It Once Happened - A True Story

Week Ending: Friday, 30 July, 2010 - Shabbos Eikev, 20 Av, 5770
Melbourne Shabbos begins: 5.13 pm - Shabbos ends: 6.13 pm   

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There was once a Jew who devoted himself to the holy work of performing brit milas (circumcisions) for Jewish infants, bringing them into the covenant of their forefather, Abraham. His honesty and wisdom came to the attention of the king and in addition to the Jew's sacred work, he was engaged by His Majesty to counsel him in the highest financial matters of the realm.
In his capacity of royal advisor, he was privy to the most secret activities of the monarch, and his loyalty was unassailable. However, one particular minister was devoured by his jealousy of the successful Jewish minister who was so beloved by the king. He devised a clever plot by which he would see his enemy's downfall.

The Jew had a loyal servant whom he trusted completely, even giving him access to the keys to the king's safe. With a bribe of several hundred pieces of gold, the vicious minister obtained the servant's complicity. He took his employer's keys and regularly ransacked the king's most private documents, bringing them to his new master.

One afternoon, when the minister had the ear of the king, he happened to mention some information which he could not possibly have known. "How do you know that!?" the king exclaimed in shock.

"Why, the Jew told me," the devious minister replied. The king's visage noticeably altered, his fury apparent. The Jew had betrayed his trust and he would pay dearly.

The very same day the Jew was summoned to the palace where the king handed him a letter. "This letter must be delivered by my most trusted servant to my general who is engaged in activities an eight-hour carriage journey from here. Please, deliver the letter yourself."

The Jew obeyed at once, and, together with his servant, set off on the long trip. Unknown to him, the letter contained these instructions to the general: "The bearer of this letter must be executed at once. Do not regard his protestations of innocence, but seize him and kill him without delay."

At mid-journey, nightfall came upon them, and the two stopped at a small village. A Jew recognized the renowned Jew and ran up to their coach.

"Shalom Aleichem, my master. It is only through the hand of G-d that you have arrived in our village today, for this is the eighth day after the birth of my son, and the day of his brit mila.

Unfortunately, the mohel has not yet arrived, and it seems he will not come. I beg you to remain here long enough to allow us to fulfill this precious mitzva on the proper day."

The Jew dismounted and walked to the man's home to examine the infant. The mother also entreated him to stay and perform the brit, and he agreed. The Jew summoned his servant and entrusted to him the king's letter, exhorting him to take the greatest care in carrying out the king's instructions. The servant continued on the garrison and presented the letter to the general.

The Jew remained with the new parents and participated in the festive meal, then he, too, continued on to the military headquarters. He was greeted with great honor by the general who knew of the great affection the king had for his Jewish ad visor.

"Why did your excellency trouble yourself to come all this way. I took care of the king's bidding, and your servant was executed as soon as I received the letter."

The Jew was speechless, realizing the great miracle that he had just experienced. The general continued, "I have some interesting news for you, for your servant confessed his crimes before he died. He was a traitor against both the king and you, his master. Your servant admitted accepting the bribes of Minister S. He was well-paid to steal the king's confidential documents and bring them to his new master.

Suddenly, the Jew understood the whole situation. Of course, the king considered him a traitor and a betrayer of his sacred trust. That is why the king sentenced him to a terrible death.

The Jew returned to the capital and appeared before a very surprised king. "How did you get here?" the king blurted out.

The Jew responded with a complete explanation. He told the king of his conversation with the general and related the plot hatched by Minister S., who had recruited his servant. And lastly, he told the king about the stolen documents. The king summoned his guards at once and the guilty minister was brought in chains to the royal palace. That very day he was executed in the courtyard of his own home.

The Jewish advisor regained the trust of his king, and was awarded an even greater position. The name of G-d was elevated before the king and his courtiers and the Jew gave thanks for his salvation.




 

Adapted and reprinted with the permission of Sichos In English
Pictures are  by Zalmen Kleinman