|
Adapted from Sipurei Chassidim II # 268
About two hundred years ago, a Jew from Romania named Mendel departed that
country and took up residence in Russia, in the city of Kishinov. Another Jew,
whom he had once been close to but before he moved had become his enemy, leveled
a nasty libel against him to the Romanian government. He claimed that Mendel had
found a treasure chest of gold coins which was really lost government property,
and that was why he had left Romania for Russia.
The Romanian government sent a request to the Russian government to extradite
Mendel to Romania so that he could stand trial there. The Russian government
refused; Mendel had already acquired official citizen papers and all the rights
to which that entitled him. Instead, they replied, if Romania wanted to make a
legal claim against him, they would have to do so in Russia, in the courthouse
in Kishinov. They would be welcome to send their own prosecutor and whatever
witnesses he desired to bring along with him.  | | " He himself would send him an excellent defender...." | | |
Mendel traveled to the Rebbe known as the "Holy Grandfather", the "Shpoler
Zeide", and told him the whole story. The Rebbe told him not to be afraid of
the impending case, only that he should do everything within his power to
arrange that the trial take place on Purim day. He also told him not to hire a
lawyer, for he himself would send him an excellent defender.
Mendel asked how much this first class lawyer would cost him. The Zeide
replied that he was arranging the wedding of an orphan girl to an orphan boy and
that if Mendel would help with the expenses of three hundred rubles, he himself
would take care of any legal fees. Mendel happily contributed the entire sum,
and the Rebbe blessed him.
Mendel then asked when he would be able to meet his attorney-to-be. "Not
until the day of the trial." The Zeide answered. "He will meet you at the
courthouse. Be sure to have your power-of-attorney prepared for him to file in
the court."
"But how will I know who he is?" asked Mendel, puzzled.
"Oh, that will be easy," smiled the Rebbe. "He'll be wearing a white hat and
red gloves."
Mendel returned to Kishinov, where after considerable effort on a number of
different fronts, he succeeded in having the trial delayed until the exact date
of Purim. Immediately, he sent a telegram to the Rebbe to notify him of the
auspicious news.
Four weeks before Purim, Mendel received official notification of the charges
against him and a summons to the trial. At the same time the Romanian government
received an invitation to send a prosecuting attorney and whatever witnesses
they had.
Shortly before Purim, Mendel discovered someone on his way to Shpola to spend
the holiday with the Rebbe. Mendel sent with him a kvittel (note)
requesting the Rebbe's blessing, and money and food packages for the Rebbe to
distribute to the poor on Purim day. | | " Wondrous salvations for individuals or the community often followed...." | | |
Purim in Shpola was always interesting, as well as joyful. Whenever the
Zeide had some mission to accomplish that required overcoming government
obstacles, he would convene a "Purim Performance". He would draft a number of
clever people from among his followers to appear in disguise. Sometimes he would
appoint one of them to be a "Purim King" or a "Purim Chief Rabbi", while others
would take the parts of noted court dignitaries or other significant personages.
A case would be presented before the esteemed gathering, and they would decide
according to the Shpoler's wishes. All this was based on secret mystic
principles, and wondrous salvations for individuals or the community often
followed close upon the conclusion of the Purim Play.
This year the Zeide requested that on Purim certain men should come to his
house and disguise themselves as judges of the secular court system. The chief
Rabbi of the town was designated to play the head judge, while two others
represented the other two judges, in order that they could conduct a mock trial
of Mendel. Another disciple was assigned the role of the prosecutor from
Romania. He blackened his face, and every time he spoke everyone present would
jeer and catcall and otherwise make fun of him. Someone else was given the role
of the informer, and, of course, someone had to play Mendel. Rounding off the
cast were two others acting the role of witnesses from Romania that would
testify in Mendel's behalf. Finally, the Shpoler Zeide spread on top of
his large, round streimel (fur holiday hat) a white handkerchief, and
enclosed his hands in a pair of red gloves. He himself would assume the part of
the lawyer for the defense! Guards were posted to make sure that no one but the
players could enter the Rebbe's room.
The trial began. Secular court procedures were followed precisely. The chief
judge read out the charges. The prosecutor presented the claim in the name of
the government of Romania, although the continually interrupted to heckle and
ridicule him. Then the informer testified his version of events. Next to take
the stand were the two witnesses for Mendel. They described how they had seen
the informer approach Mendel and arrogantly demand a large sum of money. He had
threatened Mendel that if he didn't pay, he would take nasty revenge upon him.
Finally, the judges called upon the defense attorney to present the case for his
client.
The Shpoler Zeide rose and began to speak eloquently. He explained how
the informer was motivated by jealousy and the desire for revenge. He proved
that the story of the treasure chest filled with gold coins was a total
fabrication. He also elucidated that even if there were such a chest, the
Romanian government anyway would have no legitimate claim upon it. His delivery
was emotional yet brilliant, and thus extremely convincing.
As soon as the Zeide finished, the judges announced their verdict:
they declared Mendel to be totally innocent. All the players then shoved the man
in blackface out of the room, whereupon he ran off to wash away the paint and
makeup.
After they had all removed their disguises they rejoined the chasidim,
and the Zeide sat at the head of the table to lead the Purim festive
meal. Word spread among the chasidim about the "trial" that had taken
place in the house. That night they received a telegram from Kishinov: Mendel
had won his case and would soon travel to Shpola.
Several days later Mendel showed up at the synagogue in Shpola. The
chasidim were overjoyed to hear him and wanted to know all that had
transpired. Mendel reported an outline of events, and emphasized that the main
ingredient of his success was the wonderful lawyer that the Rebbe had sent to
defend him. "He gave such a magnificent speech in court," Mendel exuded, "and so
brilliant." | | " ...How did you like the lawyer I sent you?" | | |
The chasidim expressed interest in exactly what the clever lawyer had
said, so Mendel began to quote from the speech to them. They stared at him in
amazement. It was word for word what the Zeide had said in his lawyer
disguise during their mock trial on Purim!
At his first opportunity Mendel entered into the Rebbe's study to speak to
him privately. Before he could say a word, the Zeide said to him: "Nu,
Mendel, so how did you like the lawyer I sent you?"
"He was great!" Mendel exclaimed. "He captivated everyone in the court with
the brilliance of his defense, and as you know, I was judged innocent as a
result of his efforts."
The happy Mendel was startled by the Rebbe's response to his words.
"You should know, Mendel, that your defender was an angel from heaven,
created by the generous donation you gave me for the wedding of the two orphans.
If you merit you will see him again advocating on your behalf, in the heavenly
court when (after you reach 120 years of age) it will be time to give a
reckoning of your deeds in this lowly physical world."
|
