The Rabbi, the Baron and the Life-Saving Choice

Nearly a hundred years ago, Rabbi Zalman Grossman lived in Jerusalem. At that time, life in the Holy Land was extremely difficult. Many families lived in deep poverty and struggled to find work. Like many others, Rabbi Zalman decided to leave his family behind and travel to America in search of a livelihood. He borrowed money for a ticket, gave a heartfelt goodbye to his loved ones, and boarded the ship.

Rabbi Zalman was especially known for how he honored Shabbat. He would say that Shabbat is like being in the presence of the Queen, Shabbat HaMalka and he didn’t want to waste even a minute of it. Just as a king avoids sleep to make the most of his time on the throne, Rabbi Zalman would stay awake from the beginning of Shabbat until its end. He filled every moment with prayer, singing, learning Torah, and saying Tehillim (Psalms) with deep focus.

Even on the ship, far from home, he didn’t let go of his precious Shabbat customs. He prayed with joy and intention, made Kiddush, sang zemirot (Shabbat songs), and studied from the many holy books he brought with him staying up until dawn. One of the other passengers noticed. He had never seen anyone observe Shabbat with such sincerity and light.

After Havdalah, that man approached Rabbi Zalman and introduced himself. “My name is Baron Rothschild,” he said. “I’ve been watching you all Shabbat and I am deeply moved. I would like to give you any gift you choose. Take fifteen minutes to think, and then come back to tell me your wish.”

Rabbi Zalman was shocked. This was no ordinary gift. He could ask for money and finally support his family. He could return to Jerusalem with dignity and comfort. But he didn’t rush to answer. He went to his cabin to think and reflect.

Then, he remembered something important. Before leaving Jerusalem, his brother Rabbi Shlomo had come to visit him. Rabbi Shlomo lived in the north of Israel and helped build the early settlement of Mishmar HaYarden. He had told Rabbi Zalman about a terrible outbreak of malaria that was affecting their area and the nearby towns of Rosh Pina and Yesod HaMa’alah. People were dying every day. Families couldn’t afford basic medicine.

“Please,” Rabbi Shlomo had begged, “when you get to America, don’t forget us. Every dollar you send could help save a life.”

Now, sitting on the ship with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in front of him, Rabbi Zalman felt torn. Should he ask for help for himself? Or should he ask for help for his brother’s community? In his heart, he knew the answer. Saving many lives was far greater than easing his own burden.

He returned to Baron Rothschild and told him about the malaria epidemic. “My wish,” he said, “is that you send a team of doctors to these small towns in Israel to bring healing and hope. That would be the greatest kindness you could do for me.” The Baron nodded and promised to take care of it.

Months later, Rabbi Zalman received a letter from his brother. It was full of gratitude and amazement. A team of doctors and nurses had arrived suddenly. They brought trucks filled with medical supplies and set up pharmacies and clinics. They gave injections, handed out medicine, and immediately the situation improved. The disease stopped spreading, and for the first time in a long while, people were smiling again.

“There are rumors,” the letter said, “that Baron Rothschild made this miracle happen. My dear brother, you don’t need to worry about us. Hashem took care of us, and we are forever grateful.”

Rabbi Zalman read the letter again and again, tears streaming down his face. No one knew that he had been the one who made the request. But in his heart, he knew he had done something real, something lasting.

Years later, he told his children that there was another reason for his tears. “I cried because I was grateful to Hashem for giving me the strength to put others before myself. It wasn’t easy. I had a chance to change my own life, but I gave it up for the sake of the community. And that is something I will always be thankful for.”