The Sages declared that Chanukah be a time to express thanks for the miracles that occurred then. But actually, it is also a time for each and every one to convey his own personal thanks to Hashem for the abundance of favors He provides him constantly.

The following, moving story was recorded by Rabbi Zilberstein shlita in his book Borechi Nafshi.

Rabbi Elimelech Firer is the head of Ezra Lemarpeh. Many sick people, throughout Israel, have turned to him for medical advice. In times of medical crisis, G-d forbid, the confused family often needs guidance to know which is the best doctor for this specific situation. Everyone knows that Rabbi Firer is the one who gives expert direction for free.

One day, a rich philanthropist came to visit Rabbi Firer. After hearing all that Ezrah Lemarpeh does to help people in distress, the man quickly developed an affinity for the kindly rabbi. When evening came, they decided to go together to visit the Kosel HaMa'aravi. By the time they got there, it was after midnight and as they approached the holy site they noticed a man, with his head on the wall, crying profusely. His emotion penetrated everyone within earshot, and made them feel sorry for the Jew who obviously had a big problem which he was praying about.

Rabbi Firer's sensitive soul was stirred too and he immediately decided that he had to help the man in distress. He turned to the rich man accompanying him and proposed the following deal. "If the fellow has a medical problem, I will do all I can to help him. If he has a financial problem, then you will offer assistance." The man agreed.

Rabbi Firer tapped the man lightly on the back, interrupting his fervent prayer, and introduced himself. Then he asked him if he needs medical help. The fellow replied in the negative and said that everyone in his family was healthy, thank G-d. Now it was the philanthropist's turn. He approached the man and asked if he was in financial trouble. Once again the fellow rejected the suggestion and said that Hashem had always supplied him with all of his needs.

Now they were both puzzled. Why was this man carrying on so much if everything seemed to be fine? Finally, Rabbi Firer decided he would ask the fellow himself what this was all about. The man smiled and explained. "Last night, I married off my son; the youngest of twelve children. Over the years I came to the Kosel many times and cried and pleaded with Hashem to help me marry off all of my children. Now that I was finally privileged to marry off the last one, I returned to the Holy Wall; this time to thank Hashem for His kindness. Should I only cry before Him when I need help, and forget Him when things worked out for the best?"

I just saw an excellent video of Rabbi Paysach Krohn speaking for Bonei Olam. One of the marvelous things he said was that a person cannot just say to someone else, "I know how you feel." Unless you have been in the same situation, you really have no idea how the other person feels.

Im yirtzeh Hashem, I am marrying off my youngest of eleven children in five weeks. I can honestly say that I know how that man at the Kosel HaMa'aravi felt, and when I say Hallel every day of Chanukah I thank Hashem for the miracles my family and I have personally experienced.

Shema Yisrael Torah Network
info@shemayisrael.co.il
http://www.shemayisrael.co.il
Jerusalem, Israel
732-370-3344