Reb Yosef and his wife had never merited to see a child of their own. A devoted follower of the Maggid (preacher) of Kozhnitz, Reb Yosef would pack his belongings and travel to his Rebbe every month. But he never received a blessing for a child from the Rebbe. In fact, Reb Yosef never got a direct answer, positive or negative.

But Reb Yosef’s wife wouldn’t relent. She pleaded with him to pressure his Rebbe to do something about their situation. “Don’t leave him until he responds to your plea for a child!” she cried exasperatedly.

Faithful to his promise to his wife, Reb Yosef stood before his Rebbe and stated with all the courage he could muster: “My dear Rebbe, I will not move from here until I merit a blessing!”

The Maggid didn’t say anything, his features furrowed into a serious expression. He appeared to be deliberating a response.

“If you agree to surrender your entire wealth,” the Maggid finally said, “I’m prepared to bless you with a child.”

Reb Yosef stared at the Maggid, speechless. He could not make such a decision on his own. He returned home to consult with his wife. Preferring to live a life of poverty rather than dying childless, she agreed to the condition and sent Reb Yosef back to the Maggid.

“If so,” the Maggid said after hearing Reb Yosef’s decision, “travel to the Seer of Lublin and do whatever he tells you to.”

Immediately, Reb Yosef set out to Lublin. There, he met with the Seer and explained the purpose of his travel and who sent him...read more