How a Simple Loan Became a Channel for Blessings

Rabbi Hillel Kuperman, the devoted director of the Ahavat Chesed free loan fund (gemach), oversees a beautiful mitzvah operation. Like all gemachim (plural of gemach), this one allows Jews to deposit money that is then loaned—interest-free—to fellow Jews in need. The depositor gets their money back whenever they ask, but in the meantime, it does so much good. And according to our sages, that kindness echoes not only in this world but also in the World to Come.

In an uplifting conversation with Rabbi Kuperman reported by B. Lachmi of Yated Ne’eman, he shared a story about a financially successful friend who had money deposited in the gemach. This friend was offered a great deal: to buy another apartment. The rent would help cover the costs of marrying off his children. It seemed like a smart investment. But Rabbi Kuperman gently encouraged him to think about something else—about the growing number of Jews struggling financially. “Maybe,” he said, “this money could go further if used for kindness.”

The friend decided to ask a Torah scholar for advice. He approached none other than Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (of blessed memory). Rabbi Auerbach's answer was clear: “You are permitted to buy the apartment—but if you listen to my voice, put it all in the gemach. The profits you were hoping for—you will receive even more.”

The man asked, “What about the money I already have saved in the bank, for my children? Isn’t it my duty to leave it there?”

Rabbi Auerbach’s reply was striking: “No—break the plans and deposit them in the gemach. Rely on Hashem to support you as He sees fit. There is no better investment than tzedakah (charity).”

The man followed the advice. Not only did he give up the apartment idea, but he also added his savings to the gemach. Years later, he told Rabbi Kuperman that while his friends barely profited from their apartment investments, he had been blessed from Above—financially and spiritually. “I’ve received five times what I deposited,” he said. “And even more important, I gained countless mitzvot.”

The great Jewish sage Pele Yoetz once wrote: “Charity is the pillar of the world.” Quoting King David, he added: “The world is built on kindness.” Real kindness, he explained, comes not only from giving money, but from using our time, words, and actions to help others—even in small, simple ways. “People often ignore small mitzvot,” he wrote, “yet they can be done easily and cost nothing.” It’s surprising, he said, that many will spend so much for honors like opening the ark or being a sandak at a brit milah, while missing the simple, everyday mitzvot that are direct Torah commandments—like kindness, honoring parents, or standing up for the elderly.

Rabbi Kuperman shared another story—about the nephew of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. The nephew wasn’t sure whether to keep his money in an insurance plan or move it to a gemach. Rabbi Elyashiv asked him, “What would the Chafetz Chaim do?” The nephew smiled. “He’d put it in the gemach.” Rabbi Elyashiv nodded. “So should we.”

The nephew asked: “Should I withdraw the funds already in the bank?” Rabbi Elyashiv responded: “Yes, unless there’s a penalty. Then you’re not obligated.”

In yet another case, a man received $30,000 from his father to help marry off grandchildren. He asked Rabbi Auerbach what to do. “Buying apartments is allowed,” said the rabbi. “But whoever deposits in a gemach—he is called holy, and he will see Divine help in everything he does.”

In his sefer Ahavat Chesed, the Chafetz Chaim writes that someone who supports a central gemach shares in every single loan the gemach gives—even those not funded directly from his money. “And it seems simple to me,” he wrote, “that Hashem will consider it as if that person alone performed all those acts of kindness.”

Imagine that. A person arrives at the Heavenly Court after 120 years, only to discover they helped hundreds of families, funded emergency medical care, supported Torah scholars, built synagogues and mikvahs, helped the needy marry off children—and all because of one deposit in a gemach. The merit is immense.

5 Real Stories: We Deposited and Were Saved

1. Livelihood Turned Around

A young married man from the Mir Yeshiva had $4,000 left from his wedding gifts. It sat in the bank, earning just $250 a year. He and his wife decided to deposit it in the gemach instead, believing the spiritual reward would be greater.

One week later, his wife—who taught art classes—saw her enrollment skyrocket. A school she’d visited before suddenly invited her back. She went from almost no students to full classes. Instead of $250 a year, she was earning $400 a month. “We saw Hashem’s blessing clearly,” said the husband.

2. Father of the Groom—and the Gemach

A father of a large family deposited a significant amount in the gemach and transferred more from bank savings. Soon afterward, his son got engaged—a match they had been praying for. At the wedding, the father pulled Rabbi Kuperman aside and said, “I prayed that we’d see our son marry and still be able to keep the deposit in the gemach. Hashem answered both prayers.”

3. “We Beat You!” – A Match in Six Weeks

Parents of a daughter deposited her dowry into the gemach. Rabbi Kuperman gently explained that large short-term deposits don’t help the gemach much, but accepted it because of their good intentions. Six weeks later, their daughter got engaged—and they happily told Rabbi Kuperman, “We triumphed!” They were also able to keep the deposit in place.

4. The Dusty Money in the Attic

One man hesitated at first but eventually deposited a modest sum. He later returned with a large amount stored in his attic—so dusty, they had to wash their hands after counting it. He’d kept it hidden for years, fearing theft. Once he saw how easily he could withdraw from the gemach, he brought more and more.

“It’s not just that my business is blessed,” he said. “I’ve had peace of mind. Before, I was always afraid. Now I know my money is doing good every minute—and I sleep better at night.”

5. “Do Me a Kindness—Take It Back”

One man had a substantial deposit in the gemach for five years. Then he withdrew it for a promising real estate opportunity. But within weeks, his usual winter illnesses—back pain, chest tightness, flu—returned. For five winters, he had been completely healthy.

“I now realize,” he said, “the deposit brought me more than merit—it brought healing. Please take the money back.”

A person can spend a lifetime chasing wealth, yet forget about the World to Come. But one who gives with wisdom—who balances their needs with kindness—merits both blessing in this world and treasures in the next.