Unconditional Love - Monthly Gedolim Story

 As we enter into the first of two months of Adar, a time of year known for its joy, excitement and entertainment, we must not forget to thank G-d for all his kindness he has done for us. The story of Purim is one that shows G-ds hidden nature in all senses of the word. The name of G-d is not mentioned in the Megillah yet we know, that despite our wrongdoings with regards to going to King Acheshveroshes party, in the process creating the unfortunate basis for a horrible decree, when the Jewish nation tapped deep within their inner feelings of love of G-d, humility, kindness and understood the power of sincere true prayer, G-ds mercy was rekindled and the tides turned in our favor.

When we express true love for G-d, his love for us is beyond any levels we can ever imagine.

Its unconditional.

With this thought in mind please enjoy a heart-touching story about the Seret Vizhnitzer Rebbe zt'l. This story was taken from the book "The Eternal Wisdom of Pirkei Avos" by Rabbi Yechiel Spero.

With Blessings,

Yitzy Schweitzer

Unconditional Love - Monthly Gedolim Story

Among the many qualities the Seret Vizhnitzer Rebbe possessed, his most notable trait was his authentically true and complete Ahavas Yisrael (love of fellow Jews). He loved every Jew, regardless of colour or size of head-covering - including one whose head was not covered at all. No matter what, the Rebbe loved all of them. Unconditionally.

His love was absolute. Real and pure.

After the Rebbe passed away, during the time which the family was sitting shivah (the seven day mourning process) an unnamed man shared a story highlighting this trait in obvious fashion.

The man shared:

Years ago, not only was I not religious, but I hated religious people. One Friday night, whilst driving around Haifa, where I lived, I noticed a group of Chassidim crossing a bridge with the Rebbe. I am truly embarrassed to admit this today, but that sight made me so angry, I decided to get involved and try stir up some trouble.

After parking up and walking over to the crowd, I noticed how quiet it was and saw the Rebbe, as he spoke to his Chasidim who where straining to hear his every word. The perfect moment for a bit of trouble. I raised my voice high and in the loudest tone I could muster I shouted "Hey! I am a mechalel Shabbat. I came here tonight in my car. Its right there, parked up. Look!"

Everyone stared at me aghast. No person knew what to say. I imagine some were highly disturbed by my actions and were deeply angry by my chutzpah. But the Rebbe, he did not yell or scream. He just rested his deeply loving and warm gaze on me and motioned for me to come closer. I did come, almost in a trance. The people there split to make way for me, until finally I was standing face-to-face with this angelic individual. I was burning with hate and anger looking at him, but I could see he had burning love and care in his eyes. Then he spoke.

"What difference does it make how you got here? You're here now and we are happy you came. Let's just sing and dance together."

I wanted to resist. I wanted to stop. I wanted to get away But I couldn't. I was drawn to his warmth amd his embrace and became completely enveloped by it.

The fellow, who was now in his seventies could not speak anymore. He was to overcome. But that kippah on his head seemed to tell the rest of the story...