A Soulful Journey

There is a legend told by the Eastern European Jews.   Rabbi Hayim of Volozhyn died and was told that he would be admitted immediately to Heaven so rich was he in good deeds.    Rabbi Hayim refused to enter until a guarantee had been given him that the pupils and teachers of the great Yeshiva would also be admitted without further ado.   After all, he argued, the success of the Yeshiva is their achievement not mine.   When this was acknowledged, Rabbi Hayim argued further for the admission of all Jews since Jewish householders everywhere contribute to the Torah.    But even this did not satisfy Rabbi Hayim.   After all, he argued further, the Gentiles have provided a home for the Jews.   They, too, have a share in the Torah.   In short, Rabbi Hayim refused to enter unless he were given a guarantee that all men would be allowed to enter.   He was told that at that time this was not possible since it had not yet been decreed that the...