Joy reigned supreme throughout the house. The Pasha hugged and kissed the aged rav while his wife kissed Reb Hershele’s wife.
“Name your reward and I shall grant it,” exclaimed the Pasha. “Nothing is too good for you.”
But the humble woman desired nothing. However, when the Pasha became insistent, she asked for a pass to visit the Me’aras Hamachpelah, the cave of the Patriarchs. Until that time no Jew was permitted to visit the cave which was zealously guarded by the Arabs day and night.
“It is a difficult task, for no Jew is ever allowed to set foot in the cave,” he replied. “But I will be able to arrange it.”
Enters The Cave
A few weeks later the cherished pass arrived and it was given to the rebbetzin. The doctors who had attended the Pasha’s daughter were very jealous of the rebbetzin and they decided to seek revenge. They bribed the guards to lock her in when she visited the cave. As very few people visited the cave, she would then starve. They would also receive a great reward in heaven for having prevented an infidel from entering this holy place.
Some time later the rebbetzin visited the cave, presenting the pass to the guards who opened the door and permitted her to enter. They then closed the door after her. She remained for many hours in the cave saying Tehillim and praying for the welfare of her people.
When she tried to leave she suddenly discovered that she was locked in. She pounded on the door and screamed, but to no avail. Exhausted, she sat down and soon fell asleep. She was suddenly awakened by a hand touching her. The cave was illuminated with a brilliant holy light and there standing in front of her was an old man.
“My daughter,” he said to her in a quiet voice, “fear not. No harm will come to you. In the merit of the Tehillim you say every day I have now come to help you. Tell your people that when trouble comes they should daven and we will intercede on their behalf before the Heavenly Tribunal.”
Taking her by the hand, he led her through a deep labyrinth hidden away in a corner was a small door which he opened and led her outside. Eventually, she found her way home.
