Do You Want Long Life? The Torah Promises It, If...

Pinchas was just a young man when he was diagnosed with a serious illness. The doctors' prognosis was grim, and Pinchas — who was married with several young children — was devastated. In hope and desparation he decided to travel to Bnei Brak to ask for a brachah (blessing) from the Chazon Ish, Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz ztz"l (of blessed memory), the acknowledged Torah leader of his generation in the Land of Israel.

This was in the early 1950s, and traveling between cities in Eretz Yisrael was difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Furthermore, public transportation was highly unreliable. Pinchas therefore decided to try and raise the necessary funds to rent a car. He managed to scrape together five lira (the currency of the day) and he set out on the long journey.

Finally, he arrived at the home of the Chazon Ish. As he entered the tzaddik's room, he burst into bitter tears. In a trembling voice, he told the Chazon Ish of his diagnosis and the gloomy predictions of the doctors. He begged the tzaddik for a brachah, for the sake of his wife and young children.

The Chazon Ish listened to every word, and then asked the young man: "Do you have parents?"

"Yes," Pinchas replied. "Both my father and my mother are still alive, may they live till 120."

Then the Chazon Ish asked: "How much did it cost you to travel here to see me?"

"Five lira," replied Pinchas, surprised at the question.

"And when was the last time you did something for your parents that cost even a single lira?" the Chazon Ish asked gently.

Pinchas fell silent in shame and embarrassment. He had nothing to say; he couldn't recall a single thing...

The Chazon Ish then looked straight at Pinchas with tremendous compassion, and said, "You know that the Torah tells us, 'Honor your father and your mother so that your days may be lengthened and that it may go well with you.' Do you want longevity and a good and happy life? Honor your parents.

"You went to great lengths to reach me," the Chazon Ish added. "You invested a great deal of money and a significant amount of time. And, when you set out, you didn't even know if I would be at home when you arrived, or whether I would receive you. You were willing to do all this for only the possibility of receiving a brachah which itself might not be fulfilled — and here the Torah promises you a brachah! Just honor your parents and you will be blessed."

The Chazon Ish shook the sick man's hand and parted from him warmly.

And, Pinchas determined to take the tzaddik's words to heart and devote himself to his parents. This he did... and he lived to over 90 years of age.

As related by the Admor of Tolna