My teacher told us a wonderful and moving story that took place at the Western Wall with Rabbi Elimelech Firer, the chairman of Ezra Lamarpeh medical assistance organization. A well known philanthropist had come to visit Ezra Lamarpeh in Bnei Brak. After an emotional meeting with Rabbi Firer which ended around midnight, the philanthropist suggested, “Let us go to the Western Wall.” Rabbi Firer mentioned that the hour was late, and the philanthropist might want to visit the Wall at a more convenient time. But the philanthropist said that he would be flying home in a few hours, and he didn’t want to leave the country without visiting the Western Wall. They set out and arrived at the surviving remnant of the Second Temple late at night. Suddenly they heard loud weeping coming from the plaza. They approached the sound, and saw a 55-year old Jew leaning on the stones, crying profusely. His cries jarred all the people who were there at the time.
When Rabbi Firer hears crying, he can’t ignore it, even when one of our generation’s wealthiest philanthropists is next to him. He told the philanthropist, “It is not for nothing that G-d arranged for us to be here; he wanted us to hear the cry of this Jew, and help him out. Let’s make a deal. I’ll go to him, introduce myself, and if I hear that he needs medical counseling — I’ll assist him to the best of my ability. And if he tells me that he doesn’t need medical assistance, but a economic problem is troubling him, you will enter the picture, and offer him financial assistance.” The philanthropist agreed.Rabbi Firer first approached the man, tapped him on the shoulder, introduced himself and asked if he needs medical assistance. “No, no,” the Jewish man shook his head. “I have no need for such assistance. Thank G-d, everything is fine.” ‘Now it’s your turn to step in,” said Rabbi Firer to the philanthropist, who then approached the Jew, and asked if he needed financial support.
Again the answer was negative. “G-d has given me everything I need, and I do not need a thing,” he replied.“So why are you crying so much and worrying all the people around you?” Rabbi Firer and the philanthropist asked the man. “I’ll tell you why I’m crying. Tonight I married my beloved son, the last of the 12 children that G-d gave me. After the wedding, I decided to come here to thank the Creator of the world for the great kindnesses that He showered on me for so many years, and especially allowing me to reach the point of marrying off my last child.” The man described the deep feelings he felt in his heart. He had come over the years to the Wall and begged G-d that he would merit to marry off his children. Now, after G-d had lovingly accepted his prayers, and he had just married off the last of his children, how could he not come especially to the Western Wall, and offer his thanks! One comes to the Western Wall only when one needs a salvation, but then forgets about it when things are fine?! … That special Jew concluded his words: “And when coming to thank and praise G-d for His great kindnesses, now can one not burst into tears?!”
