אות - קלז

Before revealing the lesson in Likutey Moharan I, 204, relating to money and mitzvos, the Rebbe told the following story: 213 This story is alluded to in the lesson, but not told.

Once there were two very close friends who had recently married. The first one saw the other doing something improper, straying from the true path. However, he did not pay any attention to it, thinking it to be a mere accident. But when he saw his friend continue and do something much worse, he realized that the other was actually a sinner. He decided he would have nothing to do with his old friend and estranged himself from him completely.

All this time, they had been supported by their fathers-in-law, as was the custom. After a while, they left their in-laws’ table and had to earn their own living. The sinner began to prosper and eventually grew very rich.

His friend, on the other hand, became very poor and was constantly upset, complaining of God’s injustice. He said to himself, “I know that my former companion committed a great sin. Why is he given such greatness and wealth?”

One evening, the poor man had a vision. He saw a band of men approach, carrying large sacks of coins. As they came nearer, he could hear the loud, clinking sound. He tried to move toward them, but they stopped him with a warning: “Do not touch any of this money. It all belongs to your former friend.”

Realizing this was an opportune moment, he asked them, “Why is he worthy of these riches? I myself saw him commit a great sin!” They answered, “From the day you both left your father-in-law’s table, your companion has consistently set aside time for Torah. He committed himself to study a given amount each day without fail.

But you are not involved in the Torah. Consequently, your companion is worthy of riches despite his great sin. Although it can extinguish good deeds, sin cannot extinguish Torah” ( Sotah 21a) .

“ Ve’ain Aveirah Mekabeh Torah – Sin cannot extinguish Torah.” The first letters of the Hebrew words spell out MAOT (money).