Count Czartorinski, who lived nearly 200 years ago, belonged to the highest Polish nobility. He owned many large estates in Poland as did other counts. However, unlike many other Polish noblemen, Czartorinski was a friend of the Jews. Some of his ablest and most trusted managers were Jews, and many Jewish families made a living on his estates in one way or another as innkeepers, dairy farmers, fishermen and lumber merchants.

One day, the Count arranged a great banquet to celebrate a very special event. After many years of childlessness, the Count had been blessed with a son. Many Polish noblemen from all across the land had arrived to attend the affair, and during the banquet the Count told his guests how this child had come to be born. A certain rabbi who was known as a wonder-worker, lived in one of the Count's towns, Kozhnitz. This rabbi sent the Count to another great saintly rabbi, the "Seer of Lublin," who gave him a blessing for children.

"I had already given up hope of ever becoming a father," the Count related to his friends, "when I heard of this saintly man. Thanks to him, I am now a proud and happy father!"

"I, for one, am not convinced! As for this 'Seer of Lublin,' I don't believe he can see anything beyond his own nose! It was just a lucky coincidence that his blessing came true." mocked the Count's younger brother. The Count's younger brother had reason to be bitter: he had hoped to one day inherit the title and estates of his childless brother. Now, that miserable rabbi had put an end to his dreams, and he wanted revenge.

The Count did not disguise his anger at his younger brother for daring to contradict him before the assembled guests. He was no less angry at the scornful remarks he had made about the rabbi. The Count sharply rebuked him, but the brother held his ground. "I will prove to you that the so-called 'Seer of Lublin' is nothing but a swindler and a fake. Within several days, I will be traveling to Lublin. I will go to this 'wonder-rabbi' and I will also request a blessing. But, I will ask his blessing for something which will be pure invention on my part. I promise, you will see, that he will give me a blessing, too!"

The Count rose to reply. "If you succeed in this deception, I will admit my mistake. But take heed, I warn you to be very careful, or you will live to regret it! One must not trifle with holy Jews!"

Several days later the young nobleman arrived in Lublin. He found his way to the home of the Seer of Lublin and was received by him. Affecting the most disconsolate appearance, the young nobleman stood before the rabbi and wailed, "O, saintly rabbi, my only child, a baby, is dangerously ill. The doctors declared they cannot help him. My older brother, Count Czartorinski, once received a blessing from you, and he is now the father of a child. He told me that you are the only one who can help. You must give me a blessing for my baby!"

The Seer was thoughtful and silent for a few moments. Then he turned to the young nobleman and in a very serious voice said, "I see, your son is, indeed, gravely ill. Unfortunately, I cannot help you. I suggest you lose no time and return home, and you may still see your son alive, for the last time."

The young man could hardly wait to exit the Seer's room, so full of mirth was he. As soon as he was clear of the Jew's quarters, he laughed heartily and long. Hadn't he told them! Now, he will have something to tell his brother and friends. Now, what will his brother say to this news! It was a good joke was on the old rabbi. For while it was true that he had an only son, the baby was strong and had never been ill a day in his life. The whole story was invented, and the rabbi fell for it! So much for Jewish wonder-rabbis and their ridiculous 'miracles'! Well, he thought, this calls for a celebration!

Young Czartorinski did not hurry home. First, he spent some time at the inn, getting himself quite drunk. When he finally showed up at home, he found his only child dead! His older brother was there, comforting the bereaved young mother.

"I should have listened to you," the young Czartorinski wailed. "You had warned me, but I wouldn't listen! I wanted to revenge myself on the Jew! What a crazy fool I was to try to play such a trick on the saintly rabbi!"

Adapted from Talks and Tales