ונתנו איש כופר נפשו (כי תשא ל:יב)

From this pasuk is sourced the Chassidic custom, which was started by the talmidim (disciples) of the holy Ba’al Shem Tov zt”l to accept a פדיון נפש (lit. redemption of the soul) in the form of a donation, which was handed to the Rebbe along with a Chassid’skvittel (lit. note – containing a personal request for a Bracha). Tzaddikim used this money for holy causes and in return, bestowed their blessing.  The amount given depended on each person’s means or needs.  For example, for someone requesting a child, the equivalent of  “בן” (a son) was given: $52, or $18 = חי for life.

R’ Dovid Blum a”h was a wealthy chassid known to give tzedakah in abundance.  When he used to come to Belz, he gave large donations to support the Belz court. Even when traveling to Belz in his wagon, he used to throw coins from the window to the children, who lined the street begging for money – even non-Jewish children.  Every poor person who approached R’ Dovid was graciously helped.

When R’ Dovid prepared for his next visit to Maran Reb Aharon of Belz zt”l, he set aside a nice sum to give as “Pidyon Nefesh” with his kvittel. However, from when he left the place he was staying until he reached Maran’s home, lots of Yidden followed him and requested money.  He ended up distributing all he had on him and wasn’t left with any money to accompany his kvittel.

Having no choice, R’ Duvid handed his kvittel to Maran Reb Aharon and apologized for not having any money for ‘Pidyon Nefesh’ – explaining: “איך האב א טבע אז א איד בעהט, קען איך איהם נישט אפזאגען” – “By nature, when a Yid asks, I can’t refuse him!”.  When Maran heard this, he was visibly in awe of the generosity of this Chossid and said: “Really! Please repeat what you just said!”

When R’ Duvid repeated himself, Maran insisted that he repeat the statement three times.