Shema-Not a Liar!

The 4th of Nisan is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Yochanan Twersky of Rachmistrivka (1816-1895), son of the Maggid of Chernobyl. The Maggid asked a wealthy man to contribute a large sum to a charitable cause. The man refused. The Maggid immediately sold his share in the World to Come and used the money for the cause.

His Chassidim inquired how he could bring himself to make such a sale.

He explained, “I say twice daily in the Shema, ‘love Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your possessions.’ What beside my share in the World to Come does a poor man like myself possess? Shall I prove to be a liar and refuse to give to God that which I do in truth possess? (Dor De’ah, page 97)