There was a rich man who felt he could buy anything. Indeed, he could. He had more than enough money to take care of all his needs and desires. One day the shamas, the caretaker of the shul, was angered at the man’s attitude and rebuffed him. “There is one thing that you can never get!” he exclaimed.
“Impossible,” responded the rich man.
“Yes, it is so. You cannot purchase for yourself a place in the World-to-Come.”
Taken aback, the rich man went home and pondered the predicament. Finally, after a sleepless night, he went to see the rabbi in the morning.
The rich man beseeched the rabbi, “I’ll give you one million dollars to get into heaven.”
The rabbi’s features moved visibly. “I really do not think it is possible.”
“Two million,” declared the rich man. “Everything I own!”
“You will do and give everything?” asked the rabbi.
“Yes.”
“Leave me now and return when I send for you.”
The rabbi fasted every Monday and Thursday for weeks, praying for an answer form the Almighty. Finally, on the twenty-ninth day he sent for the rich man.
“You have a place in Olam ha-Ba,” the rabbi announced. "But you must first know the terms of agreement."
The man was overjoyed. “Yes! Quick, please tell me.”
The rabbi stiffened. “You have a place in Olam ha-Ba but you shall die within the next two hours. Prepare yourself.” -Isaac Jacob
Live today practicing righteousness, doing mitzvahs. Otherwise the price may be too steep.
Comments