Reward for Honoring the Torah

It was during the hakafos of Simchas Torah in Alexander. Some people held Sifrei Torah in their hands, while others joined hands with one another as the merrymakers sang and danced circuits around the bima. One chassid stood out from the crowd. His comical and whimsical motions expressed such overflowing joy that the Yismach Yisroel took notice of his unabashed manner. His entire being was suffused with simchas haTorah. He was also, unfortunately, childless.

The Rebbe seized the opportunity, turned to the chassid and said, "You surely know that Michal, the daughter of Shaul, never had children (Shmuel II 6:23). She was punished because she shamed Dovid haMelech, who was willing to disregard his personal honor for the sake of kevod haTorah. We know the principle that good middos are stronger than negative ones. If she was punished with no children for dishonoring the Torah, you, who disregarded your own shame and honor for the sake of simchas Torah, should be rewarded with a son. Your salvation is at hand."

The Rebbe's berocha was fulfilled, and that year the chassid became the happy father of a baby boy.