The Chassidim gathered with Rabbi Yitzchak Meir of Ger (1799-1866) to partake in the festive mitzvah meal following a brit milah (circumcision). At the meal, the Rebbe turned to a certain Chasid and asked him to relate a story about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.*
The Chasid began, “One of the followers of the Berdichever Rebbe was a cattle dealer. It happened once that he had many heads of cattle to sell, and the market price dropped drastically. The Chasid was distraught, worried about the heavy loss he would have to sustain. He decided to travel to the Berdichever Rebbe and consult with him on the matter and receive his blessing.
“When he arrived in the Rebbe’s presence, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak asked him, ‘Is there any particular mitzvah with which you occupy yourself?’
“’Yes, he replied, ‘I am a Mohel’ (ritual circumciser).
“’And what do you do if an infant bleeds heavily after the circumcision, G-d forbid?’ asked the Rebbe.
“The man described the medications and salves he applies. The Rebbe responded. ‘I will give you a certain medicinal herb to use if you are ever in such a situation. If you apply this to the wound, it will stop the bleeding immediately. The Rebbe then handed him some herbs.
“’But Rebbe, ’beseeched the Chasid, ‘what shall I do about the cattle?’
“The Rebbe replied, ‘I have already explained that if you encounter an infant who bleeds excessively just apply the herbs and the bleeding will stop immediately.
The Chasid didn’t repeat his question. He took his belongings and prepared to return to his home.
At this point in the story, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir gave a sign to stop and said, “From the behavior of this Chasid, we can tell that he was a true Chasid, since he didn’t persist in his questioning of the Rebbe. He simply accepted that the Rebbe’s words included the advice he sought although he didn’t yet perceive the meaning in them.”
And now the Rebbe motioned for the Chasid to continue.
“On his way home, the Chasid stopped at an inn for the night. He saw a young child running around and noticed that the innkeeper’s son had not been circumcised. He was very surprised and asked the reason for this. The innkeeper told him that his two previous sons had died because of excessive bleeding after circumcision. The Chasid, remembering the Rebbe’s words asked the innkeeper, ‘If I were to tell you that there is a cure for this problem of bleeding, would you allow a brit milah to be performed on your son?’
“’If my son could be circumcised without the possibility of danger, I would be prepared to pay the Mohel a sum of four hundred silver rubles,’ he answered.
“’I have a very potent medication with me which will stop any bleeding’, the Chasid told him. ‘Allow me to perform the brit milah and I will take full responsibility. I will even give you four hundred silver rubles of my own, forfeit in the case of any problem, G-d forbid.’
“The innkeeper agreed with the stipulation that the Mohel remain with them for a full month to watch the child in case any complication should develop.
“The circumcision was performed, and in fact, the child did start to bleed. The Mohel immediately applied the herbs the Rebbe gave him, and all went well. The bleeding stopped at once.
“A few days later the news reached the inn that the price of cattle had risen considerably. The Chasid-merchant was anxious to return home and sell his livestock. But the innkeeper was adamant about their agreement and refused to allow him to leave. Several more days passed, and word arrived that the price of cattle had gotten even higher. The Chasid pleaded with his host to allow him to leave as the child was doing quite well. The innkeeper was unmoved by his argument and said that a deal is a deal, and he must remain the full four weeks.
“When the month was over, the Chasid prepared to return home. The grateful innkeeper paid him the four hundred silver rubles he promised and returned the other four hundred he held on bond.
“By the time the Chasid arrived back home, he was able to sell his cattle for a price far greater than he had ever imagined making a hefty profit.
“When the time came for his visit to Berdichev, he happily presented his Rebbe with the four hundred silver rubles and then some, to be used for charity, saying, “Rebbe, this money rightfully belongs to you!”
Adapted from ‘It Happened Once’ as seen in L’Chaim Publication #1818
*Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev 1740-1809. According to tradition, on the day of Levi Yitzchak’s birth, the Baal Shem Tov held a joyous farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) informing his followers that the soul of a ‘defender of the Jewish people’ had entered the world. After the passing of the Baal Shem Tov in 1760, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak became the ardent follower of the Maggid of Mezritch and part of his inner circle of disciples. He was a contemporary of the Alter Rebbe, first Chabad Rebbe. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak is one of the most beloved of Chassidic leaders. Many stories highlight his fiery service of G-d, his love for the Jewish people, and his characteristic role of advocating before the Heavenly court on behalf of the Jewish nation. His burial site in Berditchev, Ukraine and is visited by many till today. from chabad.org
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