A man came to small town in Russia where there were no etrogim.
He received numerous offers for his etrog.
Some more willing to relinquish their entire properties for the mitzvah
of owning and blessing the etrog. Finally, the rabbi approached him and asked
if he might purchase it and make the proper blessing for the entire town. Man replied,
“Not for money. Give me a portion of your World to come to Come.”
Unwittingly, the rabbi agreed. But before the festival he made sure that the
whole town was aware not to invite this man into their Sukkah. The man, during the holiday, found he could
not gain admittance to any Sukkah. He
sat down and cried for several hours. Finally picking himself up he went to the
rabbi and poured out his heart. He said,
“I sat down and wept for several hours.” Upon hearing this, the rabbi and let
him into his Sukkah for now he had the proper attitude toward religious
practice.
Holiness is not something that is apparent. It must be perceived by the heart. If you do not feel it in the presence of a tzaddik, in a shul, on Shabbat or looking at the constellations you are
closed.
Be open.
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