Heavenly Verdict: A Tale of Friendship, Faith, and Charity

Two close friends lived in Jerusalem, men of action and fearers of Hashem; their story was told by Rabbi Eliyahu Roth of blessed memory. These two righteous individuals were Rabbi Shimon Kalphus and Rabbi Mordechai Aharon Sheinberger, revered figures known for their devoted service to Hashem. They were exceptional Torah scholars who engaged in study tirelessly, accompanied by their uplifting prayers that extended for many dedicated hours.

In addition, they engaged in acts of kindness, gathering small donations once a week to support the needy of the city. They pursued this righteous path for many years, dedicating countless hours to the work of charity that was ingrained in their very being. They sought no recognition for themselves and devoted a day each week to acts of benevolence.

One day, Rabbi Shimon fell gravely ill, a sickness from which he would not recover. As his condition worsened, he called his friend Rabbi Sheinberger for a heartfelt farewell conversation, during which Rabbi Sheinberger made an unusual request:
"We have been close friends in this world," he said through many tears, "Our hands never parted, as we engaged in prayer, Torah, and acts of kindness. I ask but one thing of you: when you ascend to the heavens and have your judgment in the heavenly court, come back and tell me what transpired, relate to me how things turned out."

Indeed, a request such as this can only be heard between two true righteous individuals. Rabbi Shimon promised his friend that if he had the ability, he would fulfill this request and report what took place in the heavenly court.

Days went by and Rabbi Shimon passed away, leaving behind a grieving family, the mournful city of Jerusalem, and his dear friend Rabbi Sheinberger, who was deeply saddened. Despite his great sorrow, Rabbi Sheinberger awaited the fulfillment of the promise with anticipation, hoping to encounter his friend who would reveal the happenings of the higher realms.

And indeed, a few months later, Rabbi Shimon appeared in a dream to Rabbi Eliyahu Roth of blessed memory, and then to his friend Rabbi Sheinberger. In a remarkable turn, they both recounted the identical, extraordinary testimony of their encounter with the celestial court:

Rabbi Shimon began by saying that he had been permitted to share only a glimpse of what occurs above; for most things, he quoted, it is written, 'The glory of Hashem is to conceal a matter.' Nonetheless, he addressed the question of his heavenly judgment, describing the scene:
Millions of angels gathered for the discussion regarding Rabbi Shimon. They carried with them bundles of merits: countless hours of rigorous Torah study, fervent prayers, and numerous mitzvot. All these were presented before the judges. The judges examined and evaluated, calculating the account of the world of truth. Rabbi Shimon watched the scene with great tension, hoping these merits would grant him entry to the Garden of Eden. But the court deliberated extensively on these merits, and yet, no decision was made. It seemed the accumulated merits were not sufficient.

How daunting is the Day of Judgment! Multitudes of angels returned, bearing collections of prayers, midnight vigils, and the many mitzvot that Rabbi Shimon performed with dedication and precision. These made a significant impression in the heavens, and the judges regarded them with utmost gravity. Yet still, to Rabbi Shimon's great concern, the judges declared unanimously: "It is not yet enough!"

Unbelievably, one of the righteous of Jerusalem, known for his remarkable prayer, intense Shema recitations, unwavering Torah study, extensive mitzvot, and refined virtues—it was still not enough, and his fate for the Garden of Eden remained unsettled. As he stood there, anxious and full of dread, uncertain of the final verdict, he wondered what his fate would be.

Then came delegations of angels who placed upon the table the weekly day when he would walk tirelessly to aid the poor of Jerusalem. They recounted his devotion to charity, and it was these charitable deeds that tipped the scales: "He is worthy of his judgment, straight to the Garden of Eden!" the herald announced, and Rabbi Shimon, with a smile upon his lips, shared this news with his friends who remained in this world, so that all would know and understand: entry to the Garden of Eden also depends on charity and acts for the community. Surely, the 'study of Torah is equal to all', but every Jew must also engage in acts of kindness, for kindness is part of the essence of a Jew.

From the Beitar Oz bulletin