His Priorities Are Set
Click here for Hebrew text.
The Yahrzeit of Rabbi Dov Ber “Maggid” of Mezeritch z‘l (1710?-1772) is commemorated on the 19th of Kislev. The following meise / hasidic tale appeared in Sefer HaHasidut, Meah Tzadikim, Raphael, Yitzchak, 1961, Tel Aviv. (Freely translated by Gabbai Seth Fishman.)
He Is Serving Hashem
Rabbi Dov Ber was destitute; his house lacked everything. His well-learned wife kvetched about it but, he did not pay heed to her words.
There was one time when she especially bugged him — and the Maggid groaned a heart-rending sigh.
A Bat Kol came forth from the heavens and declared:
“Dov Ber, because you have groaned regarding your severe circumstances, you have lost your portion in Olam Haba.”
Rabbi Dov Ber was happy to hear this, and he called out:
“Henceforth my serving of Hashem will not be in order to receive a reward.”
A Bat Kol again came forth from the heavens and declared:
“Dov Ber, you’ve restored for yourself your portion in Olam Haba.”
(From the mouth of Chasidim.)