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SFPNN Special Edition – 04/11/08 – Blessings for a Penny

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— Thanks to Frieda of Jerusalem for today's Special Edition

blessings for a penny

A tightwad who never gave tzedakah charity was visited one day by three righteous people -- Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi, and a third distinguished scholar. Two of them wanted to reprimand the tightwad strongly. However, Rav Shneur Zalman insisted he had another approach that would work. He made his colleagues promise that although they would come with him, he would do all the talking.

After Rabbi Shneur Zalman explained how important the cause was and begged the man to give something, however small, the man pulled one penny (copper coin) out of his desk drawer and gave it to Rabbi Shneur Zalman.

In the past when others had received a paltry penny, they would scold the man. Instead, Rabbi Shneur Zalman praised him highly saying how wonderful it was that he joined in this great mitzvah, and he further thanked him profusely and gave him many blessings.

The tightwad was shocked and asked if he was really to be blessed for donating one penny, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman emphatically answered yes.

The man then gave a silver coin (worth maybe $1). Again Rabbi Shneur Zalman blessed him and thanked him profusely.

The three rabbis left, and when they were already out the door and near the gate, the tightwad called them back in and gave a gold coin (worth maybe $20).

Again Rabbi Shneur Zalman praised and blessed him. As he left he was called back again. This happened repeatedly until the man had given a sizeable donation.

He then turned and cried saying no one ever blessed him or thanked him before. Again Rabbi Shneur Zalman praised him and thanked him, and encouraged him.

When they finally did leave, Rabbi Shneur Zalman explained to his two companions that this man loved money so much that to part with one penny was truly a great test for him. Since it was such a great trial, when he did on this occasion (as well as in the past) agree to give one penny to charity, he really did deserve to be blessed and be thanked for his efforts, because for him it truly was an enormous effort. All those who had previously asked for money judged this man by their own standards and only scolded the man, never thanking him or appreciating how difficult it was for him to give one penny. This negative feedback only made him more negative, more anti-social and more of a tightwad.

By understanding where he came from and how much of a trial it was for him, and thanking him accordingly, Rav Shneur Zalman was able to break this negative cycle downwards and start a cycle upwards.

All it took was a true understanding of the man's position and honest words of thanks and encouragement.

-- Author uncertain but possibly from Sippurei Chasidim By Rav Zevin.

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