R'Eliemelech Biderman- related a fascinating story about the head of a chesed organization that went to meet the great "Steipler Gaon" one of the greatest rabbis of last generation. The Steipler, asked the head of the organization what his name is. The man responded by saying "Chaim", the Rabbi shook his head as if to say no, and asked again, what is your name? The man once again responded "Chaim", the Rabbi looked at him and said "it says on your forehead, Shlomo". The exchange went on a few more times until the man finally said, that he only dealt with one person named Shlomo in his life. Chaim began to relate  the following story:

 Many years ago I flew to America to collect money for my organization. I went to one community and met with the President of the community. The president didn't particularly like me  and he said that I might as well leave the community because no body will donate to my cause. Nevertheless I was persistent and met with numerous people over the next week or so but each time the president some how got involved behind the scenes and made sure nobody donated to my organization. I was left with no choice but to leave and try to raise money in a different community. I traveled to another city and met with an exceptional man who hosted me in his house with great warmth. He was a big supporter of Torah and Chesed and wanted to help my organization. Before I left he took out his check book and wrote me a check for $500 (in those days a considerable sum). I was elated and we spoke about naming our organization after him, but he was adamant that he receive no honor for his support. Unfortunately, this man was a brother-in-law of the president from the other community. When he found out that I met with his brother-in-law and he gave me a sizeable donation, he immediately called his generous brother-in-law and told him to cancel the check and not give me a cent. This is in fact what he did, the $500 check was cancelled and my entire fundraising trip bore no fruit. The day the check was cancelled the president died of a sudden heart attack, his name, was Shlomo.

Chaim concluded by telling the Steipler, that he is the only Shlomo that he ever had dealings with. The Steipler smiled and said that when Shlomo cancelled the check he lost his life and the years he was supposed to live went to you. You should have already died but you were given the years of Shlomo. Chaim was astounded, he never realized how such a horrible incident was in fact what had given him life all of these years.

As we read in the US this week about the rebellion of Korach and his followers against Moshe and Aharon. We all experience at one point or time someone who it seems it out to get us. The important thing to remember is that this person cannot do anything that Hashem doesn't allow, we should watch and protect ourselves but remember that in the end the suffering they cause us may very well be the source of our salvation.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath