The Jewish people prepared for their journeys and ultimate conquest of the Land of Israel. It was a scary proposition, but they knew that if they followed Hashem's (G-d's) directives with faith and purity, then Hashem would give them Divine protection success in their endeavors. The following true story bears out this very principle: There were two partners in the Jewish community in Aleppo, Syria, a century ago. It seems that one of them had started a business of dealing in antiques and other discarded items. After a few years in business, it became abundantly clear to him that he would never be able to make a go of the business on his own. The business required capital investment and cash, and he did not have the money to make a success of it.

He thereupon decided to take in a partner to help him in the business. He took on a trusted and dear friend and they worked diligently together to help the business expand so that they would be able to feed their families from the profits of the endeavor.

But, alas, the new partner also did not have money or capital means and the business soon tottered on the brink of bankruptcy. So the two partners decided that their only salvation was to bring into the business a third partner, one who had money to invest in the business and provide it with sufficient capitalization to allow it to grow and prosper. One of the partners was delegated to search for such a new partner, while the other remained to continue running the business.

Before embarking on the search for the partner who would save the business, the man repaired to the synagogue to ask for Divine aid in finding this new partner. In the midst of his prayers, he was struck by a startling thought. He said to the Lord: "Why should I search for another partner, when you, O G-d, are the perfect partner for us? You will be our third partner, and Your share of the profits will be distributed for the support of the worthy Torah scholars and institutions of Aleppo." Delighted with his deal, he rushed back to his partner to tell him the great news.

"By your facial expression I see that you found us a new partner," his partner said. "But tell me, is this partner reliable?" "He is most reliable and has never failed anyone as of yet," was the excited answer. "Does he have money for our business?" asked the suspicious partner. "Money! He has unlimited funds and can finance any endeavor," came the response. "Who is he?" asked the partner. "I cannot describe the new partner to you, nor can I give you his name. His only request is that the one-third share of the profits that is rightfully due him be distributed to the Torah scholars and institutions of Aleppo," was his answer.

The partner mulled the matter over and then agreed to the new partner, unknown though he was. Miraculously, the business took a great good turn of fortune and the two partners became wealthy and kept their end of the bargain, always supporting the scholars and institutions of Torah in Aleppo. [We thank Rabbi Rashi Simon for submitting the above story told by Rabbi Berel Wein in the name of Rabbi Hayyim Sabato.]

Dedicated by Al Salganick in memory of his brother Yosef ben Simcha.

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