Two great spiritual giants met: The Vilna Gaon and the Dubner Maggid. The former was an unsurpassed Talmudic scholar. It is said that the Gaon studied the holy texts for twenty hours each day. He committed to memory every nuance of Torah and halakha, Jewish law. That is why people would come to the Vilna Gaon to seek his advice on any matter.
The Dubner Maggid, on the other hand, was a master of devekute, connecting with God.
The Vilna Gaon went to the Maggid and opened his heart to his colleague. "I need your insight and help," the erudite scholar exclaimed. "I have scoured the holy books for years. I have given myself to learning and I still have difficulty in learning how to repent."
The Dubner Maggid replied, "I am not impressed with your learning. That you sit and study all day long surrounded by Torah means nothing. Go out into the street. Walk in the marketplace. Meet your fellow Jews. Learn their pain. Understand their fears. Then we will see what kind of a tzaddik you are!"
The Vilna Gaon wept.
The Dubner Maggid, on the other hand, was a master of devekute, connecting with God.
The Vilna Gaon went to the Maggid and opened his heart to his colleague. "I need your insight and help," the erudite scholar exclaimed. "I have scoured the holy books for years. I have given myself to learning and I still have difficulty in learning how to repent."
The Dubner Maggid replied, "I am not impressed with your learning. That you sit and study all day long surrounded by Torah means nothing. Go out into the street. Walk in the marketplace. Meet your fellow Jews. Learn their pain. Understand their fears. Then we will see what kind of a tzaddik you are!"
The Vilna Gaon wept.
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