Which Path Should a Person Choose?

It was Shabbos Bereishis in the beis medrash of Rav Yisroel Friedman of Chortkov. Among the many guests was the Rav of Sanok, Rav Meir Shapiro, later the famous rosh yeshivah of Chachmei Lublin and founder of the Daf Yomi program. After Krias Hatorah, the door of the Rebbe's private room opened, which was unusual, and the Rebbe honored Rav Meir to bless the new month and to lead Mussaf. Rav Meir took the amud (prayer leader's stand). His powerful, sweet voice and his niggunim stirred the chassidim to a great outpouring of the soul, and many later said that the holiness in the room felt like Yom Kippur.

Afterward, as the chassidim passed before the Rebbe for his Shabbos blessing, the Rebbe said to Rav Meir, "I did not know that the Rav of Sanok knew so well how to lead the prayers." Rav Meir answered simply, "I did not know this either, until the Rebbe revealed it to me." The Rebbe invited him to the seudah, and afterward they were together in the Rebbe's room for a long time. When Rav Meir came out, his face shone.

During that conversation Rav Meir mentioned his gift for prayer and said, "If I have such a gift, perhaps I should become a chazzan. It would be fitting, since I am a descendant of Rav Pinchos of Koritz, before whom all the gates of prayer were open." The Chortkover grew serious and said, "Rav of Sanok, let me tell you about the holy Reb Zusha of Anipoli, brother of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk.

"Once, Reb Zusha was wandering in exile and arrived in Galicia. He had heard of the legendary shiurim of Rav Yosef Yuzpa, the Rosh Yeshivah of Zolkava, and he traveled there. He entered the yeshivah as Rav Yosef Yuzpa was in the middle of a deep Gemara pilpul, and his students were so absorbed that no one noticed Reb Zusha. As always, he was dressed like a vagabond, in tattered rags, with his walking stick and bundle. He sat in a corner and listened without taking his eyes off the Rosh Yeshivah.

"When the shiur ended, Reb Zusha approached and said, 'Thank you very much. You deserve a yasher koach for your shiur. I heard from afar of your great learning and your wonderful shiurim, and I came to hear them for myself. It was well worth the long journey.' Rav Yosef Yuzpa answered, 'I am glad you enjoyed it, and I understand why I find favor in your eyes. But how do you find favor in mine? I do not know who you are.' Reb Zusha replied, 'How can a vagabond like me find favor in anyone's eyes? I do not even know how to learn. I know nothing at all.'

"'Impossible,' said Rav Yosef Yuzpa. 'I sense that you have some hidden treasure within you.' 'I only know how to pray,' said Reb Zusha. 'What Jew does not know how to pray?' asked Rav Yosef Yuzpa. 'But what is the proper way to pray before the Master of the World?' answered Reb Zusha. 'Then reveal it to me,' said Rav Yosef Yuzpa. 'Teach me the secrets of your prayer.'

"'Come, let us go somewhere private, and I will open the gates of prayer for you,' said Reb Zusha. They went into a room and shut the door. Reb Zusha taught the Rosh Yeshivah the secrets of prayer, and they pierced deep into his soul. Rav Yosef Yuzpa burned with excitement and said, 'I will leave my yeshivah and follow you, as Elisha followed Eliyahu. Perhaps I will learn to say at least one proper prayer in my life, to stand before the Master of the World with true purity. I will get up and leave my yeshivah right now.'

"'No, Rav Yosef Yuzpa,' said Reb Zusha. 'Let me explain. There are millions of people in this world, and each has a different face. Our Sages taught that just as their faces differ, so do their minds. Their inner essences, their souls and their purposes in life, differ as well, though each soul can reach its own beauty. Why did Hashem create so many people? Because each has a unique purpose. Each person must fulfill his own goals with the tools, talents and character that Hashem gave him. This is why our Sages said one should study from the place his heart desires, because his heart reaches for the goal Hashem expects of him. You, Rav Yosef Yuzpa, have the talent to inspire students and teach them Torah, and Heaven gave you the gift to deliver such lectures. Leave the gates of prayer for someone like me.'"

The Chortkover finished the story and looked at Rav Meir Shapiro, who understood the Rebbe's meaning. Years later, when he was rosh yeshivah of Chachmei Lublin, he told those close to him about that Shabbos in Chortkov. With that story, he said, the Rebbe put him in his proper place and set him on the path to his unique mission, to teach and spread Torah through the chinuch (education) of the next generation of Am Yisroel.