כי תאמר בלבבך רבים הגוים האלה…לא תירא מהם זכר תזכור…לא תערץ מפניהם…נתן תתן לו ולא ירע לבבך בתתך לו. כי בגלל הדבר הזה יברכך ה’ אלקיך…(ראה טו:י)

A Yid lamented to Reb Shaya’la Kerestirer zt’’l that he is struggling with parnassah – earning a livelihood.  Reb Shayala blessed him and suggested that the Yid should start conducting business in a specific trade. The Yid obeyed and, within a short time, achieved great success, becoming very wealthy.

A while later, the Yid came to Kerestir and joyfully shared his profound success with Reb Shayala. However, he complained that since he became wealthy, he suddenly made new ‘friends’ and ‘acquaintances.’  Everyone suddenly became a close relative and asked for donations or loans – “My wealth is costing me a lot of money!”

Reb Shayala was very upset.  Only a year ago, this Yid cried over his poor fate, and now he bemoans the fact that people are requesting money from him.  Reb Shayala turned to the Yid and asked: “Who are the honorable people in your city?”  He requested his gabbai to list the names on pen and paper, and told the Yid: “Nu, if you don’t want to give (tzedaka to others), we will search for someone willing to give.”

Hearing these words from the tzaddik, the wealthy Yid regretted his words and begged Reb Shayala not to take away his wealth.  Reb Shayala responded sharply: “For what cause does a Yid need to have money, if not to share with other Yidden?”

The Yid said he sincerely regrets his actions.  Reb Shayala said he would draw a ‘goirel’ – a lottery – and write down all the names of the people he had listed, as well as the wealthy person’s name.  If his regret is sincere and he takes upon himself to give tzedakah with a whole heart, he will be worthy of winning the lottery.

The lottery was drawn, and the wealthy Yid merited, and his name was pulled out!