The Proper Path for Every Jew

It was Shabbos Bereishis in the beis medrash of Rav Yisroel Friedman of Chortkov, and among the many guests was the Rav of Sanok, Rav Meir Shapiro, later the rosh yeshivah of Chachmei Lublin and founder of Daf Yomi. On Shabbos morning, after Krias HaTorah, the door to the Rebbe's private room opened, and the Rebbe made an unusual appearance. Before the astonished chassidim, he honored Rav Meir to bless the new month and to lead Mussaf.

Rav Meir took the amud. His powerful, sweet voice and his melodies stirred the chassidim to a great outpouring of the soul, and many later said the holiness in the room felt like Yom Kippur. Afterward, as the chassidim filed past the Rebbe for his Shabbos blessing, Rav Meir passed as well. "I did not know that the Rav of Sanok knew so well how to lead the davening," the Rebbe said. "I did not know it either," Rav Meir answered simply, "until the Rebbe showed it to me."

The Rebbe invited him to the seudah, and afterward the two went into the Rebbe's private room for a long time. When Rav Meir came out, his face shone. During their conversation the talk had turned again to his gift for prayer, and Rav Meir had remarked, "If I have such a gift, perhaps I should become a chazzan. It would suit me, since I descend from Rav Pinchas of Koretz, before whom all the gates of prayer were open."

The Chortkover grew serious. "Rav of Sanok, let me tell you about the holy Reb Zusha of Anipoli, brother of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk. Once, while wandering in self-imposed exile, Reb Zusha reached Galicia. He had heard of the famous shiurim of Rav Yosef Yuzpa, rosh yeshivah of Zolkava, and went to the yeshivah. Rav Yosef Yuzpa was in the middle of a deep pilpul, and his talmidim were so absorbed that no one noticed the visitor, who looked like a wandering beggar with torn clothes, a walking stick and a bundle. Reb Zusha sat in a corner and listened without taking his eyes off the Rosh Yeshivah.

"When the shiur ended, Reb Zusha went over and said, 'Thank you. You deserve a yasher koach for your shiur. I heard from afar of your great learning and traveled to hear it for myself, and the long journey was well worth it.' 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 even know who you are.' Reb Zusha replied, 'What can a vagabond like me offer? I do not even know how to learn. I know nothing at all.'

"'That cannot be,' said Rav Yosef Yuzpa. 'I sense a hidden treasure in you.' Reb Zusha said, 'I only know how to pray.' 'But every Jew knows how to pray,' said Rav Yosef Yuzpa. 'The question is what the proper way is to pray before the Master of the World,' said Reb Zusha. 'Then reveal it to me,' said Rav Yosef Yuzpa. 'Teach me the secrets of your tefillah.' 'Come,' said Reb Zusha, 'let us go somewhere private, and I will open the gates of prayer before you.'

"The two went into a room and closed the door. Reb Zusha taught the Rosh Yeshivah the secrets of prayer, and they reached deep into his soul. Aflame, Rav Yosef Yuzpa declared, 'I will leave my yeshivah and follow you, as Elisha followed Eliyahu. Perhaps I will learn to say even one proper prayer in my lifetime, to stand before the Master of the World with true purity. I will go now.'

"'No, Rav Yosef Yuzpa,' said Reb Zusha. 'Every person has a different face, and our Sages taught that just as faces differ, so do minds, souls and purposes in life. Why did Hashem create so many people? Because each has a unique mission, to be fulfilled with the tools, talents and character Hashem gave him. This is why Chazal taught that one should learn from the place where his heart desires, since the heart aspires to the goal Hashem expects of him. You have the gift to inspire talmidim and teach them Torah. Leave the gates of prayer to someone like me.'"

The Chortkover finished and looked at Rav Meir, who understood. Later, as rosh yeshivah of Chachmei Lublin, Rav Meir 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 his path in life, to teach and spread Torah through the chinuch of the next generation of Klal Yisroel.