בקנאו את קנאתי בתוכם… (פינחס כה:יא)

There was a devout chassid of the Shomrei Emunim Rebbe, Reb Aharon Roth zt”l, who zealously dedicated himself to preparations for Shabbos, for example,  reminding store owners to close their shops in time for Shabbos.

When the chassid passed away, the Rebbe of Shomrei Emunim had a dream following the chassid’s shiva.  He saw an intense light emanating from the chassid’s face. The Shomrei Emunim Rebbe asked him: “How did you merit such a glow so fast? Is it because of your zealousness for the sake of Shabbos in which you immersed yourself during your lifetime?”

The chassid replied: “In heaven, they do not make such a big deal about one’s zealousness unless it was done completely for the sake of Hashem.  I was worthy to come  so fast to my eternal resting place because whatever happened in my lifetime, I accepted lovingly, despite my hardships, poverty, and bad luck.”