The Chacham Tzvi's Blessing

Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi was one of the greatest rabbis and Torah scholars of his time. Unfortunately, because of his opposition to Shabtai-Tzvi, the infamous false messiah of the early eighteenth century-he was forced to flee from his city of Amsterdam. He promised his family that, when safe, he would let them know his whereabouts.

After wandering from place to place, Rabbi Tzvi arrived one Friday afternoon at Frankfurt-au-Maine. Without letting anyone know who he was, he entered the shul and joined a group of other wandering Jews who had come to pray.

After the services, one of the prominent members of the community, Meir Anshel Rothschild, invited Rabbi Tzvi and several other poor people for the Shabbat meals. At the Shabbat table, Meir Anshel recognized that one of the poor guests was, in fact, Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi, the chief rabbi of Amsterdam. It was obvious to Meir Anshel that the Rabbi didn't want his identity known, and so he treated Rabbi Tzvi like the rest of the guests.

After Shabbat, Rabbi Tzvi wished his host a "good week" and went on his way. Meir Anshel could not stop thinking about Rabbi Tzvi. Why was he forced to wander around among a group of poor beggars? How could he have paid Rabbi Tzvi the respect and attention due to him? Suddenly, Meir Anshel called his servant and ordered his carriage. He settled himself inside and rode off.

Meir Anshel slowed his horses when he saw the figure of Rabbi Tzvi walking along the Judenstrauss toward the city exit. Meir Anshel called out to the Rabbi and then descended from his carriage. "Please forgive me, dear Rabbi. I recognized you at my Shabbat table but could see that you did not want your identity known. Therefore, I did not treat you with the proper honor and respect due you."

"I knew that you recognized me," smiled Rabbi Tzvi, "and was happy that you did not betray my secret."

"I followed you not just to apologize," began Meir Anshel, "but also to give you this." And with that, Meir Anshel held out a purse full of gold coins. "I am certain that, so far from home, and wandering as you are, you will find the money very useful."

Rabbi Tzvi refused the money, no matter how Meir Anshel persisted.

"King Solomon said: 'One who hates receiving gifts will live longer.'" Rabbi Tzvi reminded him.

Seeing that he could not prevail upon Rabbi Tzvi to accept the gift, Meir Anshel put the purse on the ground and said, "Heaven and earth are my witness that I am declaring this purse of money ownerless." Meir Anshel said good-bye, got into his carriage and rode home.

Rabbi Tzvi stood for awhile contemplating the situation. He decided that, seeing that the purse was now ownerless, there was no reason to let it fall into unworthy hands. He picked up the purse, looked inside, and raised his eyes toward heaven. He prayed that G-d should send Meir Anshel success in his business affairs, and that the blessing of success would continue for his children and grandchildren for all generations.

This blessing was indeed fulfilled, for from that day on, Meir Anshel's business prospered to an extraordinary degree. The "House of Rothschild" became famous the world over.

Adapted from Talks and Tales