לתת מטר בארצך בעתו (כי תבוא כו: יח)

One of the blessings listed in this week’s Parsha is that Hashem shall send rain on the land of Israel in its time.

During one of the winters following Israel’s establishment, there was a severe drought. Forecasters predicted that if no rain falls, all crops will get destroyed. A local farmer traveled to Tel Aviv and gave a kvittal to Reb Aharon of Belz zt” l, saying that if no rain fell within the next few days, people would die of hunger. He added to his request that perhaps, the tzaddik of this generation proclaims that all Jews in Eretz Yisroel should accept a fast day for the terrible decree to go away.

Reb Aharon zt” l said, “we can’t tell people to fast; we’re a weak generation.” But the farmer continued to implore, “please, Rebbe, just one fast day.” And the Rebbe replied: “We can’t appoint a fast day.” The debate continued until Reb Aharon acquiesced and said: “Who says we need to appoint a fast day, Hashem can help without us fasting!”

The frustrated farmer left the Rebbe, and a mere twelve hours afterward, it started raining, and Hashem saved the land from danger.