The Power of Charity

There lived in Tunis a worthy Jew named Matzliach. He loved Torah, though he was not an outstanding Torah scholar. He was not very rich, but he was generous in his charity and a man who feared Heaven. Known as Matzliach the Antique Dealer, since he dealt in old wares and antiques, he was well respected in the community.

He was especially praised for a custom he kept on Shavuos, the festival of Matan Torah. Every year, on the first night of Shavuos, he invited ten Torah scholars to his home and prepared a fine feast for them. After the meal they all recited the Tikkun and learned Torah through the night, in honor of the festival of the Giving of the Torah. His custom impressed and inspired the whole community. There was not a Jew in Tunisia who did not stay up that night. Old and young gathered in the shuls to recite the Tikkun and learn Torah until morning, and special refreshments were served to keep them awake.

One year, as Shavuos approached, Matzliach found himself in a difficult situation. Business had been poor, and he had no money, not only for his usual feast but even for the food and wine his own family needed for Yom Tov. Sadly he told his wife, Mazal, and she was greatly distressed. "It is not so much our own need that troubles me," the good woman said, "but that you cannot keep your fine custom. It is sad to think of it." "But what can we do?" he asked. "I still have my precious earrings," said Mazal, taking them from her ears. "Take them to the pawnbroker and get a loan until things improve. You should be able to get enough for Yom Tov and for your usual feast." Matzliach took the earrings to the pawnbroker and received a tidy sum against them.

As he walked home cheerfully, he met the venerable Rav Chai Tayeb, Chief Rav of Tunisia. Matzliach greeted him respectfully, and the Rav returned the greeting, plainly pleased to have met him. "You saved me a trip," said the Rav. "I am going around collecting for our poor, so that they too can celebrate the festival of Matan Torah with joy." Without hesitation Matzliach put his hand in his pocket and gave the Rav the money he had just received from the pawnbroker. The smile with which he gave it pleased the Rav no less than the donation itself. "Hashem should bless you," said the saintly Rav as they parted.

Slowly Matzliach continued homeward. "What am I going to tell my wife?" he wondered. Suddenly he heard his name called. "Ya, Matzliach. You are just the man I want." The caller was one of the royal servants of the Bey of Tunis. "His Majesty sent me to buy a set of antique coffee cups, and I have no idea where to find them. But you are an antique dealer. Get them for me and you will be amply rewarded." "I will try my best," Matzliach promised.

If such cups existed, Matzliach knew where to look, and find them he did. The dealer he went to was glad to be rid of them, for he had held them too long and had despaired of ever selling them. He was happy to sell them to Matzliach on credit, since he knew the Jewish antique dealer to be a trustworthy man.

Walking through the marketplace, Matzliach met the courtier again, who was shopping for other things. "Did you manage to find the right cups for me?" the courtier asked eagerly. "Thanks to the One Above, I did." The courtier brought Matzliach and the cups to the royal court and introduced him to the Bey. The king was very pleased with the cups. "Just what I wanted," he said. "I know the Jews are now busy preparing for their festival. I am glad you took the time to find me these lovely cups. By the way, how are your preparations for the festival coming?" "The truth, Your Majesty, is that I have not yet bought a thing for Yom Tov."

The king at once ordered a servant to send two sacks of fine flour, a jug of olive oil and two choice live lambs to Matzliach's house. Then he asked what he owed for the cups. Matzliach named what he had paid and his usual commission. "What? That is all you paid for these precious cups?" said the king, much surprised. "The ruler of Tunisia is not looking for bargains. You shall be paid their full value."

Matzliach left the palace with a very large sum of money. Walking briskly home, whom should he meet but the Chief Rav again. "I can now afford to double my donation," he said happily, handing the Rav an amount equal to his first generous gift. "Rav, your blessing was fulfilled," he said, and he told him how Hashem had been kind to him. "Thank Hashem, we both did very well today," said the Rav. "Have a happy Yom Tov."