ויקרא ה’ אלקים אל האדם ויאמר לו איכה (בראשית ג:ט)

Hashem called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

When the holy Baal HaTania, Reb Shneur Zalman of Liado zt’’l, was jailed in Petersburg, Russia, the Defense Minister came by to check on the prisoners.  He found the Baal haTania sitting deeply engrossed and realized that this was a G-dly person.

“I want to ask you a question,” the minister approached the Baal HaTania.  What’s the explanation for the pasuk ויקרא ה’ אלקים אל האדם ויאמר לו איכה – didn’t Hashem know where Adam is?  The Baal HaTania responded with a question, “Do you believe that the Torah is eternal? It stands by all times, all generations, and for all people?”

The minister replied that he believes in the Torah.

The Baal HaTania explained that the pasuk’s simple explanation means: “Hashem calls out to each person at all times, “איכה?” – where are you in this world? Meditate and think how many years have passed and how much you have accomplished.  The Baal HaTanya used an example of ‘x’ amount of years, which was the minister’s current age.  What did you accomplish in this world? Did you ever do someone a favor?”

The minister was awestruck by the answer, calling out, “Bravo!” and continued shmoozing with the Baal HaTanya.

Following the visit, the minister headed to the Kaiser and relayed that the Baal HaTanya is righteous and that the accusations against him were false, and ordered his release.

Filed under Parshas Bereishis |