In a certain city lived a very wealthy man whose large general store was the source of livelihood for both him and his family. That night, a band of thieves broke into the store and stole a great amount of merchandise as well as a large sum of money from the cash register.
The storekeeper spent a lot of time and effort in collecting the remaining merchandise from his store, and also the items that had been sitting in his warehouse for years. With considerable resilience, he opened a new business. While the store was certainly smaller than the previous one, he nevertheless managed to earn enough to live.
Some time later, however, thieves broke into this store again, this time leaving him with nothing. Left with no other choice, the man sold his wife’s jewelry and opened a small store in which he sold inexpensive household items.
Misfortune struck soon after, however, as thieves secretly entered his store and stole the few items that he had in stock.
The man was now left penniless…
What did he do? He borrowed a small sum of money from his friends and purchased some merchandise. Goods in hand, he went from town to town and city to city, knocking on doors and trying his best to make a sale.
He was walking home one day, with a few copper coins jingling in his pocket. Suddenly, a ruthless thief riding on a big and strong horse stopped him and demanded that he hand over everything his possession…
The man began to weep bitterly and begged the thief not to take his money, so that he could afford to buy bread for his family. But the cruel thief ignored his pleas, snatched his bundles and money and then galloped away into the nearby forest.
The man watched the thief as he rode further and further away Suddenly, the thief rode into the branch of a willow tree and toppled from his horse.
Sprinting over to the thief, the man saw that this heartless individual had received his just desserts — he was no longer alive…
Rummaging through the thief’s belongings, the man discovered a valuable treasure — precious gems and pearls — hidden within the folds of his saddle. He took the treasure and ran to his house. Shortly thereafter, he regained his former status as a wealthy man; in fact, he was even wealthier than he had been before!
The Breslover Rebbi, z”l, taught that it is forbidden for an individual to give in to his suffering. Rather, let him turn his eyes to the Merciful One and continuously ask Him for mercy. When the time is right, all of the good that he had previously will be restored to him, and it will be even greater than before.
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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