Blumka's Kloiz

The Shaagas Aryeh was a great gaon, yet he had his detractors. When he set up his yeshiva in Minsk, not all the citizens and residents counted among his supporters. So many could not stand his sharp wit and criticism that one erev Shabbos his opponents took him and his wife, loaded them and their meager possessions onto a cart, and sent them out of town. They went so far out that the couple would have been stranded, with no means even to make Shabbos.

Among the masses, one poor, simple woman appreciated the Shaagas Aryeh's greatness. She was not swayed by the machlokes (dispute) or by his detractors. Her name was Blumka, and she made her living selling candles and challah. As the Shaagas Aryeh was led away in disgrace, she pushed her way through the crowd until she reached the cart. She handed him and his wife candles and three challos for Shabbos, so that they would at least not lack these few necessities.

The Shaagas Aryeh was deeply moved and gave her a berachah: "May Hashem repay your kindness and reward you with wealth and honor." Blumka eventually became a wealthy businesswoman and built a shul that was called Blumka's Kloiz.