the expenses of the wedding. Stunned, the poor father began to profusely thank the generous gentleman for his kind-heartedness. “But I have one condition,” the wealthy man continued, “I am also a partner now. From now on, anytime you need something for any of your children, you must come to me for assistance.”

While this poor father received a great degree of support for his family, he perhaps taught this wealthy man an even more valuable lesson: what it means to have a child. Oftentimes, a child is viewed as a burden. But, we would be much happier and wealthier to think again. A child is the biggest gift possible and they are worth more than all the precious diamonds in the world.

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Adapted from The TorahAnyTimes Newsletter, Pesach, April 23, 2016. Compiled and edited by Elan Perchik.