Rabbi Levi Cunin shares a powerful story from the Chassidic masters that captivated his imagination as a child.
Every once in a while, I have the good fortune to encounter the descendants of great Chassidic masters.
I recall the feeling first time I met a descendant of the Baal Shemtov, living right here in Malibu. It was similar to a child’s delight upon recognizing a favorite superhero. I liken it to superheroes because it was the powerful stories of the Chassidic masters that cherished and captivated my imagination as a child.
This week I had another such encounter with the family of the well known brothers, Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk and Reb Zusha of Anipoli. In their memory and honor, I would like to share this story:
The great Rabbi DovBer the famed "Maggid of Mezeritch," was the prize student of Rabbi Israel Baal Shemtov. After the passing of the Baal Shemtov, Rabbi DovBer was chosen as the new Chassidic master.
A man once came to Rabbi DovBer, with the following question.
"The Talmud tells us," asked the man, "that ‘a person is supposed to bless G-d and be thankful for the bad with the same enthusiasm he has for the good.' How is this humanly possible?”
The man continued, “Now if the sages were to tell me that one must have acceptance for all matters, and refrain from complaining or bitterness -- this may not be an easy task, but at least I can understand. But how can a human being possibly react to what he experiences as bad in exactly the same way he responds to what he experiences as good? How can a person be as grateful for his troubles as he is for his joys?"
Rabbi DovBer listened attentively and replied, "Please go see my disciple, Reb Zusha of Anipoli. He will help you in this matter."
The man, eager to find solace in the answer to his question, set out to the forest of Anipoli in search of Reb Zusha.
The man arrived in Aniploi, just as it began to pour. Reb Zusha ushered his guest in from the rain and invited him to make himself at home. The storm afforded the man the opportunity to observe Reb Zusha for several days before posing his question. He had never witnessed a life such as this. Reb Zusha was a humble man. Water leaked everywhere; it was cold and dank; there was barely enough food to feed his family, who were beset with afflictions and illness; yet Reb Zusha was always in good humor and cheerful; constantly expressing his gratitude to the Almighty for all of His kindness.
The man realized that his gracious host, Reb Zusha, epitomized the Talmudic dictum to which he sought an understanding. He could think of no one who suffered more hardship than Reb Zusha.
What was is his secret? How did he maintain such an exalted state? The visitor finally gathered the courage to ask his question."I wish to ask you something. In fact, it is the purpose of my visit. Our Rebbe advised me that you could provide me with the answer."
"Please ask your question," responded Reb Zusha.
The visitor repeated the question he had asked of the Maggid. "You raise a good point," Reb Zusha said thoughtfully. "I wonder why our Rebbe sent you to me? How would I know such an answer? I have so much joy and light in my life! Perhaps if he had sent you to someone who has experienced suffering..."
The simple and profound response of Reb Zusha, provided the seeking man with a new found perspective and realization on how to live life in the happy zone, regardless of the circumstances.