Perfect Timing: Seeking Forgiveness and Finding Divine Assistance

Levi Hirshler, a resident of Beit Shemesh, recounts an extraordinary experience of Divine intervention that profoundly impacted his life.

In his words...

An Unpleasant Incident

Two years ago, I found myself in an uncomfortable situation where I publicly humiliated a Jewish man from another city. Although the people who witnessed it assured me that my actions were justified given the circumstances, deep down, I felt a profound sense of remorse. I knew I had wronged a fellow Jew and owed him an apology.

But it wasn't that simple. I didn't know the man's name, nor where he came from. All I knew was that he was from a city somewhere in the north — that, and what he looked like. I wanted so badly to have a chance to make amends but had no idea how. Meanwhile, I noted it down in my journal and it was never far from my mind.

A Providential Encounter

Over a year passed. One Shabbat morning, I stayed on for a while in synagogue after prayers as there was a Kiddush; a friend had a baby girl. 

Afterward, I walked home slowly, lost in thought — and then suddenly, I saw him. He was actually heading toward me and at first I wondered whether he remembered who I was, but then he said, "Excuse me, but can you tell me the way to the ___ synagogue?"

He may not have remembered me, but his features were engraved in my mind. I gave him directions, and then added, "We actually met once before, just over a year ago." I recounted the events and experienced again the remorse, and then asked for his forgiveness.

"Of course I forgive you," he responded warmly. 

A Final Note

I didn't want to just leave him — I ended up accompanying him to his destination, and we parted as friends. I was overwhelmed with gratitude to Hashem for giving me the opportunity to make amends, and at the miraculous way it had occurred.

The next day, I told a relative what had happened. "The old man who was on his way to the ____ synagogue?" he responded. "I know who you mean. He was visiting from up north."

He paused, and then added, "I guess you didn't hear yet. He passed away last night."

Originally published in the Divine Providence newsletter