“That’s Not My Direction”: A Rabbi’s Powerful Lesson in Purpose

The renowned Maggid, Rabbi Reuven Karlinstein, shared a moving story about the deep values and strength of Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman. The story is brought in the book Yechi Reuven and offers a powerful glimpse into the mindset of someone who truly lived for Torah.

A man who had once learned in yeshiva with Rabbi Elchanan eventually left full-time Torah study and went into business. Over time, he became very successful and wealthy. One day, he decided to visit his old friend and teacher, Rabbi Elchanan, who was living near the yeshiva.

What he saw there surprised him. Rabbi Elchanan lived with great simplicity, barely making use of the yeshiva’s funds, only taking what was absolutely necessary. The businessman was taken aback by the poverty he saw in the rabbi’s home. He said to him, “Rabbi Elchanan, it’s hard for me to see you living like this. I know your brilliant mind and your talents and if you had gone into business, I’m sure you would have become even wealthier than I am.”

Rabbi Elchanan didn’t respond to the comment. Instead, he gently changed the subject. He graciously hosted the man, gave him food and drink, and made him feel welcome. When it was time for the guest to leave, Rabbi Elchanan even walked him to the train station.

There were two trains waiting there: one headed to Warsaw, where the wealthy man lived, and the other to a different city. The train to Warsaw was packed with people, while the other one was nearly empty. The businessman bought a ticket to Warsaw.

At that moment, Rabbi Elchanan turned to him and said, “Look, the train to Warsaw is crowded, but the other one has plenty of space. Why not take the empty one? It’ll be a more comfortable ride.”

The man looked confused. “But my destination is Warsaw,” he answered.

“Yes,” Rabbi Elchanan said, “but why travel in such a crowded, uncomfortable train? Wouldn’t it be more pleasant to travel where it’s quiet and spacious?”

The businessman started getting frustrated. “Rabbi Elchanan, I don’t think you understand. I have no reason to take the other train. I need to go to Warsaw. That’s my destination!”

But Rabbi Elchanan continued to press the point: “Still, wouldn’t it be better to go in comfort?”

The businessman, now completely exasperated, raised his voice: “Why aren’t you listening? That’s not my direction! The other train may be more comfortable, but it’s not where I need to go!”

Rabbi Elchanan looked him in the eye and quietly said, “And you say I could have gone into business and succeeded? That’s not my direction! Why can’t you understand that?”