Asgaha Pratit. Divine Providence

Ashgaha Pratit: Divine Providence

I would like to share an amazing and enlightening story that I witnessed and participated in during Purim at the world-famous synagogue of Rabbi Nachman¹ in Uman.

The synagogue was filled with many praying Jews, each of whom came to Rabbi Nachman to ask for something for themselves: some for healing, some for good luck, some for a good marriage, and some for fortune.

A modestly dressed, elderly, and intelligent man entered the synagogue. Immediately, another man approached him, asking for help - tzdakah (donations). The first man replied, "I would be glad to help, but I have nothing, I have nothing to help you with."

The one who asked for help turned and walked away. The first man hesitated, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out two crumpled, tattered 1-hryvnia bills (1 hryvnia- about 3 cents). Sighing, he put one bill back, and with the second one, he approached the asker, took it out, and handed it to him with the words, "Here, take it, please..."

Then he withdrew and sat down to read Tehillim. I was touched by this act. Not a minute later, I quietly approached him to ask: "How are you, Reb Yid²? Who are you? Where are you from?"

He answered simply and with dignity: "I am from Uman, and life ... I have a life like everyone else now..."

I quietly, as if apologising, said: "Reb Yid, maybe you need some help? Please take this," and under the table I discreetly handed him a 500 hryvnia note. The man said briefly and with dignity: "Thank you", took the note, hid it in his pocket and continued reading Tehillim.

This was a most genuine and awesome example of Ashgha Pratit³, my friends.

Ashgaha Pratit in time. Ashgaha Pratit in place. Ashgaha Pratit in people.

1 Rabbi Nachman miBreslev - was the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.

2 A deferential Ashkenazi Jewish address to a tradition-observant Jewish stranger.

3 Ashgaha Pratit, usually translated as Divine Providence, refers to the Almighty's personal "management" of the interaction of all objects and subjects of the universe in place, time, and circumstance.